My ten-o-clock appointment at this new dentist began quite normal; completing personal data forms, signing disclosure agreements, submitting to blood pressure tests and intraoral x-rays (the x-ray film is inside the mouth). The dental assistant then walked me over to the ‘work room’ where the dentist started on his work with anesthetic of course. Light, camera, action. Having replaced a silver filling on number 12 which I had forever it seems, the dentist proceeded to remove the crown on number 13 which needed replacing. I wondered myself about those numbers and was told that the numbering starts with number 1, which is upper right third molar and continues along the upper teeth toward the front and across to the last molar tooth back on the top left side (number 16) then descending to the lower left third molar (number 17) and follows the lower jaw up to the tooth farthest back on the bottom right side of the mouth (number 32). All teeth that should be there are numbered, including those teeth that have been removed for any reason or have not erupted yet (e.g. wisdom teeth).He took pictures at every stage using a camera which closely resembled a thermometer. Then came the news I did not want to hear. The seal of the crown was broken, and the root canal was probably compromised. He suggested that I retreat, (redo) the root canal before placing a crown on it. While he cleaned and disinfected number 13 and prepared a temporary crown, the office manager made an appointment at an endodontist nearby.
I left the first office at around 12:30 and then went home to rest and eat until my 3:30 appointment. I drove for just about 10 minutes and arrived in time to check in again; complete information forms and disclosures. In addition to the intraoral x-ray I also did a 3D scan with my bullet proof vest on, sorry x-ray lead apron. After this my endodontist made a quiet but professional and calm appearance. He explained, with the use of the x-rays what he saw and informed me that the plan was to remove the old root canal filling, clean the canal and then fill it with new filling. I was again anesthetized, but this time the inner gum as well, which hurt tremendously. He was composed as he looked through a microscope using his hands robotically while making requests of his dental assistant. My anxiety which is customary for me at any dental visit quickly turned to joy. I was so comfortable I felt I was at the beach, sunglasses on, reclining on my beach chair. I relaxed to the point of using my phone to take photos of the happenings.
Following this retreatment, I then drove back to the original dentist, got in my chair again and waited for the finish line. Another round of anesthetic was followed by building a post upon which the new crown was to be placed. This is where it got even more interesting. The dentist then used the camera along the surfaces of my upper and lower teeth. This information was then uploaded to a computer programme which showed what my normal bite was. The red areas represented where I placed more pressure when I bite. He used this to build a 3D picture of the crown and once he was satisfied, the printer milled it. It is like a 3D printer but instead of building from the ground up, it starts with a square shaped substance and then removes the pieces until the finished product is formed. This technology is called CEREC and takes about two hours to prepare the tooth area, design and mill the crown, as well as take x-rays. There are no gooey impressions as with traditional crowns and does not require multiple visits. With a new number 12 and number 13, I proceeded to the pharmacy nearby to collect my antibiotics, and pain and inflammation reducer for which the prescription was sent beforehand. I literally opened and closed the dental office that day.
I woke up the following day looking like a chipmunk. I am now fully recovered and totally amazed at the advances in technology I experienced. My dislike for dental procedures was instrumental in the ultimate decision to do filling, root canal and crown all in one day, which I hope to not repeat. I am no doubt queen of dental patients, wearing my crown every day.
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