Not something else!

[debster913]

Hi, all--
I can happily say that I am now seven and a half weeks post-op...but now something else has arisen. Some of you know that I recently saw my dentist for sore teeth, which turned out to be sensitive from grinding in my sleep. (I'd never had any "tooth problems" until now, which seems to be a terrible irony as now is NOT a good time to be needing the dentist!). After bonding two particularly sore ones and having a nightguard made for me, my dentist told me to call him in a month and left him know how I'm doing. But, a week later, I am still in pain from my lower canine tooth and called the dentist's office today to get in and see him tomorrow. He is well aware that I'm barely two months out of heart surgery. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I'm scared to see him...if I might need to have a dental procedure. I just had a valve repair and don't want to risk getting bacterial endocarditis and end up needing surgery again...that is my WORST fear. I really just want to get done with this tooth nonsense and be able to go back to work next month...but I'm terrified of anything dental-related. And in addition, my cardio is gone for a month visiting relatives in Greece, so if anything happens... I don't want to think about it.

Thanks for reading my "vent"--
Debi (debster913)

P.S. On a lighter note, my 14-year-old niece says "Hi to all of you cool heart people."

 

[Nancy]

Could it be something as simple as a loose tooth from the grinding? If it is, once you get your mouthguard it should start to work by stabilizing your teeth. Anyone who has ever had braces KNOWS what loose teeth feel like for the first few days or so after an adjustment.

Or, could it be that you have chipped off some of the enamel? That can be a pain when touching that area, and hot or cold beverages. Sometimes Sensodyne toothpaste works wonders for that kind of sensitivity. And fluoride mouthwash can help that kind of thing too. Bonding should help that, and I know you had that done.

Of course, if it is an abcess or gum infection, well, then dental work is in your future.

Hope it's something easily taken care of.

 

[debster913]

Hi, Nancy--
Yes, I've been wearing my mouthguard for several weeks (upper teeth only) and I still have pain. I've even been using Sensodyne and an at-home flouride treatment for over a week, but that tooth still hurts like a four-letter word. I really do hope it's nothing more serious...so scary.
Debi

 

[Nan]

HI Debi, Just a thought. Does your cardio have someone covering for him/her? If in face you do need dental work, perhaps they can flood you with antibiotics, not just the standard 4 capsules of amoxicillan (at least it is for me). It would be worth discussing with them if it comes to that. That is just a laypersons idea....

I really hope that it doesn't come to that and that the pain simply goes away. That has been known to happen with a tooth that is irritated.

Wishing you good luck with that darn tooth.!!

 

[William]

Is there a backup doctor for your cardio dr while he's on vacation? If not, you might want to contact the surgeon's office and like them know what's going on. They can give advise while the other one is out of town.

 

[debster913]

I believe my cardio has another doctor covering from him, but if worse comes to worse, I can call the surgeon's office. Hopefully, like Nan said, if I do need some invasive procedure, the doctor will "flood" me with antibiotics. I just don't want to deal with that, but if I have to...[sigh] oh, well.
Debi

 

[Kathleen]

Debi
Years and years ago they used to do IV antibiotocs before dental work. I had to go to the hospital as an out patient have the IV then head to the dentist. Try to put some of your fears aside.
Kathleen

 

[PegB]

I was just at my dentist today, since I need a dental release for Cleveland Clinic for my surgery. He's going to fill two tiny spots he saw on the xrays, but would prefer to crown them since the fillings are already large and he feels they'll only last a couple of years. The problem with the crowns is that the finished teeth wouldn't be done in time for surgery. He said I could have my surgery with the temps on, but I reminded him that I was going to be intubated, and didn't want to run the risk of knocking the temps down my throat with the tube. He said he could remove them before I go in, but that would be way too disgusting for me while in the hospital.

Bottom line is after reading your post, I guess I'm glad they're taking this dental thing so seriously. Seemed like just one more nuisance to deal with.
Give your teeth some time. I am also a grinder, and have had some really nasty "toothaches" from grinding. The mouth guard is probably making you hold your jaw differently at night, and might be causing you pain from adjusting to it. If you do have to have work done, I'm sure if they load you up on antibiotics for a few days you'll be fine. I had a dentist who called the American Heart Assoc. when he needed info. about my antibiotic dosing, and he said they were real helpful.

Good Luck