I'm freaking out.....

whitman

so...blah blah blah - car accident - nerve damage. The medication I have been on for almost three years to control the muscle spasms due to the nerve damage has some rather interesting side effects. The medication was an anti-convulsant. Side effects - 'dry-mouth', 'dental abnormalities' ....etc....ok, I'm fairly sure I was aware that 'dry mouth' was a side effect but I had absolutely no idea of the implications of having 'dry-mouth' for three years meant. Turns out I have cavities. About $12,000 worth actually. All of them developed during the period that I was on this medication. I have dental x-rays from just before the accident so I am certain, as is my dentist, specialist etc - that this was all caused by the meds.

So I've been going to the dentist every week for the last four months to get stuff fixed slowly.

This week, well....it's a bit worse. By a 'bit worse' I mean....I am totally freaking out.

Seems my teeth are sort of crumbling away. I guess that's what they meant by dental abnormalities. I figure crumbling teeth is abnormal, right? Has anyone had this happen to them? At what point should my current state of calm freaking out be shifted up into full panic mode?

mrsjones5

At what point should my current state of calm freaking out be shifted up into full panic mode?

Never, I don't think full panic mode would do you any good. I guess a good freak out might feel good for the moment but then you have to calm down again and gather your wits about you...right?

whitman

Thanks Mrs. J. - yes, gather wits. Shall gather wits and not go into panic mode. Thank you. I actually feel better. xxx

sacolton

Wow! $12,000 of dental work. That's pretty extreme. I can't even imagine what you must be going through, but my thoughts are with you.

Despite that the medication does relieve your nerve damage ... I don't think it's enough for the prescription to just say "dental abnormalities" as a side-effect and just let your teeth deterorate as if it was acceptable. Now, dry-mouth shouldn't be something to get worried about when it comes to side-effects, but it's as if they knew the final result would be tooth decay. That's just unacceptable. I would say that would be like saying a side-effect could be "mental impairness" and then find out that it results in total memory loss.

I wonder if you have any legal claim.

whitman

Thanks Sacolton - $12,000 does seem pretty crappy really doesn't it? I did my homework. I found out who actually manufactures the drugs, I did more research - checked medical journals and such. I did speak to the manufacturers and all they can say is that 'dry-mouth' is a listed side effect, so basically they've covered their arses. Having a dry mouth for three years prevents normal mouth stuff from happening - hence the extreme cavities - oh the joy.

I'm in the middle of a shocking legal action against an insurance company so I am claiming compensation for dental expenses. Unfortunately in the 90's the NSW state premier - Mr. Bob Carr, changed the legislation regarding car accidents and the ways in which a victim can claim for compensation. Thanks Mr Carr. Doesn't help that beloved Mr Carr happens to be the 'patron' of a dept. of Ancient History in which I work. He keeps giving talks and lectures and seminars about his generousity and his passion for ancient historians..... I cannot for obvious reasons attend - I'm trying not to get arrested this year. Not that I ever have been, but if I was going to be - I'd want it to be for bitch slapping a certain ... 'someone'....

WingCommander

My advice to you - seriously, is to have them all removed and have full dental implants put in. Get it all done at once, in one shot....and then it will be over with.

About 2 years ago I had an infection in one of my upper rear molars from a broken root.....it burst through my gumline, and made me ill for months. Upon finally going to the dentist, we found the broken root and also that the infection had eaten away part of my jawbone. I had to have a bone graft to fix my jaw.

Then, I had a choice....root canal and crown of this messed up rear molar, or pay $1000.00 for a new implanted molar. Well, I choose the root canal and crown. NEVER AGAIN! That cost twice as much as the implant, and it won't last forever! The implant will last you your life, and not need replacing, as well as being cheaper. I'm sure there's probably a discount if you do your entire mouth. I will never had a root canal or crown again!!! NEVER!!

- Wing Commander

nsrn

So you are getting a few cavities fixed at a time, and keeping good financial records of it, right? Bless your heart (and teeth), I've heard of that being a bad side effect of some meds, but I had no idea THAT severe....

mrsjones5

full dental implants

That's what I want. Which reminds me, I need to make a dental appointment.

sweetstuff

I'd look into the full dental implants as well if I were you, because even if you get them fixed, if the damage goes beneath the surface, you could continue to have problems with them breaking and crumbling after you've paid to have them fixed for the cavities. Might be an opportunity in a way to have a perfect, life long smile versus years of headaches with repairing your already damaged teeth. I heard it costs about 10 grand here to have the dental implants, I'm guessing Australia would be close in price and then you never need worry again about what will happen next to your teeth, due to the side effects.

whitman

Upon reflection - teeth are stupid. Who needs teeth? Why the hell not start again from scratch. Do they do implants in colours like contact lenses? Could I have purple teeth? That would be soooo worth having them all ripped out.

I'm freaking out.....

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