[Baz]

My dentist told me 2 checkup/cleanings ago I had a cracked tooth that was irreparable and needs to be pulled.

It's the 2nd pre-molar upper right side.

He also gave me an estimate on an implant - over $4K!

My oldest brother had the same tooth pulled and didn't do anything. I don't want to look like a meth head with teeth missing but I think it's far enough back it wouldn't make a difference.

Getting back to the cracked tooth.....yesterday it started hurting a little. It also feels a little loose. I called my dentist and booked an appointment for the extraction (May 25) and the front desk gal said she would get me in earlier because they always have cancellations. She also called in an antibiotic script which I picked up yesterday afternoon, along with some 20% benzocaine toothache medication...both of which has helped with the pain - essentially removing all pain (thank God!).

I found a YT vid by a dentist who has a 3-3-3 plan. 3 Advils - 3 times a day - for 3 days - to eliminate toothache pain. So I'm doing that too.

Anyway - wondering if anyone else has run into anything like this.

I've always had pretty decent teeth but now in my 60's it's just one more thing that seems to be experiencing shelf life issues.