wimpy teeth

For years, I have mocked my mother because of her wimpy teeth: using wimpy teeth toothpaste, being sensitive to hot and cold foods. Probably not the kindest way to be. . .

And so I get my karmic retribution. I have a tooth that has been sensitive to hot and cold for about two weeks. Today, I went to the dentist, my first dentist visit in over 2 years (the joys of being un- and under-insured)! I was terrified. Half of my fear was of cavities, root canals, and all of the other horrors that must be lurking in my mouth, needing to be taken care of. The remaining fear was comprised of worry about what it all would cost me. My dental insurance, which I've only had since January, covers some things after 3 months, some after 6 months, some after a year.

The fear was unfounded. They took an x-ray & poked around at my sensitive tooth & couldn't find anything major. Apparently as one ages, one's gums recede. When that happens, the newly exposed tooth is sensitive until the enamel toughens up. So they put a temporary sealant on the tooth, gave me some sensitive toothpaste samples (which I need to start using) and set up a 'real' appointment for cleaning and (probably) cavity discovering.

And my insurance covered the whole thing.