If anyone can spare positive vibes

[Zerbie]

The past several days have been, well, major suckage. I'm quite at the end of my rope, really furious, and filled with negativity: I HATE it!!!!

I'm angry, depressed, tired, worn thin, hungry, and at the utter end of my patience: I'm snapping at everyone and everything and I haven't seen my real personality since, roughly, Wednesday. Has anyone found it? If so, could you send it back? :lol:

Very long story in three words: horrendous dental office.
:mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad:

Accepting all offers of healthy liquified foods. . . .

And just to note: If I'm a little snappy these days, or somewhat incommunicative (those of you I was chatting with on various delightful topics in PM and have suddenly begun ignoring,) THIS is why.

Just needed to vent, explain (for those of you who have witnessed the snapping or the disappearing act), and make a shameless plea for sympathy before I go insane!!!!!!

[tpdncr4christ]

:(
feel better...
:love: :love: :love: :love: :love: :love: :love: :love: :love: :love: :love: :love: :love: :love: :love: :love: :love: :love:

there would be more :love: but it won't let me put any...

[wmanion]

Zerbie,
It is never a shameless plea for sympathy when you are loved and you are loved by all of us here. We all have moments like this in life and they will pass. I will hold you up in extra special prayers until your personality reappears...although, I think it is still just hanging around waiting for the opportunity to manifest itself as beautifully as it always does.

A great big HUG,

Bill

[Zerbie]

Thanks guys.

Bill, I HOPE my personality is around somewhere. Certain nasty moods here are telling me things will never get better, ya know how that is?

[tdogg]

Z, if it is related to "dental" I can totally sympathize. I travel 45 miles one way to my current dentist (and hygienist) because I'm dental-phobic. Just been off Nitrous for ALL dental care (now do not need it for cleaning). Lately my hygienist has been rough and I'm thinking of getting back on it. I'm on edge and almost ready to stop going.

Dental issues will make me mad, sad, in pain and cry. It's not a pretty site.

Here are some hugs for my Z {{{{{:love::love::love:}}}}} I'll be praying for you girl. You will get through this, and how you need to. So if it means less of Z (either in posting or in personality), we'll deal until are you back on track. Soon I hope (and pray) :love::pray::)

Plus, we have a 3D meeting coming up in a month!!! I'll try not to be TOO hormonal for you! :eek::lol:

[Daniel]

:love::love::love::love::love::love::love:

Hang in there baby!

[Zerbie]

Z, if it is related to "dental" I can totally sympathize. I travel 45 miles one way to my current dentist (and hygienist) because I'm dental-phobic. Just been off Nitrous for ALL dental care (now do not need it for cleaning). Lately my hygienist has been rough and I'm thinking of getting back on it. I'm on edge and almost ready to stop going.

Dental issues will make me mad, sad, in pain and cry. It's not a pretty site.

Here are some hugs for my Z {{{{{:love::love::love:}}}}} I'll be praying for you girl. You will get through this, and how you need to. So if it means less of Z (either in posting or in personality), we'll deal until are you back on track. Soon I hope (and pray) :love::pray::)

Plus, we have a 3D meeting coming up in a month!!! I'll try not to be TOO hormonal for you! :eek::lol:

Oh gawd hormones!!!!!! :eek: Well, if things stay on schedule, I won't be having any PMS while you're visiting, so at least one of us will be safe for public presentation. :lol:

Thanks for the sympathies.

To put it in perspective: I have rock solid teeth and usually have work done without anaesthesia. I have always looked forward to dentists before because I enjoyed the appointments. Dentists used to comment about how I was the quietest most relaxed patient, and I would sort of use the time for relaxation and a little open-mouth meditation.

THIS office has had me SCREAMING at office staff and two hygienists, awake all night sick, and gagging in the chair. The hygienists and the doctor all acted like I was exasperating them. They screwed up on Thursday, sending me driving all over the valley, then screwed up on Friday, charging me triple the stipulated price, then on Saturday, Friday's work fell out of my mouth - and after nine calls to the emergency service over a two-day period, no dentist has responded. I've had a hole in my mouth for 2 and a half weeks.

[Zerbie]

By the way, have I mentioned that you are all angels??:good:

Think I forget to mention that.
:o
Thanks so much, all of you!! Austin, Bill, T, and Danny.
You make me feel so much better!!!

:'( wah.

:love::love::love::love::love::love::love::love:

[pnggrad79]

Zerb,
Sorry you are having suckage!!! You are always the light in the darkness and the peace in the midst of a storm, so if you are feeling bad, I know it must be the real thing. I hope you feel better soon and that whatever is making you cranky will just go away.:)

[elcharrom]

Turn that smile upside down!!!!!!!!!:):love::):love: (real cheesy but it works dont it?)

I dont know, dance Zerbie, dance away, that gets me up :D:D:D

[Jennifer5]

So sorry Zerbie! Wish I could give you a hug and yell at the dentist for you!

:pray: :love: :pray: :love: :pray: :love: :pray: :love: :pray: :love: :pray: :love: :pray: :love: :pray: :love: :pray: :love: :pray: :love:

[dsdrane]

...I know this is a non-violent site 'n' all, but would it help to beat the ever-lovin' crap out of something...

...or perhaps some sort of dental hygienist voodoo ceremony involving one or more ritual sacrifices??

Just thinking out loud....:rolleyes:

(Loving you.:love:)

[Zerbie]

...I know this is a non-violent site 'n' all, but would it help to beat the ever-lovin' crap out of something...

...or perhaps some sort of dental hygienist voodoo ceremony involving one or more ritual sacrifices??

Just thinking out loud....:rolleyes:

(Loving you.:love:)

Oh! How right you are!!!

I've been unable to participate in the usual SF nonviolent community-building these several days, b/c all of a sudden it looks like so much stupid crap - because I HURT, ya know, and was starving, and everyone was so incompetent and I just got so perpetually angry. I had to hold back from lambasting the slightest hint of anti-gay crap or the mere suggestion of being patient - all the pain was spilling over into the rest of life. Ugh!!!!

It's fixed for the time being. Made my fifth round-trip across the valley this morning and a hygienist fixed the cap.

The pain was caused by the fact that I could not avoid biting my cheek every time I ate, drank, smiled, spoke, kissed, or swallowed - the inside of the cheek was getting more and more lacerated b/c it was falling into an empty space and getting chewed up by the surrounding teeth. You know that feeling when you bite your cheek? That was happening every 30 seconds for about 36 continuous hours. No wonder I was blowing up at everything and everyone.

All because the dentist couldn't be bothered to fit the stupid cap.

[tdogg]

I'm glad you got that fixed Z. :love: Mouth pain is maybe the worst, for sure.

[paul]

Oh No Zerbie,

I was wondering all weekend how you and your tooth were doing (I tend to only be able to SF on weekdays at work where I have DSL vs. dialup-I live in the sticks where they don't have high speet net). So here I am at SF hunting for signs of life from Zerbie, hoping she's still among the living and found this. YOU POOR THING. Do we all need to come to Phoenix and kick some dental butt (non violently)? I hate to hear you are in pain dear one. Give yourself plenty of space to get better, and don't worry about anyone else till your better.
love, love.
:love:
paul

[u-dog]

Oh No Zerbie,

I was wondering all weekend how you and your tooth were doing (I tend to only be able to SF on weekdays at work where I have DSL vs. dialup-I live in the sticks where they don't have high speet net). So here I am at SF hunting for signs of life from Zerbie, hoping she's still among the living and found this. YOU POOR THING. Do we all need to come to Phoenix and kick some dental butt (non violently)? I hate to hear you are in pain dear one. Give yourself plenty of space to get better, and don't worry about anyone else till your better.
love, love.
:love:
paul

Yeah sweet thing! Somehow I missed this whole bad thing you were dealing with!! I hope you're getting the relief you deserve!!! hang in there sister!!!

[Zerbie]

YES! Come kick butt!!!

It just fell off again!!!!!!

I just left the office 3 hours ago and the cap is OFF again!!!! I'm starving!!! I need to eat!!!!!!

[paul]

:smashy::smashy::smashy::smashy::smashy::smashy::s mashy::smashy::smashy::smashy::smashy::smashy::sma shy::smashy::smashy::smashy::smashy::smashy:dentis t

[BrentRichards]

Sigh. Sorry this is still going badly ... bad dentist, bad!

[Zerbie]

:lol: Thanks you guys. :love::love::love::love::love::love:

Ugh! What a horrible day!! I used up an entire tank of gas JUST on the 5 round-trips across the valley on this dentist mix-up, these 3 last business days. I've spent from 7am til now doing nothing but take care of dentist problems. Went BACK 3 hours after I left the office, and had another infuriating experience in the chair. I can't BELIEVE what this dentist had the gall to say. I would have liked to kick him in the teeth AND the balls. Yes, I really would have.

Then there was an argument with the office manager.

Finally I got the owner involved, and suddenly, steps have been taken to remedy the problems, which have been multitudinous and some, egregious. Received an apology and a significant fee reduction. I've stopped feeling angry, finally. I'm thankful that the owner agrees this treatment is unacceptable and is making amends. Now, I only care that the cap stays on so I can eat, and do so without pain.

For now, the cap is on - I just got home, and am starting now to nibble my first real food since weds night - let's pray this cap stays put now!! I need to eat, so badly. My blood sugar is so way out of whack, I can't even say.

And erm, I'm NEVER going to a dentist again as long as I live.

[rainbow7]

:lol: Thanks you guys. :love::love::love::love::love::love:

Ugh! What a horrible day!! I used up an entire tank of gas JUST on the 5 round-trips across the valley on this dentist mix-up, these 3 last business days. I've spent from 7am til now doing nothing but take care of dentist problems. Went BACK 3 hours after I left the office, and had another infuriating experience in the chair. I can't BELIEVE what this dentist had the gall to say. I would have liked to kick him in the teeth AND the balls. Yes, I really would have.

Then there was an argument with the office manager.

Finally I got the owner involved, and suddenly, steps have been taken to remedy the problems, which have been multitudinous and some, egregious. Received an apology and a significant fee reduction. I've stopped feeling angry, finally. I'm thankful that the owner agrees this treatment is unacceptable and is making amends. Now, I only care that the cap stays on so I can eat, and do so without pain.

For now, the cap is on - I just got home, and am starting now to nibble my first real food since weds night - let's pray this cap stays put now!! I need to eat, so badly. My blood sugar is so way out of whack, I can't even say.

And erm, I'm NEVER going to a dentist again as long as I live.

Sorry to hear you are dealing with this, and let me add my positive thoughts for your speedy recovery!
Polly

[Jennifer5]

Some people... :mad:


I'm glad that the owners are trying to help make things better though. :pray:

[Zerbie]

Thanks Polly! Thanks Jen!

:)

Well the cap is still on after nearly 6 hours. In fact, now my mouth is starting to notice it there and react a bit - ya know? Tongue poking the spot all the time, kinda thing. I think it's okay, and just the usual new dental work reaction. I'm just happy the cap is still on and I was able to eat!

I've been eating tiny mini-meals in stages, and my blood sugar is gradually re-adjusting. It was pretty far gone.

Well, I'm finally starting to relax and feel more like me again.
Gonna crash soon, early, to start recuperating.

[wmanion]

Glad you were able to eat. Have you noticed that the words painful, hurtful, demonic, and satanic, have the exact same number of letters as Dentist. Well, I have, but then again so does William...so I better not go there...just glad you are doing better.

Bill

[pnggrad79]

Ugh!!! How stupid some people can be. I don't understand this dentist's poor skills if you get home and after 3 hours the damn thing still comes off. I hope it stays on sweetie. I know how bad that hurts. I got stuck in Window Rock, AZ with a cap that literally split in half. Of course I was chomping on a piece of taffy, which I shouldn't have been doing, but nonetheless, a kind dentist in Gallup, NM glued it back together and it stayed the entire summer. Yay!! Feel like going all the way to Gallup? I know of a good dentist who can fix ya right up!!! I also had it done again years later in Tucson.:)

[BruceChris]

I should have checked in here much sooner. I am sorry about your tooth problems, I've had those before, and they have really worn me down.

Plus, the news on the radio this morning is saying that the Phoenix area is in the midst of a Massive heat wave, with lows in the 90's, and highs up around 110. They are saying that it is driving everyone a little crazy, and if homeless people do not get to cool off periodically, they simply die.

On a slightly lighter note, newscasters, at least thee ones that I have heard are unanimous in their choice of phrasing. They all say that George Bush's brain has left the White House. By this they mean that Karl Rove is retiring, of course.

Zerbie, please get better, and if all else fails, please go soak your head, I mean that in a kind way.

Peace, and MUCH LOVE, Bruce Chris

[Zerbie]

Ugh!!! How stupid some people can be. I don't understand this dentist's poor skills if you get home and after 3 hours the damn thing still comes off. I hope it stays on sweetie. I know how bad that hurts. I got stuck in Window Rock, AZ with a cap that literally split in half. Of course I was chomping on a piece of taffy, which I shouldn't have been doing, but nonetheless, a kind dentist in Gallup, NM glued it back together and it stayed the entire summer. Yay!! Feel like going all the way to Gallup? I know of a good dentist who can fix ya right up!!! I also had it done again years later in Tucson.:)

Ay yi yi! Yeah, I getcha. I was "good" I didn't eat anything hard or chewy - I was on protein smoothies from the grocery store, so, way too much sugar. Nasty blood sugar problems and nasty panic attacks/depressions for days on end.

I would have happily driven into New Mexico to have this fixed! Or Houston, where I had my only other crown done. NO problems whatsoever there. I kept kicking myself for not having just known it would be less hassle to just buy airfare and hotel and pay out of pocket to have it all done in Houston. New Mexico would have been closer and cheaper, for sure. :D:agree: :lol:

I should have checked in here much sooner. I am sorry about your tooth problems, I've had those before, and they have really worn me down.

Plus, the news on the radio this morning is saying that the Phoenix area is in the midst of a Massive heat wave, with lows in the 90's, and highs up around 110. They are saying that it is driving everyone a little crazy, and if homeless people do not get to cool off periodically, they simply die.

Yes!! It's been 113 and 114. I think it's only supposed to be 107 today, which no longer registers to me as anything other than just typically warm. I keep Pedialyte in the fridge now and just sip some every day. haven't had heat stroke problems since I started doing that. Stuff's expensive!! But better than death, I suppose.

There were warnings on the radio to drink extra water, and the dentists were telling me not to drink water for an hour to let the glue set. So I went really thirsty on top of the pain, starvation, and blood sugar problems and my tendency to get heat exhaustion too easily, and even then, the damn cap sprang off 3 hours after I left the office, only 1 hour after I got home. The dentist office is nearly an hour away. So in 3 days it was 10 hours of extra driving, in addition to all the health problems. Then the office manager had the nerve to tell me I shouldn't be so upset.

OMG! If I were writing a Hollywood comedy about the most awful dentist office experience imaginable, I would write THIS. :lol:




On a slightly lighter note, newscasters, at least thee ones that I have heard are unanimous in their choice of phrasing. They all say that George Bush's brain has left the White House. By this they mean that Karl Rove is retiring, of course.

Zerbie, please get better, and if all else fails, please go soak your head, I mean that in a kind way.

Peace, and MUCH LOVE, Bruce Chris

:lol::lol: Yes, I'm sure I know what you mean, and I've done that, often.

Thanks for the well wishes Chris, I'll be mostly resting and recuperating today..

The cap is still on this time, so let's hope it stays that way. I feel my moods finally climbing now that I've started eating again.

Thanks sweetie! :love:

[Zerbie]

Hey, if anyone can spare some positive energy, this scenario is dragging on and on, and I'm really worn down. I just can't muster my usual energy anymore, everything sets me off, and I'm really depressed.

I just missed something important because I was at the dentist again, and this stuff is still not over.

[Jennifer5]

Hey, if anyone can spare some positive energy, this scenario is dragging on and on, and I'm really worn down. I just can't muster my usual energy anymore, everything sets me off, and I'm really depressed.

I just missed something important because I was at the dentist again, and this stuff is still not over.

DENTIST= :smashy::smashy::smashy::smashy::smashy: + :borg::borg::borg::borg::borg:


Love ya Zerbie, hope things will get better quickly!! :love:

[BenL]

... positive energy and lotsa love from the East Coast. Hope it doesn't take too long to arrive.

[Zerbie]

Two weeks +

I haven't seen much of my usual self in a month, and I've started becoming perenially angry and snappy. Want to go dig a hole and lie under a log.

[BrianB]

Sorry that you're going through all this, Zerbie. I'm sending positive vibes your way.

[BrentRichards]

I'm prescribing laugh therapy. Rent some Dame Edna (my recent comedy kick) and enjoy ... she's just vicious enough to really feel good when your frustration has a target.

[Zerbie]

I'm prescribing laugh therapy. Rent some Dame Edna (my recent comedy kick) and enjoy ... she's just vicious enough to really feel good when your frustration has a target.

Well if you and U-dog keep it up much longer, no dame Edna will be needed.

Usually, I find her too abrasive to be funny, but with the angry mood I've been in, she might be just right.

In my cardio kick-boxing all of a sudden this week I imagined kicking and punching the dentist, and suddenly I got better at kick-boxing. (I'm usually abysmal, and slow, because I think I'm trying to kick-box gently and sweetly. Not this week, anyway.)

[tdogg]

Still??? Don't they have any competent dentists in the area??? I hate dentists, and hygienists and anyone making appoints for those people. HUGE dental phobic here.

Well, no advice here, other than get the nitrous, it will at least make you feel less like kicking them. I love them all on nitrous. But some hugs for you...{{{{{:love::love::love:}}}}} Poor Z!:'(:mad:

Here a little more love... :love:

[Zerbie]

Still??? Don't they have any competent dentists in the area??? I hate dentists, and hygienists and anyone making appoints for those people. HUGE dental phobic here.

Well, no advice here, other than get the nitrous, it will at least make you feel less like kicking them. I love them all on nitrous. But some hugs for you...{{{{{:love::love::love:}}}}} Poor Z!:'(:mad:

Here a little more love... :love:

Thanks. Yeah, still. :(

The crown didn't fit so they're ordering a new one. I'm wearing a temporary for another 2 weeks. I really fell apart today when I found out it still wasn't over. I haven't eaten regularly since this began in late July but at this point, who cares if I chew on the "wrong" side and the temporary falls off? I only chewed on the other side all month and the temps fell out anyway, so I might as well eat raw carrots if I damn well please! :mad:

Anyway. What is nitrous?

[BruceChris]

No, I guess they have laws against throwing that at people, even dentists.

Peace and Much Love, Bruce Chris (Sitting behind a Large A.C.)

OOPs, almost missed that. Nitrous oxide is a gas that dentists and occasionally other practicioners use that seems to make just about anything very easy to live with. It used to be called "Laughing Gas". You can still feel pain, sort of, but it just doesn't bother you!

(And it makes cars go about 50% faster, but that's a whole 'nother story)

[Zerbie]

No, I guess they have laws against throwing that at people, even dentists.

Peace and Much Love, Bruce Chris (Sitting behind a Large A.C.)

Oh, I was so fuming today. . . actually, this isn't the dentist's fault, (I don't think so at least), the lab that made the crown made one that didn't fit. I just need it to be over. But now, another long wait. Life sucks. I think I'll follow the kid's suggestion, put on some music and dance for a while. :p

[tdogg]

Nitrous Oxide - happy gas. Just enough to curb the dental freak out for me, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE everyone. Even the hygienist. Even for a while after the gas wears off (very quickly under the influence of straight oxygen for a few minutes). The only way to get me to the dentist for many years.

I'm weaned off the stuff now, but lately my hygienist has been getting fairly agressive and mean and I don't really like her anymore. She makes me cry :'( I'm thinking of changing.

Maybe it is the lab more than your dentist. But for me, it's definitely not lab phobia... :lol::lol::lol: (had to crack one, sorry!)

[Zerbie]

Nitrous Oxide - happy gas. Just enough to curb the dental freak out for me, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE everyone. Even the hygienist. Even for a while after the gas wears off (very quickly under the influence of straight oxygen for a few minutes). The only way to get me to the dentist for many years.

I'm weaned off the stuff now, but lately my hygienist has been getting fairly agressive and mean and I don't really like her anymore. She makes me cry :'( I'm thinking of changing.

Maybe it is the lab more than your dentist. But for me, it's definitely not lab phobia... :lol::lol::lol: (had to crack one, sorry!)

It took me about 10 minutes to get that joke. :rolleyes:

:lol:

sigh. Maybe I should ask for that then? My mood has turned into a problem. Actually, I was thinking maybe beta blockers. I've never tried one before in my life, but they seem warranted the way my mood goes out of control now. Is it safe to drive on beta blockers? Anyone know?

[tdogg]

No clue on beta blockers. Nitrous is pretty much for people who are nervous while at the dentist. So it wouldn't help much when you are sitting in that chair.

Some prayers might help a little? :pray:

Distraction? Movie? How 'bout a massage? Do you think that would take your pain away for an hour? Hmmm, mouth pain is probably the worst...:cool: Ibuprofen?

[tpdncr4christ]

Zerbie.

feel better... if I was closer I'd give you a bell and every time you rang it I would rush to your side to serve your every need, whether a glass of juice, ice cream of the finest sort, or a punching bad I would provide. That's what I did for my sister when she had jaw surgery... they had to take apart her jaw, take out like 1/2 a cm and then put it back together so she could close her teeth together...

but I'm not closer... :'( so the best I can do is send prayers! :pray::love::pray:

feel better!

[sailaway58]

My daughter has informed me that according to her current infatuation, Cris Angel, pain makes you feel alive.
I suggest you embrace it and live!

MIND FREAK!!!

Hope you are better soon

[wmanion]

I take a Beta Blocker every day and I beta be able to drive on them cause I do all the time. I really feel no different than I did before I started taking them. Anyway, I am POSITIVE that you will have a resolution to what is going on with your teeth, and I am POSITIVE that once it is over with you will be back to your normal POSITIVE self. I can be anymore POSITVE with the vibes than that?

Bill

[Zerbie]

Thanks guys!

I am out to cultivate as much positive energy as possible today to lift myself out of these dumps. Got stuff to do!!! I can't mope for 2 weeks!!

Thanks for the feedback on beta blockers. I may actually try.

Austin, I could've used that punching bag. . . !:lol:

[Zerbie]

I am so freaking upset.

The cap is off again. It's more than 10 days until this latest new crown comes in.

They told me if it came off intact to replace it with something like Fixodent (which naturally I would have to go and buy since I don't wear dentures :rolleyes:), but I can't figure out which WAY it fits. It's unevenly shaped to try to contour to the tooth, and I've been rotating it in all various directions and can't get it to fit correctly.

WTF am I supposed to do?! The problem began on July 26th. I haven't eaten normally since the end of July and this is taking over my entire LIFE! I'm having hunger, sleeplessness, I don't dare work out without eating and sleeping well, and I haven't been practicing because my jaw has been out of alignment most of this time. I am getting out of shape physically and musically.

Someone please get the "pause" button off my life?

[u-dog]

I am so freaking upset.

The cap is off again. It's more than 10 days until this latest new crown comes in.

They told me if it came off intact to replace it with something like Fixodent (which naturally I would have to go and buy since I don't wear dentures :rolleyes:), but I can't figure out which WAY it fits. It's unevenly shaped to try to contour to the tooth, and I've been rotating it in all various directions and can't get it to fit correctly.

WTF am I supposed to do?! The problem began on July 26th. I haven't eaten normally since the end of July and this is taking over my entire LIFE! I'm having hunger, sleeplessness, I don't dare work out without eating and sleeping well, and I haven't been practicing because my jaw has been out of alignment most of this time. I am getting out of shape physically and musically.

Someone please get the "pause" button off my life?


Zerbie,

It may be an obvious thing to say but... this SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. I've had 3 crowns put on and Polly has had two and we have never had anything like this happen. A temporary crown should be ABLE to last for a year or more (they never NEED to last more than 2 or 3 weeks) except in some extreme circumstance.

1. your dentist OWES YOU BIG TIME.
2. he owes you an explanation
2.a. HE OWES YOU AN ABJECT ON HIS KNEES APOLOGY !!!!
3. he owes you exemplary interim care.
4. he owes you a significant refund for your inconvenience, pain, and suffering.

The line "if this comes off again try fixadent" is grounds for MALPRACTICE! :eek: you need to be in touch with the ADA and better business bureau about this guy PRONTO. anybody can have ONE problem but this continuous discomfort and inconvenience is outrageous. Use your rage !!

[Zerbie]

Zerbie,

It may be an obvious thing to say but... this SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. I've had 3 crowns put on and Polly has had two and we have never had anything like this happen. A temporary crown should be ABLE to last for a year or more (they never NEED to last more than 2 or 3 weeks) except in some extreme circumstance.

1. your dentist OWES YOU BIG TIME.
2. he owes you an explanation
3. he owes you exemplary interim care.
4. he owes you a significant refund for your inconvenience, pain, and suffering.

The line "if this comes off again try fixadent" is grounds for MALPRACTICE! :eek: you need to be in touch with the ADA and better business bureau about this guy PRONTO. anybody can have ONE problem but this continuous discomfort and inconvenience is outrageous. Use your rage !!

Oh really? That's how I *feel* but I couldn't logically find anything that's grounds for medical malpractice.

Yes, I've been there about 9 times and you've heard less than half of the story.

Last week I spoke to a friend who is a medical doctor (his best friend is a lawyer and I thought I'd ask around) and explained the situation, but he said there were no grounds for a complaint.

Otoh I just can't live like this. How do I go about rectifying things?

My big fear is that the reason this latest cap (which was supposed to be the permanent crown) did not fit might be that I went for essentially 2 weeks with nothing over the shaped tooth, and that shifted the fit. Which would mean, with THIS cap off, this next permanent that they ordered would not fit either.

How do I go about finding a professional opinion about whether I am being treated okay, medically? 'Cause it made sense to me that when the crown arrived and didn't fit, they didn't use an ill-fitting crown but ordered another made instead. Isn't that what they SHOULD do?

Anyway, I'm scared that this situation could drag on, and it has already impacted my functioning a great deal, both personally, professionally, and as an activist, it's putting me behind schedule with my current project.

[Zerbie]

I have an appointment tomorrow to put it in again. I just started crying after the appointment was made - because I would rather die than go to that office again. I think this will be the tenth (?) trip out there.?

I am really freaking out. Big time.

[tpdncr4christ]

I have an appointment tomorrow to put it in again. I just started crying after the appointment was made - because I would rather die than go to that office again. I think this will be the tenth (?) trip out there.?

I am really freaking out. Big time.

What time is the appointment? I'll make sure to pray for you as you walk into the doors of the office. If this dude messes up again, may I suggest 1-800-DENTIST?

[BrentRichards]

How infuriating, Zerb! I'm so sorry. I hate (avoid) dentists.

[Zerbie]

Thanks. It's at 1pm pacific time - which might mean it's 2 when they finally get to me.

The sad thing, Brent, is that I always had an easy time with dentists because I've always been so relaxed about dentistry before. I used to enjoy the appointments - I could never understand people who were nervous about the dentist. But now? After this, I am never letting a dentist touch me again. If I have to gum food for the rest of my life.
:mad:

[wmanion]

Zerbie,
Them asking you to use fixodent in itself sounds like malpractice to me. Fixodent breaks down as the day goes on and I guess they expect you to remove the crown at night and soak it until morning and reapply the fixodent...this is horrible. And of course if you didn't remove it, you could possibly choke on it so I cannot even believe they suggested something like this to you. It is defiantely time for another office to see you...I am so sorry for your pain.

Bill

[Zerbie]

Ugh. Didn't know that. I just bought the fixodent, since I can assume this cap will be off again within hours or days of having it replaced tomorrow and it's a ten day wait for the next permanent crown.

I've thought about going to another office, but there are several hurdles. Two of the most obvious hurdles are: 1, our insurance requires a month of advance notice to change dentists, and 2, I have no idea what any other dental office in this valley is like and have no frame of reference for choosing another dentist, therefore no way of knowing if another office would be any better. Yes, I've had friends recommend their dentists, we checked, and none of the recommended dentists were in network.

All I know if I'm glad I saw your post when I did, Bill. I was going to try to get the cap on with Fixodent and then go to bed. Probably better to wait until morning.

I've just never heard of not being able to get a temporary cap on, and having them fall off or break 5 or 6 times like this.

[Dash]

Hi Zerbie! I just read this thread last night. It's always the threads I haven't read that have so much going on inside. :confused:

What a sucky life you're having now! It has been a difficult year for several of us Soulforciers, and this trial of yours is no exception. :( Such a long season of painful waiting! I hope that your spirit will find serenity in the midst of this suffering.

I did not go to a Dentist from 1994 to 2004. My last experience in '94 was a wisdom tooth extraction gone awry--a 5-hour procedure dramatized by smoke, blood, a hammer-wielding dentist, anesthesia wearing off too soon and an abrupt rest stop at the side of the road...me wondering alone in the dark if I would be able to get myself back to the farm.

But...it was nothing compared to your ongoing trauma. Oh, darlin'! :'(:love::love::pray:

[paul]

Oh Zerbie,

This is insanity itself.

I know how easy it is to get caught up in a cycle, but u-dog is right in his list of things this dentist owes you.

I know you have an appointment in a couple of hours now, if you keep it, hopefully this will be the final one. If not, you need to get another dentist. If this latest crown fix is not permanent, you should not give this clown yet another chance to abuse you. Take the bill from your new dentist and send it to the old dentist with a polite request that he pay it. If he doesn't, have your attorney make the request.

"Fixodent!!!" What planet are these guys from???

[Zerbie]

Hi guys,

Well I put the cap on with fixodent this morning and I couldn't position it so it wouldn't be too high, but I thought I could protect the tooth that way just by using fixodent and snapping the cap on any old way during meals.

It lasted 90 minutes (almost as long as some of THEIRS lasted,) and then I tried to eat. It was almost IMPOSSIBLE to chew because I had the cap so high, and had to chew on the other side for the 5th week in a row, but of course, that side wasn't touching, or barely touching. So every time I tried to chew I was grinding on the cap which was high. It made noises. Finally came off.

How am I supposed to get a new dentist? The insurance requires a month wait. How am I going to find a dentist to do this anyway, a dentist I don't know, on short notice, to finish the middle of someone else's work?

Even if I go and pay out of pocket, I won't have any way to know if I'd get any better results.

I read somewhere that they don't recommend lawsuits for dental proceedings because they are considered "small" and even if you win, you won't get enough back to pay lawyer's fees. When this is all over I'm going to make a complaint, probably to a dental society - which is a peer review organization, just to let them know what happened.

I asked hubby what he thought of going to another dentist and he nixed it, as well.

Somehow I have to cope til Sept 7th, which is becoming a major problem for me, since I'm not coping.

[u-dog]

Are they not even going to make another temporary crown for you ? you are supposed to go two weeks with an exposed Post? Aren't you in constant hideous pain? this is an outrage!

Help me understand why the dentist doesn't have you in his chair RIGHT NOW fitting another temporary crown?:confused::confused::confused:

[dsdrane]

u-dog speaks the truth.

(So what else is new?)

I can't believe you're still having to deal with this. It's horrible.

As the proud owner of two such dental thingamabobs since the tender age of 15, I have felt your pain. When they shot air onto my "posts", ostensibly to dry them (though I maintain it was to torture me), I thought I was going to go through the ceiling. Sweet Mother of God!

I'm sending you positive -- and palliative -- vibes...as strong as I can make them (and the F.D.A. will allow).

:love::love::injured::love::love:

[Zerbie]

Well I'm not in pain anymore, thank god. I am emotionally distraught.

I'm going in - leave in about an hour - for the. . .? seventh?. . . temporary cap - this will be I think my tenth trip to this office in 3 weeks. They told me they can't get a temp cap to fit so I should expect it to fall off again even though they are replacing it today, which is why I bought the fixodent.

Except for seven total days when a cap was holding, I've been without a cap now since August 10th, which may be why the permanent crown did not fit last week. I don't know. All I know is, I'm literally sick knowing that I will be back at that office in a couple hours - I've been having the dry heaves all morning. They said they are going to teach me to put the temporary on myself for the next time it falls off, since I'm having to wait until Sept 7th for the crown.

God. Last time I was in that chair, the hygienist adjusted her stool and smacked into my left shoulder fairly hard while the dentist was working, and the dentist scolded me for moving. Same hygienist also, completely unawares because she was not looking, smacked me in the face with the X ray shield, and raised the chair up without moving the lamp out of the way so that my forehead nearly smacked into it - but at the last second I reached up and shoved the lamp.

It's things like that - plus the attitude from the dentist and all the run-around from the office, like the 12 phone calls to their emergency service which went completely unanswered, that has me in breakdowns.

If I didn't think I needed this temp cap to keep things from altering the fit of the NEXT permanent crown, there is NO WAY I would be going there today.

I'm literally sick with distress, and the distress and distraction are spilling over into the rest of my life.

[u-dog]

Well I'm not in pain anymore, thank god. I am emotionally distraught.

I'm going in - leave in about an hour - for the. . .? seventh?. . . temporary cap - this will be I think my tenth trip to this office in 3 weeks. They told me they can't get a temp cap to fit so I should expect it to fall off again even though they are replacing it today, which is why I bought the fixodent.

.

Ok... here is the part I don't understand. Has the dentist explained to you WHY THEY CAN"T GET A TEMPORARY CROWN TO STAY ON?? My dentist told me (when I asked out of curiosity how long a temp would last if it wasn't replaced) that there is no reason that a temporary crown shouldn't last INDEFININATELY ... anyway a year no problem. So what is wrong in your mouth that they can't get it to stay on for a few days? There are only a few things that could be wrong.

1. they have made a temp that doesn't fit the post.
2. there is something not right about the post they fashioned
3. they don't know how to apply a temporary crown or the adhesive.
4. some combination of the above.

If this isn't YOUR fault and if this isn't NORMAL then it must be... their fault. right? they owe you an explanation.

you don't open walnuts with your teeth or eat taffee or crunch ice cubes do you?

[Zerbie]

Sigh. The answer so far is "none of the temporary caps fit you." When I called yesterday I spoke to two people on the phone, a receptionist and an assistant, and told them I want to know why no cap will fit. They didn't answer. I can try asking again today.

Anyway, all of this drag-on scenario makes me think they're doing something wrong.

No, I'm not crunching ice cubes or walnuts. :lol: For 5 weeks I've only chewed on the other side of the mouth, which is giving me problems with the alignment of the jaw which is affecting my singing. And I'm really really pissed.

[u-dog]

Sigh. The answer so far is "none of the temporary caps fit you." When I called yesterday I spoke to two people on the phone, a receptionist and an assistant, and told them I want to know why no cap will fit. They didn't answer. I can try asking again today.

Anyway, all of this drag-on scenario makes me think they're doing something wrong.

No, I'm not crunching ice cubes or walnuts. :lol: For 5 weeks I've only chewed on the other side of the mouth, which is giving me problems with the alignment of the jaw which is affecting my singing. And I'm really really pissed.

are they pulling something off a rack ? one size fits all? All three of my temporaries were made for me, while I waited, from impressions made from my original tooth (to get the right "outside" fit) and from impression made of the post (so that the inside fit right) I never heard of getting an "out of the box" temporary crown? How could that possibly work?

[Zerbie]

are they pulling something off a rack ? one size fits all? All three of my temporaries were made for me, while I waited, from impressions made from my original tooth (to get the right "outside" fit) and from impression made of the post (so that the inside fit right) I never heard of getting an "out of the box" temporary crown? How could that possibly work?

Hmm, not sure. They keep taking impressions, then they take a cap from their supply, and drill and file on it, then shove it on. An hour, a day, or 3 days later it either falls off or shatters to pieces.

I have no idea why - but I need this hassle to end.

[u-dog]

Hmm, not sure. They keep taking impressions, then they take a cap from their supply, and drill and file on it, then shove it on. An hour, a day, or 3 days later it either falls off or shatters to pieces.

I have no idea why - but I need this hassle to end.


Sweet Zerbie!! if this were happening to someone like, for instance, Andy, I would just laugh and tell him to buck up -- be a man! (;)) But that this should happen to YOU is an unacceptable outrage. I want this to go away! :love:

[Zerbie]

Sweet Zerbie!! if this were happening to someone like, for instance, Andy, I would just laugh and tell him to buck up -- be a man! (;)) But that this should happen to YOU is an unacceptable outrage. I want this to go away! :love:

umm, thank you?

does this mean I'm not a man?

I want it to go away too. I had pretty much decided that this last cap was going to last for 2 weeks.

I've spent 5 weeks not practicing, used 2 entire tanks of gas on trips to the dentist, and am paying like crazy for chiropractice to keep putting my jaw back. Now I've started having nightmares about being at the dentist putting the cap on.

Anyway, thanks. Maybe another little prayer? I'm about to get in the car and go THERE again. :'(

[Zerbie]

Well, that demonstrates a lot.

I just returned from there, and today I got the nice hygienist. NO dentist. The hygienist seated the cap, and showed me how to do it at home next time it falls off.

Anyway, all the distress has been evaporating since I understood that THAT dentist was not going to touch me today. I had the dry heaves all morning because I am afraid of that dentist.

This was the first non-traumatizing visit to that office in a month. I am determined not to go back until the permanent crown gets put on, no matter how often I have to play with fixodent. The mere thought of THAT man makes me sick. As was proven by the fact that once he was out of the picture, I was okay again.

[BruceChris]

What are the names of those that your friends know and trust? Is there any one of these that stands out? How much would it cost for their opinion? Can you afford to do that? Can you afford NOT to do it?

(The Chris in me wants to offer you much sympathy, while the Bruce in me wants to FIX something.)

Have you thought of buying Slim-Fast by the gallon? It never needs chewing!

Peace, and Much Love, Bruce Chris

[Zerbie]

A lot of friends have suggested a second opinion. Some folks in town have recommended their dentists, and none of them are in network. IN addition to which there is the matter of waiting a month for the insurance to approve a change. Otherwise, I would do what? Ask for a last-minute appointment to pay out of pocket to have them look at someone else's work? Should I do that?
Hubby says no, just wait and the permanent crown should go on fine, no problems. Of course, I already waited 2 weeks for the permanent, and it didn't fit which is why I'm still waiting. We've figured that since I'm not having pain or any signs of infection, the tooth will be fine, it's just getting through the long wait for a permanent.

Anyway, thanks for the sympathy and ideas, guys. I'm confused and torn. They tell me that temporaries fall off all the time and it's no big deal. But it's been a huge interference in my life these past several weeks.

I was drinking so many protein smoothies the first several days, but they have a lot of sugar in them, and I reacted badly. So somehow I have to chew regular food without disturbing this cap.

[tdogg]

I've never had a temporary crown fall off (but then I've only had a couple in my life).

I would say your dentist is a fiend and should be avoided. Unfortunately the hygienist wouldn't be able to do everything for you.

In this case Zerb, no amount of nitrous gas would help to make you like this dentist.

Definitely seek a new dentist, if not before then immediately after your permanent crown is on. But then, if they had this much trouble with a temp, it frightens me (and you too I'm sure) to think of the permanent one.

Wish there was something I could do for you. {{{:love::love:}}}

[Sherrie Z]

My sympathies! I haven't checked this forum in awhile and didn't see this thread until today ... sorry I didn't respond sooner.

Just wanted to send you some major love vibes ... here I was, already worrying about you when hearing the weather reports from your area, and now I see that all this other stuff was going on too ... yikes!!!

MAJOR love vibes to you, Zerbie ... hugs all around ... we love you! : )

[Zerbie]

Thanks Sherrie!

Nice to see you around again.

Your note is timely. I'm about to drive across the valley to go there again. This is supposed to be the very. last. time.

:pray:

[tdogg]

At the risk of bringing up a bad subject...how did it go?

Perhaps I should have PMed you on this one! Hopefully mouth woes soon over.... :love::love:

[Zerbie]

It's OVER!!!!!!!!!

Gee, how come we don't have an icon of a little smiley person bent over in exhaustion, dripping with sweat, gasping in relief?

The new permanent crown arrived last week and on Friday it was seated as scheduled, with no problems.

They admitted to me then that they had ordered the first "permanent" crown out of a cheap trial offer from a cheaper lab. :mad: And AFTER everything else they put me through, they dared that!

This reminds me, I wanted to make a formal complaint if I can figure out the appropriate agency. I want to complain about the way they run that office.

But it was miraculous the personality change in me once that crown went on. The very next day, which was Saturday, the 6 weeks of depression lifted, and I can't BELIEVE how different I feel and act. I was in a major clinical depression over that stupid dental fiasco.

Oh and - I gained 10 pounds. :mad: And got really out of shape, from all that not-sleeping, not-eating, and not-exercising for 6 weeks. I can't see my arm muscles at all anymore. :'(

Anyway. Yeah, I am so happy to be able to function again! But I keep forgetting I can chew on both sides of my mouth, and only chewing on the right. It developed into a habit. :rolleyes:

Ah well. Onward!!! :D

[Sherrie Z]

Thanks Sherrie!

Nice to see you around again.

Your note is timely. I'm about to drive across the valley to go there again. This is supposed to be the very. last. time.

:pray:


Thanks, Zerbie! : )


Whew, I'm so glad you're OK now!

It's 5 a.m. now where I am and I'm still up (I have a weird schedule, LOL), so I was about to turn off my computer, but before I did I checked here specifically to see if you were OK ... so now I'm very relieved to see your very positive update! Yay!!! : )

[BrentRichards]

:aparty::weee:

[dsdrane]

Hooray!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Dash]

Yippeeee!!!:D:D

http://imagecache2.allposters.com/images/pic/adc/10106305A~Happy-Posters.jpg

[Zerbie]

Sherrie! :love:
Boys!! :love::love:

Thank you!!!! :love::love:

[tdogg]

Z, there should be a state agency that regulates dentists. In CA it would be the CA Dental Board (through Consumer Affairs). Check around on the AZ web site and see what you find. You definitely need to file a complaint.

If you have and used dental insurance, a letter to your insurance company might not be a bad idea. Just keeping them in the loop as well.

I'm glad it's taken care of and you are feeling better. You'll get your muscles back in no time at all (I'm sure they are still there, just needing a little emphasis to pop out). Anyway, sounds like a good day in AZ for you!!