Starting Point

I've wanted my teeth sorted for ages. I stupidly turned down braces at 14 and now they're a bit of a mess. I was late losing my milk teeth and then my dentist went private. But enough is enough and having just found a new dentist, I went today for the first time. Luckily, the news wasn't too bad. To start with, I really can't praise the dentist enough. I'd already registered so it didn't take long when I arrived. There were just some short forms to fill in and I was in the chair.

I was prepared to apologise profusely but there was no need. The dentist listened while I explained how I came to be without a dentist and the problems I'm having. I mentioned how the alignment of some teeth is making them difficult to clean and the staining on my front teeth, which no amount of brushing seems to be able to remove. I also mentioned my wisdom teeth. They haven't come through yet but I get jaw pain that suggests they're not far away. I wasn't sure all of my milk teeth had come out properly either.

 After we talked, he examined my teeth in detail, making observations that meant nothing to me, which were entered on the computer by an assistant. I opened my mouth or clenched my teeth as instructed and then he did some poking around in my gums with some pointy instrument. One point he touched was a bit sensitive and it stung but it was otherwise ok. Then I got X-rays. I was very impressed that he had an x-ray machine in the office. I was given a plastic instrument to bite on to keep my teeth apart and photos were taken from each side. I almost gagged and there was some pressure underneath my tongue but it was fine. I wish I had seen the pictures!

                                                    

After the X-rays, I got the verdict and all things considered, I'm pretty pleased. There's just one filling needed and when I have that, I'll be having a thorough clean, scale and polish too. I was expecting much worse. He said my teeth are actually very clean and in good condition. All of my milk teeth have fallen out and there's no sign of my wisdom teeth yet but there doesn't look to be any problems. I asked about extractions and sorting out the alignment issues and he said I could be referred to an orthodontist after the filling. I said that would be great and will ask more next time.

I go back for the filling and clean on December 13th and it's an afternoon slot, so hopefully I won't have as many problems with my gag reflex. The injection doesn't worry me much but I don't want to make things difficult by gagging. I can't wait to see the back of these stains! I'm very happy with the dentist. He was easy to talk to and sympathetic.I don't know how long it will take on the NHS, but I hope to get braces eventually and chart my progress here. Until then, I'll only be posting occasionally.