Debbie Cousins's Journal, 17 Nov 23

New dentist took a high-tech x-ray and said the tooth is cracked down into the root and that no dentist could get in there far enough to be able to fix it. Also, I did NOT need a root canal, and I can NOT get a crown because there isn’t enough tooth structure left to put a crown ON. He also showed my on the X-ray where there is a pocket of INFECTION which needed to be addressed immediately, and I started taking a Z-Pack that same day (Tuesday). He said the tooth is broken and needs to be removed by an oral surgeon. First place I called wouldn’t have been able to get me a consult until 12/20, and said it would be 2-3 weeks after that for an actual extraction. Second place said they could remove it in 2 days, after they get the referral and X-ray from the new dentist. I REALLY did nor want to lose that tooth, since it is my only chewing tooth left on that bottom left side; but, after a week and a half of its jagged edges tearing up the underside of my tongue, I was ready to let it go. Surgery went well. Very cute and young doctor, who had a great personality and was very reassuring during the extraction. After surgery yesterday, I sipped down two whole bottles of water while still biting down on the glaze waiting for the bleeding to stop. After 3 hours, it was still bleeding, so I followed the post-operative suggestion of wetting a tea bag and biting down on it for 30 minutes. That stopped the bleeding, and (at 7:40pm), I was able to eat one of the sugar-free chocolate puddings I made myself yesterday morning. Slept from 8 until 12:30 before I had to get up to pee. Just ate a Jell-O concoction I made yesterday morning with 2 cups boiling water, 2 sm packs of Sugar Free cherry Jell-O, the juice (only) from a small can of crushed pineapple, and 2 cups buttermilk. Don’t get me wrong, I would NEVER DRINK buttermilk, but it I’d good in this (and in chocolate cake, and homemade ranch dressing). I’m all stocked up with SF pudding, SF Jell-O, and mashed potatoes for the next couple of days. I will REALLY miss my King’s Hawaiian bread for a couple of days, and I can’t have my Dave’s Killer Good Seed bread for SIX WEEKS (or any nuts!). I’m really bummed about Thanksgiving! My husband had requested a couple of weeks ago that I make a Sweet Potato Casserole and a Blueberry Salad, both of which have pecans in them! He said he could wait until after Christmas when I can have nuts again, PTL. hope I’ll be able to chew Turkey and Stuffing by Thanksgiving! Ok, I think that catches y’all up. Thank you to Rhontique for messaging me to see if I was ok since I haven’t posted for several days. 

Ouch! Glad you found another dentist and that you got relief! 

so glad you got it done hopefully you are feeling better and the infection can be gone soon and then maybe you can get back to eating what you want..  

I’m so sorry you have been going through so much. I am praying for you. 💕🙏🏼 

Bless your heart. This past summer, I had a wisdom tooth extraction so I can emphasize. So glad you found a good quality dentist and oral surgeon!! Prayers for quick healing. ♥️ No drinking from straws - don’t want dry socket. 

Teeth can be such an issue and painful. I have liked my dentist alot..but he is very expensive and I had to give up my dental insurance because the premium kept going up. Praying for you 🙏💜🙏 

Glad you have good dentist now.  

What about what the first dentist’s diagnosis and treatment plan didn’t you like? He was completely right 

It sounds like a horrible ordeal and I'm glad you're not in pain anymore. Sending prayers 🙏🙏 to heal and feel better by Thanksgiving 🧡 

Oh my goodness. So sorry you've had to go through this, but I am glad you found a dentist you like. Oral surgery is no fun.  

Mine is a top dentist in Colorado, according to multiple magazines. The downside: she's only open M-Th and is booked for months. FYI, I've had bad dentists. One even tried telling me I had two cavities. She clearly was scamming and causing more money since that was in 2006 and I've still never had a cavity in my life according to 3 other dentists.  

Thank God God sent a Dr your way and you feel better 🙏 tooth pain is the worst 

Bummer about the teeth issues. I will prayer this all works out for you. At a resumable cost (this part maybe asking for too much). Best wishes.