I switched dentists

It's a long story, but basically, Larry didn't like the dental practice I was using (I didn't like them much either, but we're new to the area and our insurance only covers certain dentists, so it's been hard to find one), so he switched, and then I switched to the one he found.

So anyway, I go in for my semi-annual exam this morning and they tell me I need a root canal in one of my front teeth because there's an infection at the base. The dentist said that it's probably been there awhile (I go to the dentist every 6 months almost religiously, but I had no pain, thankfully, or maybe not, since it got missed). ICK!! I'm so skeeved, and a bit freaked that the other dentist didn't catch it. So now I have to see an endodontist ($$$) and the dentist said the tooth will need a crown ($$$), so that's more appointments. Frustrating and annoying and gross (and a little scary). And nothing like needing a root canal to make you feel OLD (well, needing bifocals is worse - I got those with my last pair of glasses!)

My father said the root canal he had was the worst experience of his life, and he had kidney stones removed! That stuck with me!! But that was 30 some years ago, so hopefully things have improved somewhat. My friend Suzanne says they have, which is reassuring.

ADDENDUM

My friend Lisa said her daughter (same age as Caleb) has already had a root canal, so clearly I'm wrong about the age thing. I just associate them with getting old. In fact, I was told years ago by a dentist that filled teeth often need root canals later, but of course the tooth I have that needs one was never filled! My current dentist said it's probably from being bumped - the kids hit me in the front teeth with their heads more than once when they were little, so it was probably one of those times.