Dental Rant

Well, it's finally over. I found the reason for my pain and "un-wellness" (is that a word??) It was a cracked tooth! I had a root canal on Friday and have been pain free ever since. Let's back up to a series of sinus infections I've had all winter. I've been back and forth to the community medical clinic c/o headaches, earaches, maxillary sinus pain (only on the left) and feeling sick in general. I've been told It's a stubborn sinus infection and given 6 different antibiotics, a trial of claritin, flonase, various home remedies, and most recently, a referral to an ear nose and throat doctor. I was really at the end of my rope so I saw a naturopath and told her my symptoms. I took a lot of vitamins, herbs, a mushroom concoction, acidophilus, oh, and garlic oil for my left ear pain. She had me eliminate all sugar and processed foods and eat fish, nuts, fruits, veggies, etc. I lasted about 2 weeks before I drove myself to "Burritos Fiesta", my favorite Mexican take out, and ordered the number 3. I still felt like crap.
About a week and a half ago, I had my routine dental cleaning scheduled and in the back of my head I thought I'd ask for an xray of the area hurting me off and on. I explained the pain I was having next to my nose and that my upper teeth have been sore and sensitive to cold for a few months. I was told (for the hundredth time) that sinus problems can often make you think you have a tooth problem but that is because the roots of the upper teeth are so close to the maxillary sinus...blah blah blah. I said, please, just ease my mind and take an xray. Now, the dentist graces me with his presence (can you tell I don't like him?) He wants to do some "tests" on me. He's a nice enough guy, but sorry, I don't like him. I've been going there for maybe 6 years (mostly just cleanings every 4-6 months) and he always acts surprised that I don't want him to examine me. Maybe it would help if he actually perused my chart and remembered I have a history of dental phobia. Getting back to the subject, he did the "cold" test and then he banged on my tooth with a metal instrument. Oh my, that was worse than childbirth! I know, I'm dentally dramatic but he may as well have hit me in the face with a shovel. His reaction? "I guess you didn't like that" What an ass. Sorry, it's a family blog, but it's true. He went on to explain that my tooth was probably already dead and he could probably do a root canal without anesthetic! Really? That was a kind thing to say to a highly sensitive, nervous patient in intense pain. Just when I thought it couldn't get worse he tells me I'm in so much pain because of the "gangrenous gas" built up in my pulp chamber. Yeah, throw out the term "gangrene" that'll calm me down for sure. He sent me home with antibiotics and said to come back in 5 days. Two days later after such pain and pressure, I had people telling me to ask for something for the pain. He reluctantly called me in a few pain pills. (Ahhh, they didn't take the pain away but they sure made it less intense) Fast forward to Monday and he refers me for an endodontist for a consult. This guy listened to me and explained what was going on (without the drama and ego) he found a big lingual crack in #11 (canine) and said I needed a root canal. I was so happy to find out there was a reason for my pain! 2 days later he did the root canal and I did great (after a Valium, of course) Now, it's a tiny bit sore still, but it's over!
The moral of this long boring story, life is too short to not get your needs met. I know, I've been told that dentists only need to be competent, not kind. I now officially disagree. I'm still going to search for a practice that I can fit into, get competent care, and be treated with respect and kindness even though I'm a handful sometimes. I deserve to have my needs met, too; even if they are different than someone elses.