(Post 224 of 263)

I’m still struggling with the inlay I had done in September. 🙁 After the the correction to the inlay, I felt better for a bit but then developed terrible sensitivity to temperature changes, especially cold, against the two back teeth on that side. The tooth didn’t hurt per se, I could chew on that side, but the sensitivity was enough to make my eyes water and affect my food choices.

What was confounding the issue is that I’d had a major modification made to my retainer at the same time as the correction, so who knew if my problem was with the inlay itself or with the fact that the retainer modification to move my jaw was making all my teeth ache (and giving me terrible headaches)?

I had a retainer-related appointment on Tuesday and debated whether to complain about the sensitivity. I really do not want a root canal! I thought, maybe I can tough this out one more month till my next appointment, to eliminate the retainer as the culprit, but then I remembered where I live now. So I told my dentist. He had x-rays done of the entire side of that mouth (enough x-rays that I got charged a “whopping” 150 pesos for them!) and everything looked good. He said, “There’s one last thing we’re going to try before I suggest a root canal.” He sent me home with this:

He explained that unlike other brands of tooth sensitivity toothpaste that just numb the teeth, this one actually creates a barrier that builds up and sticks over time. I brush twice a day and it’s been working a treat, no pain at all now!

And more happy news: I think the end of my orthodontic treatment is finally in sight!!! My jaw placement was much improved and I got the official okay to only wear my retainer at night and when home alone — I do not need to wear it when out and about in the world, even if I’m out all day! 🥳