My CT Scan and plans for next week

So I'm almost ready to see the TMJ specialist on Wednesday.  I went to Canaray yesterday morning for my cone CT scan, which took no time at all. It was a beautiful facility with a very-well run system. They specialize in dental imaging only and it's clear they know what they're doing.

The cone CT scan was actually completely indistinguishable from a panoramic x-ray. They do strap your head into place pretty tightly so that you don't move (they don't do that with the x-rays) but otherwise you'd have no idea which one was happening to you.  They have assured me that the results will be sent to my doctors by Wednesday, and in fact I've already seen some of my images in the online portal that they provide you with. It's all pretty cool...except for the fact that I have no idea what you're supposed to see in these pictures!

So now on Tuesday I'm going to be back in Sarnia at Dr. T.'s office to see her associate (he's actually the one who referred me to the TMJ guy) and have impressions made so that I can have fake teeth Friday after the 14 and the 33 come out. It's a long way to go for that, but it is also Christmas party time and I really would feel better having the flippers in while I am supposed to be socializing and enjoying the holiday celebrations. There's also a chance that taking the impressions for the flippers could pull one or both of the teeth out prematurely (lovely thought) and Dr T's associate (also Dr T...how confusing) is equipped to deal with that. So I've downloaded some podcasts to listen to on the long drive and am hoping for good weather.

Then I'm back to Mississauga on Wednesday to see the TMJ expert (Dr. P) for a consult. I'm looking forward to getting his opinion on what to do with my jaw. I can say that I'm not in a great amount of pain...but it is a lot of discomfort and I still get tired very easily. Sometimes my mouth just won't open very much, and there's a lot of discomfort with all the muscles of my face and head. I don't know if I'm hoping he says that Dr. M's plan for me is good, or that he says he has other things in mind. I'm just grateful to be getting a second opinion, and one that I can trust. Both Dr. T's associate and my orthodontist say that Dr. P is THE guy to work with, so I think I can trust him too.

After that, Friday I'm back to Sarnia at Dr T's to have some more root canals (pulpotomies), crowns and then over to her periodontist for the 2 tooth extractions and bone grafts.

I'm almost wishing I hadn't written this post....I'm tired already just thinking about it!