I've been struggling with dr and dentist appts lately. I went to the dentist back in march and she said my molars all looked like they needed route canals. They dont hurt but they are bad and i put off going after they closed down for covid. Then i started getting headaches in late july, which i posted about a week ago. One of my fears is that i got an infection in my tooth that spread to my brain. Even though the tooth doesnt even hurt. Also im scared of being judged about all my dental problems. I feel so vunerable lately. Like im going to be diagnosed with something incurable. Im female, 54 years old and pretty healthy. Also i have to go back to primary dr in a few weeks for blood work. My cholesterol was a bit high last year so im afraid she.ll put me on statins which ive heard arent good for you. Im still worried about the headaches too but yoga seems to help them . I just feel so worried all the time.
Dentist fears
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bin_tenn
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Go to the dentist and get any problems taken care of, especially if it's as simple as root canals. I put off a lot of necessary dental work for years, and now I have to go to an oral surgeon on Oct 22 to have four teeth surgically removed. And I'm only 33 years old. That's not all the work I need done. But I've been having a recurring infection in a particular tooth, and surgical removal is pretty much the only option. I would MUCH rather have a root canal done, if it were possible. 
All that to say, just go get it taken care of. You'll be fine. I do understand the worries about infection spreading. Yes, it's a legitimate concern, but still highly unlikely. Several years ago, before I knew an infected tooth could cause serious issues or even be fatal, I had an infection. No insurance at the time, and I let it go. The abscess popped on its own, and I never saw the dentist for it. Yikes!
All that to say, just go get it taken care of. You'll be fine. I do understand the worries about infection spreading. Yes, it's a legitimate concern, but still highly unlikely. Several years ago, before I knew an infected tooth could cause serious issues or even be fatal, I had an infection. No insurance at the time, and I let it go. The abscess popped on its own, and I never saw the dentist for it. Yikes!
Agree with Aries and Bin, I got two badly infected teeth and one had to be removed as it was which was a risky move but the dentist couldn't wait. It was infected for quite a while. It's not that easy. And, if an infection spreads to your brain it will let you know. Even so, it's treatable because you will be forced to go to emergency because of out-of-this-world severe headache and high fever.
I have high LDL cholesterol but at the same time high HDL cholesterol. So even if you have high bad cholesterol doesn't mean they can force statins on you.
@Bin, sorry that you are going through this.
Yes losing teeth doesn't feel good really I understand that. But there are always bridges and maybe later on implants to recover the lost teeth, if you have means to get those treatment later on.
I have high LDL cholesterol but at the same time high HDL cholesterol. So even if you have high bad cholesterol doesn't mean they can force statins on you.
@Bin, sorry that you are going through this.
Yes losing teeth doesn't feel good really I understand that. But there are always bridges and maybe later on implants to recover the lost teeth, if you have means to get those treatment later on.
bin_tenn
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Yes, I plan to get a temporary fix for now, such as partial / bridge. Later on we'll look at implants and such. Thank you!
Not sure where the OP got the idea that statins are bad for you. Not only do they lower total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides, there are many studies suggesting that at least some type statins (Lipitor) lessen the risk of certain cancers.
Thanks. The dental visit went well. But i dont like the new hygenist. Too judgemental. No infection so just looking at a bunch of fillings and a possible crown and extraction. The thing thats bothering me is when theh took my oxygen is was 98
But my pulse was 127. I had just walked up the steps but was also anxious. Oh god i keep worrying. I was fine but then i started thinking about the pulse. They didnt seem concerned though. They did it because of covid precautions.
bin_tenn
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Why does an oxygen saturation of 98 cause concern for you? Do you believe that's abnormal? It absolutely isn't, and most people don't have 100% most of the time. Mine was 98 when I went to the doc today, and it's been as low as 96 or 97 in past visits. Perfectly normal.
FlipperK
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95% or better is what they look for O2 levels. Nearly everyone falls into the 97-99 range. You rarely see 100
blueberries
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Your oxygen is okay at 98 and unless your pulse rate is always 127 that is okay, too. My rate is always way high when at the dentist and I'm sure if they took my bp it would be also. Now that I remember, the one time they did it was 170 over something (and my problem is usually low blood pressure, not high). Also, if you just walked up steps that will make it naturally make it higher.
Regarding cholesterol - mine is high also and after many years of being pestered about it, one year ago I finally went on statins, next cholesterol check at 6 months it was normal for the first time. I have since stopped taking them because I read so many bad things about them. Statins or no statins is one of the biggest debates in the medical field. Both sides have their very convincing arguments and very ardent followers. Each side can look at the same study and come up with totally different conclusions. You have to also look at your triglycerides, your good cholesterol and your ratios. If you do go on statins ask if you can start at the lowest dose possible
Regarding cholesterol - mine is high also and after many years of being pestered about it, one year ago I finally went on statins, next cholesterol check at 6 months it was normal for the first time. I have since stopped taking them because I read so many bad things about them. Statins or no statins is one of the biggest debates in the medical field. Both sides have their very convincing arguments and very ardent followers. Each side can look at the same study and come up with totally different conclusions. You have to also look at your triglycerides, your good cholesterol and your ratios. If you do go on statins ask if you can start at the lowest dose possible
Thank you. I will ask about low dose. I have always been afraid of drugs. I go for the blood work in 2 weeks.