Dental care discussions and local services.
margaret_nomad
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: Pain only when biting after a root canal: high filling or something else?
Since the pain is limited to biting and there’s a temporary restoration, could the dentist also check that it’s fully sealed and hasn’t loosened or lost material? Movement or leakage might cause tenderness even if the bi...
RE: Snacking without guilt: why is it so hard to find treats that don't wreck your teeth?
I totally get the frustration. I tried to switch from chips to dried apricots at work, thinking I was being smart, and ended up with a weird ache in my molars. Even almonds feel risky sometimes. Cheese is boring but at l...
RE: What signs help you identify poor aligner tracking early?
I totally get what you mean about the looseness. For me, I always check if the aligner feels snug on my molars - if it starts to “bounce” a bit when I bite down, that’s my warning sign. Had one tray that just wouldn’t fi...
RE: What I wish I knew before getting cosmetic bonding on my teeth
I totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve had bonding on my front teeth for about two years now, and I’m always second-guessing if they’re picking up stains or if it’s just in my head. Some days under certain lighting...
RE: Why Does Post-Extraction Care Feel Like a Mystery?
I hear you. I had a molar pulled last year and got mixed messages too. My dentist said no rinsing for the first 24 hours, then gentle salt water after that - but the pamphlet was super vague. The no-straw thing seemed si...
RE: Keeping pain at bay after wisdom tooth extraction: worth the fuss?
I get the blood clot paranoia - my oral surgeon made it sound like if I sneezed too hard I’d ruin everything. I actually slept half-sitting up for three nights, but honestly, my neck hated me for it. Two pillows was my s...
RE: Crowns after root canal: always, sometimes, or nah?
I get the hesitation. When I had my own root canal, I actually waited a bit before deciding on the crown. My dentist said it depended on how much tooth was left, but honestly, I didn’t want to risk another break either. ...
RE: How I pack and care for my retainer when traveling - step by step
That’s so real. I actually keep a spare case in my carry-on just in case something gross happens - or if I just drop it somewhere sketchy. Might be a little overkill, but honestly, peace of mind is worth it.
RE: Switching to floss picks totally changed my nightly routine
That’s actually really smart. We tried picks with my daughter, too, but she just ended up snapping them or poking her gums. String floss was a pain at first, but once we made it a silly game (she “flosses” her stuffed an...
RE: Weird tricks that actually helped my tooth after a root canal
Clove oil is no joke - I tried it once and wow, that sting lingers. I’m with you on the saltwater rinse; it’s gentle and actually helped with swelling for me. Numbing gel just made everything feel weird, honestly. Funny ...
RE: Finding the right dentist for dental implants: my step-by-step approach
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually found itemized bills helpful - sometimes those extra fees are legit, like if you need a special scan or extra materials. I do agree, though, that some places take it way ...
RE: KIDS' TOOTHBRUSHES: ELECTRIC VS MANUAL - WHAT'S WORKING FOR YOUR FAMILY?
My youngest is all about the “fun” brushes too - if it doesn’t have a dinosaur or glitter, it’s basically invisible. The electric ones were a total fail for us. Too noisy, too much vibration, and he said it felt “weird i...
RE: Tooth knocked out at the playground - what now?
I totally get being nervous about putting the tooth back in yourself - I'd be terrified I'd push too hard or mess it up. When my cousin lost his tooth in a bike accident, his mom just put it in milk (they were at home, l...
RE: Gums can shrink back too - did you know stress might play a role?
Yeah, totally agree - once gums recede, I haven’t seen anything actually regrow them either. I’ve had a few dentists tell me the same thing: best you can do is stop it from getting worse. Night guard made a difference fo...
RE: Little tweaks for a straighter smile: what actually works?
Yeah, I totally get that. I kept losing my chewies too - those things just disappear somehow. Using your fingers isn’t the worst, but I found a silicone pencil grip did the trick in a pinch. The tiny cracks at the back w...