Be proud of me: I’m really following through this time, despite some breath-catching moments!

I went for the “try-in” today. That’s where they make a wax replica of what the new teeth will look like, color and all, and try them on to see if they work with the rest of my face. It was cool!

One of the things I’ve liked about the process this time around is how kind the dentist is. This dentist is a long-time friend of T’s and he’s very matter-of-fact but not at all stern or judgmental. When I went three weeks ago to deal with the teeth, he didn’t flinch but kept me there until he’d made a small plate to keep that bottom tooth in place until I have the major work done so that I wouldn’t feel self-conscious about talking or smiling (though some people probably wish I would quit talking for a bit…).

Two weeks ago when he did the impressions he suggested that I take this extra step of doing the ‘try in’ and make any modifications I might like to the shape, color and look of my teeth.

I have always had what I call a “gummy” grin. Because my eye teeth grew in as ‘fangs’ when I was about 12 (over the baby teeth), I would smile over them, exposing the teeth in front but also an equal amount of gum. In addition, the shape of my teeth was kind of flat and dull. So we talked about different options and they showed me colors — it’s almost like buying a new car!

Today I saw them for the first time and actually got a bit happy about this whole thing. They’re so pretty — when I smile you see teeth and not teeth and gums! They’re just a bit whiter than the teeth I have right now, but the only teeth you’ll see will be the new ones anyway…so that’s cool too.

Here’s the uncool part. We did the consult with the oral surgeon yesterday to prepare for the extractions. They’re taking four on the bottom and all remaining uppers (I’ve already had some pulled a few years back). Because there are so many, they have to use general anethesia, which just about doubles the bill. So the bill just for the oral surgeon is $2700!!!! Not quite a new car, but certainly a hefty down payment. After insurance (if they cover much of this…) I’ll owe around $1700. Ouch.

That’s not counting the dentists’ bill and lab bill for the new teeth. I’m estimating $5-6,000 total when it’s all said and done.

The oral surgeon, who is also kind and encouraging, was straightforward. He smiled and said, “Don’t be fooled. Even the worst teeth are better than the best denture. Understand that, and we’ll do our best.” I’m sure he was doing his best to give me the straight truth, but I didn’t find it especially encouraging to hear, at least until I considered what my life would be like without constant, nagging pain all the time, rain or shine, asleep or awake.

Am I still glad I’m doing this? You betcha, but I wish I was independently wealthy and could go straight to implants.

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