I went to the dentist and the verdict is in. I do not have any abscesses, BUT it is too soon to do anything with my teeth. So, we are going to do nothing at this time. (I had a part in this decision.) I will be going on vacation with four (or more) broken teeth.
Actually, I'm relieved. Now I know what's what in my mouth. I don't have to hurry up and have anything done. We are going to let my teeth and jaw continue to heal until mid-December, then the dentist will know if I need a root canal or if crowns will work best. He said he could put in crowns now, but if I develop a situation where a root canal will be needed we would have to take out the new crowns. That sounded like an option that's not like me. It's wait and see time.
The dentist did say that sometimes root canals are needed and sometimes they're not, but it takes a while to know for sure. He pressed hard inside my upper jaw and pressed hard on the top of my front gums. There was no sharp pain. He said that's a good sign. So I'm hopeful.
He told me it would be a good idea to take pain pills to Australia just in case. We have some strong ibuprofen we can pack. If my jaw gets re-injured for any reason in Australia, I will need to see an Australian dentist. I told him that's good because they speak English and they have good dental and medical care there.
What this means for our vacation is: I can only eat soft foods and even those I have to cut up in small bites and put in the back of my mouth to chew. I cannot even bite into a banana or a sandwich with my front teeth. So sandwiches will also have to be cut up into small pieces.
Looks like new front teeth are on my Christmas wish list!
While I was out today I decided to get rid of my cabin fever. I shopped at Costco for four items, went to visit Bob and meet people he works with, and stopped at Hobby Lobby to buy 11 more peacock feathers for kitty toys while we're on our trip. I'll have the petsitter give them new feathers a couple of times per week.
That about did me in for the day.
Travel Bug out.
I guess that is a mixture of good and bad news...from your perspective. I agree that it is a good idea to let the healing continue and see where your at. Once I have a crown in, I wouldn't want to have to remove it. It's just a shame you have had to deal with this.
ReplyDeleteMy mantra: "It is what it is, and this too shall pass."
DeleteHere's hoping you will have no problems while on vacation. Will you take copies of your x-rays and other records along just in case?
ReplyDeleteHadn't planned on that...we're packing very light.
DeletePlus there's always email if they're really needed.
DeleteI'm sorry you will not have your new teeth, but it does sound like the best decision. How long will you be in Australia?
ReplyDeleteWe will be in Australia one month; our total vacation is seven weeks. (Six days on Oahu and one week and two days in Portland, OR.)
DeleteAre they giving you some antibiotics to take with you just in case. Who wants to be in pain while searching for a emergency dentist to help you. My fingers are crossed. You deserve to have a wonderful time!
ReplyDeleteWell that is wonderful news about no abscesses.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter and I were in Australia about 7 years ago. Loved the country. The people are so nice. I will say though, they are on their own time. They do not hurry. If the bank says it will open at 9, maybe it will be open by 9:15. Don't plan on hurrying through anything. They are a very lay-back type of people.
Your a brave one. I hope the best for your vacation.
ReplyDeleteThat pic of you in the Tetons looks photoshopped. Nice
Bob took an awesome photo!! That's really what it looks like.
DeleteWell, I was hoping they would get you all fixed up but I wondered if they could work on your jaw that soon. Looks like you have things worked out to enjoy your trip anyway. I bet you don't let it ruin your trip even though gourmet dining probably isn't on the list. You probably wouldn't have liked iguana or kangaroo anyway. lol
ReplyDeleteNot having any pain is a good thing. Hopefully you have a great vacation and won't have any pain to ruin it.
ReplyDeleteSometimes they can drill through the crown to do the root canal, but it is risky as the crown could crack ... you made the right decision. I'd be doing the same even if it meant eating just soft foods on a trip to Australia, which I am looking forward to reading about.
ReplyDeleteI sure understand about the teeth having broken my two front teeth down to little stubs when I was little..It's good that you are being patient about any possible complications...I never had to have root canals with mine and that was 55 years ago! Looking forward to hearing about Australia.
ReplyDeleteI cringe every time I hear or read about drills and root canals. Hopefully, waiting will result in less dental work having to be done.
ReplyDeleteEvery time I read one of your posts I am amazed all over again just what you have gone through recently. I hope you can enjoy your trip to Australia without any pain.
ReplyDelete