So after the x-rays he determined that I had no internal cavities either. What he was worried about however was that I appear to have eroded or recessed bones in my jaw. He theorizes that I might haver periodontis, a gum disease (basically super gingivitis). And if left untreated, someday, the bones would theoretically completely erode away and my teeth would fall out. But it doesn't appear to be that bad and my gums are in good condition, so he just wants me to come back next week for a deep gum cleaning, and start using a water pick, which in theory should halt the disease if I do in fact have it. I personally am skeptical. I think there's a high probability that the bones in my jaw are just lower because I have a vastly reconstructed jaw. For those who don't know, when I was 2 years old, I crushed and mangled my jaw in a freak tricycle accident (no seriously, I really did). My teeth were so screwed up because of that, that I almost never smiled with my mouth open my entire childhood, even as early as age 6. In fact, out of habit, I tend to not do so today, even though my teeth are remarkably straight and nice due to extensive orthodontic reconstruction in my teens. (which involved the removal of several teeth, and the slow widening and retightening of my jaw over several years, followed by the aforementioned tongue spurs). But what the hell, as long as I have insurance I might as well use it right? if I do have periodontis, this should pretty much fix it. Well, not fix it, but halt it before the damage were to get any worse.
So anyway, my teeth are a miracle of modern science. Come and worship at my altar of dental fidelity....
uhh... or something...
