2 years ago I had had a break down. I started having panic attacks and I would grind my teeth a bit. Eventually I shattered a tooth. Two years later and a root canal that tooth is causing issues due to an infection. I have a check up on it in a month. It's not really painful, but it's a grim reminder of all the issues I had.

I am a significant amount better than before. Meds and therapy helped a lot. But this tooth reminds me of a time where I was a wreck. It's not a fun feeling. And I don't know what happens next. I never got a tooth pulled for example, I don't know what to expect.

Has anyone beaten anxiety issues? Will I be like this forever?

Edit: Went to my dentist, they looked at it, they are sending me to a specialist tomorrow. Wish me luck.

Edit 2: got scheduled for surgery today, they think they can save the tooth.

Edit 3: Surgery was not that bad.

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[–] AFKBRBChocolate@lemmy.world 2 points 11 months ago (1 children)

It's hard to tell if you want to talk more about the tooth or the anxiety.

As for the tooth, it's not at all clear that they'll pull it. If you have an infection, so they might just drill it out, clean it out, and repack it like the original root canal. If you have a crown on it, they might have to pull that off and replace it. If they do have to pull it, the most likely thing is to do an implant, which takes a number of visits, but for me wasn't especially painful, and ends up looking just like a tooth with a crown, or better. One comment: if you have an active infection in your tooth, you absolutely should not wait to get it looked at. Those can easily get into the bone of your jaw and can literally be deadly.

As for the anxiety, it sounds like you did the right thing and addressed it with therapy and medication. It's important to remember that anxiety and depression are medical issues. No one feels shame or embarrassment about going to a doctor for a broken bone or a bad cut, but so many do for anxiety and depression. We've got to overcome that as a society. People avoid getting treatment or talking to their loved ones about those issues and that's not helpful. I'm glad your did it right - you should be proud about that.

[–] Vej@lemm.ee 2 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) (1 children)

Both.

It's definitely infected. I had perfect teeth before this. I brushed, flossed, went to regular check ups. The fact I am having these issues feel like my fault. During the pandemic I forgot to schedule an appointment. Then the anxiety issues made me just want to be reclusive.

I don't feel shame in going to therapy. I used to go up until about a year ago where I was let go from my job. I probably should pick that up, but I want to go to a different therapist. The one I was going to was recommended by a coworker that I was friends with for 10 years, and all of a sudden ghosted by. So, I can't not associate that therapist with that person.

[–] AFKBRBChocolate@lemmy.world 1 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Everyone gets tooth problems at some point, I wouldn't beat yourself up over that. If it's infected, you should really go in right away.

Anxiety makes everything harder, including taking care of your anxiety. Hang in there!

[–] Vej@lemm.ee 2 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Much appreciated. I see a specialist tomorrow, referral by my dentist as of today.

Picked up some antibiotics too!

[–] AFKBRBChocolate@lemmy.world 1 points 11 months ago (1 children)

I'm honestly relieved to hear it.

[–] Vej@lemm.ee 2 points 11 months ago

Thanks. :)