When I was 10, my dentists made an interesting discovery during a routine xray exam. I had no upper adult incisors. Now keep in mind that 10 years ago, there were not as many advances in dental work, and doctors were quite baffled. My family went to several dentists to see what they would do to fix me, eventually landing on a dentist who at least had an idea of what to do. Through the next 9 years, he pulled my teeth, gave me braces, corrected my bite, lasered my gums, and gave me a retainer which in all makes a pretty mouth for me, and at some point, passed the torch to my current dentist. Finally, a little over a year and a half ago, I began the year long process of having implants put in. And I was so excited. To finally have a normal mouth, normal teeth, a normal life. It was going to be great.
But it's been 7 surgeries and it's still not done. And it will be a long time before it is done. Why? Because things keep going wrong. The bone is deteriorating (why does everything in me keep doing that?), the implant is at a weird angle, it's not strong enough, there isn't enough to work with...it's amazing what can go wrong. I don't blame my dentist because he has been really nice and has been great about fixing everything. He actually started working with specialists on my case, which is kinda cool. I get discussed among the community! People are following my case! Ha! The medical marvel makes it just a little bit better, kinda balances out the whole misery of it all.
Well, when I got diagnosed with Crohn's, I went ahead and told my dentist so he would be aware. And, being the prepared person that he is, he went ahead and researched it and what happens to me. When I came in today for another surgery, he let me know something I really hadn't known before. That one of the effects of Crohn's is bleeding or swelling gums. Something that may have played a role in my recovery of each and every surgery. Something that could have made recovery more difficult and harder on me. Something that could have played a part in each and every time I have had to start over.
What if it never works? And it's because of Crohn's? What if I never have a real set of teeth? What if I go through life feeling incomplete like this? I have waited my whole life for this, and now once again, something has been compromised by this new thing. It's not fair. I mean, I get the whole life isn't fair but CMON PEOPLE. CUT ME A FREAKING BREAK.
One day, I keep telling myself, one day this will all be better, I will be better. I will live my life and never think about this. I will take my teeth for granted and I will forget what it's like to be without them. I will not blame Crohn's for everything and I will take what God has given me and use it.
One day.
M
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erica michelle:
ReplyDeletei know things are definitely tough and that the whole teeth think really gets to you but i think that you are beautiful with or with out your teeth. for the longest time i didnt even know and nor do others about the false teeth. Heck my mom has them (dont ever tell her i told you) but i found out she had them when i was like 16 yrs old and she has had them since she was 20 something....she is 50 now :)
i know all the surgeries suck BALLS :( but you are a master of them and helped me out/gave me advice when i had to have my surgeries. which is much appreciated because it did help me from suffering so much.
you should call that person or find them on facebook because she does have one now :)
Restorative dentistry involves a team of specialists in the study, diagnosis and the management of problems not just relating to the teeth, but the oral cavity as well and its supporting structures.This is also called ‘oral rehabilitation’ as there is a greater requirement for the integration of all branches of dentistry because of the increasing complexity of dental or rather oral health problems. This branch is used to correct serious issues like hypodontia, cleft lips and palate, etc. which require multi-disciplinary care. It is also used for patients recovering from traumatic injuries to the mouth, face and teeth. Even those who have been suffering from sustained damage to the gums and teeth through infection can be treated through this. Read more about it here http://dentzz.ca/2016/01/dentzz-dental-restorative-dentistry-whats-involved/
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