Ask a simple question.....

It was starting to look like things were healing up in my mouth. Following the advice of everything I have read regarding my potential condition, I contacted my regular dentist for a referral to an oral surgeon. I went to see the oral surgeon, who barely looked at my mouth. He was very kind, which is why this particular specialist was chosen for me by my dentist. The periodontist is a bit of an arrogant ass, although a good surgeon. I was hoping for some answers to my questions, and to have some fears laid to rest.

The surgeon told me that he did not see any exposed bone, although he also said he didn't want to root around very much, since my mouth is obviously still sore and tender. He is familiar with my periodontist, which is why I hesitated to provide the name. Somehow, like a child, I feared repercussions upon return to the gum guy. Truly a childish feeling, but I felt it strongly. Dr Bonk (could I make that up?) was reassuring and told me he thought I was healing and to not worry.

So, today I returned to the gum guy, feeling a bit more chipper and pleased to have him find no exposed bone. First, he avoided looking at me. Then, he said, first thing, "Bonk called me." The tone he used was exactly what my mom would have used if I had ever been in school and the principal had called. You know, "The principal called." I seriously considered walking out without saying a word, but I didn't. He started to give me a speech about how the Internet is helpful for information but that it shows some extreme cases. I said, "I am not dumb. However, I have been trying to get answers. I can mostly only find information on how this condition can happen, but I can't find much on what to do once it occurs." Wisely, he discontinued the line of conversation.

Upon examination, he told me that I still have a "small spot" of exposed bone. I saw Dr Bonk two days ago, who told me there wasn't any. Me? surprised? No. Gum Guy decided to irrigate the exposed area again, and I am sure it was an accident that he bumped hard into the bone, causing me pain and making me jump. If I had any doubts of bone still being exposed before that, I dropped them at that point along with my spirits.

I decided to try direct, specificquestions. The kind you ask a child, after you ask, "Where were you?" and the answer is, "Out." I know how to ask questions. I did it in my job for 27 years. I can approach directly, obliquely, or from left field, whatever seems to work best. On gum guy, nothing does. Here is how it went:

Do I need to worry in the future if I need an extraction or a root canal?

   You probably won't need any of those.

But if I do, do I need to be concerned that I will not heal normally?

    This sort of problem tends to be more common with people who take

     the medication by IV; anything else is very rare. Besides, you aren't

     taking the Fosamax any more, are you?

I am not, but what if my doctor tells me to take it again?

     Then you need to discuss that with your doctor.

I admire his ability to evade answers. I tried again:

How much bone do I have exposed now?

     Not much. Just a small amount. Maybe a couple of millimeters.

At that point, I quit asking questions, and politely asked if I was done and could leave. I am to return in a month. I know nothing more today than I did a month ago.

Bonus points to anyone who remembers how much bone I had exposed two weeks ago? It was 1.5 mm, according to gum guy.

Any questions as to why I didn't bother to ask him if "a couple of mm" is more or less than 1.5 mm?"