and not as expensive as I thought it would be.
It turned out I had a calculus deposit behind my lower front teeth and anaerobic bacteria had gotten under it and infected the gum and surrounding tissue. D'oh, no wonder I felt so much pain!
The hygienist numbed the area then used her handy dandy ultrasonic tool to break up the deposit. At first she and the dentist thought I'd need an anti-biotic but once the pieces were out and they could see the area they decided to leave it alone in the hope that it will clear up naturally. They both said it should but if I still have pain in the morning to call for an anti-biotic.
I already feel so much relief. I'm still numb but not completely. I told her I can deal with some pain but not that agonizing stuff I had going on.
The bill came to $192 for an emergency visit, xrays, and the calculus removal. I checked with the insurance company about using my HSA debit card to pay for it and they said that's allowed so I did that. Whew!
And the best part is...I didn't need anything other than the numbing gel. The hygienist was very gentle and explained what she was doing each step of the way and that helped to ease my anxiety.
I hope the infection clears up quickly but I'm going to work another appointment or two into the budget over the next few months. I need to get this phobia under control and get some work done.
Thank you for the good thoughts!
Dental appointment not so bad ...
April 6th, 2015 at 10:17 pm
April 6th, 2015 at 11:09 pm 1428358153
April 7th, 2015 at 12:20 am 1428362423
April 7th, 2015 at 03:34 am 1428374043
April 7th, 2015 at 12:33 pm 1428406399
April 7th, 2015 at 02:32 pm 1428413579
April 7th, 2015 at 03:54 pm 1428418454