So I lost my dental insurance 7 years ago when I was 19. And I am finally getting some again. So I haven't been to a dentist in all those years. I've only had 3 cavities before that (2 of those in my wisdom teeth) My teeth haven't hurt or anything in that time and I still take care of my teeth. I'm a bit nervous. Would I know if I've had a cavity for all these years? Anyone else go through anything similar?
2006-12-25 18:11:40 · 9 answers · asked by apuleuis 5 in Health ➔ Dental
Hey, I didn't go to the dentist for about 8 or 9 years until earlier on this year when I got a really bad toothache, I had to get that tooth extracted, a root canal on another tooth and a LOT of fillings, but most of them were small and in between my teeth because I hadn't been flossing, with a few bigger ones in the biting surfaces. But I admit that I do eat a lot of sugary stuff and probably don't take as good care of my teeth as I probably should. So hopefully you'll get off lighter than I did! Good luck!!!
2006-12-27 06:57:14 · answer #1 · answered by Jen 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I see patients all the time who haven't been to the dentist for a long while that do everything they can to take care of their teeth. You can have cavities so small that you may not even know they are there. If your teeth haven't hurt in a while, thats great, but sometimes decay can be bigger then what you are seeing. you may only see a tiny hole, but in that hole could be a massave spread of decay under the enamel. Kinda like looking down in a volcano, the opening is only so big, but whats inside is alot more then you expected! So when you go to the dentist, expect to hear that you may have a couple cavities that are not to bad and may even be filled without getting numb. Also, if you are sensitive to hot, cold or sweets indicades that you may have a cavity. Since you haven't been to the dentist for a while, you will need a cleaning too. People are due for cleanings every 6 months. You can't brush away what a cleaning at the dentist can. Tarter, plaque, calculus and stains will not come off with brushing no matter what the toothpaste companies say!
2006-12-25 18:30:36 · answer #2 · answered by toothfairy.2006 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you have a cavity, you will most likely know it because of the pain. With excellent home care, your teeth can be in pretty good shape. If you floss daily (and properly) and brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day, you are on the right track. I was without dental insurance for a while too and even though I had good home care, I still had a good amount of plaque build-up. So I suggest that you rinse with something like Plax before brushing if you really want to take your home care to the next level. You might even want to buy one of those home dental kits with the tools to get rid of the build-up you can see...particularly what gets stuck behind the bottom front teeth.
2006-12-25 18:15:26 · answer #3 · answered by ♪ ♥ ♪ ♥ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since you're not experiencing pain, you'll probably be just fine.
You'll have quite a bit of build up (tarter & plaque), but the hygienest will be able to remove it. After it is gone, she & the dentist can evaluate your teeth for cavities or anything thing else that may need addressed. Don't be alarmed if you need several small fillings. It's better than needing several root canals or extractions! Once you get them done, continue to have your teeth cleaned every 6 months and you should be able to catch any future problems before they get too bad.
Happy Holidays!
2006-12-26 00:55:08 · answer #4 · answered by Josi 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
7 out of 10 people do not have health benefits. I have a site you should checkout. It will help you save up to 80% on all you dental work. Our family couldn’t afford medical or dental. We signed up for there benefits and thank god. I had a tooth break last week. Saved me hundreds!!
It only costs $11.95 a month or $19.95 a month for an entire household. Go to the site below and check it out. Be careful though when looking into discounted benefits. There are companies that are not legit.
The company has been in business for 14yrs, BBB members and have over 1.6 million members.
I sure everything works out,
Christy
2006-12-27 16:51:58 · answer #5 · answered by Legitwork2007 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I went through that, just because of fear, though. I didn't know I had cavities, I had three apparently. And I didn't have any decay or anything. Just a bunch of crooked teeth, so I'm getting braces for that. You probably have a lot of tartar and plaque build up, but that's easy to get rid of, it hurts a little bit though. Hygienists can be a bit rough. Hopefully nothing too bad as long as your brush/ed your teeth regularly. Good luck!
2006-12-26 02:54:57 · answer #6 · answered by Heather <33 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You would not know if you had a cavity unless it was severe enough to reach the root -- THEN you would know for sure!
Unless you've been extraordinarily good about brushing and flossing, you will likely have a bit of gingivitis. Get thee to a dentist as soon as you can.
2006-12-25 18:16:18 · answer #7 · answered by Mark H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could have gum disease and not even know it. That could affect not only your oral health but your OVERALL health including heart problems. See a dentist right away if only to assure yourself of no problems.
2006-12-26 02:31:12 · answer #8 · answered by Joseph F 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
...yeah this is easy.....when you smile at your mirror and the nice row of pearly white teeth look like a row of condemned buildings..
....you'll understand.......I thought mine were made of steel, great for biting the lids off beer bottles,...you know popeye stuff, crunching concrete....mouth butting revolving doors...real bad - *** sensible stuff....to impress your mates....it doesnt impress the girls though.
2006-12-25 18:33:27 · answer #9 · answered by hidoug 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋