Klarinet Archive - Posting 000854.txt from 2000/07

From: Nancy Buckman <znjb@-----.net>
Subj: Re: [kl] Pain in upper teeth
Date: Mon, 24 Jul 2000 17:40:34 -0400

>
>Dentists say that there's nothing 'wrong' that they can find,
>apparently.
>
>I searched the archives, but found no reference to this particular
>problem.
>
>Anyone? Nancy?
>
>Tony
>

Tony,

Has she tried the use of pain relieving medication? This doesen't mean that
she has to resign herself to a lifetime of narcotics. There are other
medications that might relieve the pain. Has she had a pulp vitality test
done? This would determine that her nerves to her teeth are functional and
actually capable of causing the pain. It is actually possible to have
phantom pain.

Something she may have to consider is just how important playing the
clarinet is to her. Obviously, she has to be able to eat. Fortunately there
are other things to eat other than hard food that must be bitten with the
front teeth. Unfortunately, there aren't any other options for playing the
clarinet. The upper and lower front teeth are the foundation of the
embouchure. The pain can be permanently relieved, but there are
consequences to be accepted for the relief. The solution I am suggesting is
root canal therapy. This is serious business when one trades tooth vitality
for pain relief.
First, she will have know for certain that her playing is an important part
of her life and she is willing to accept the risk of failure of the
procedure. While this is a procedure with a high rate of success, there is
no guarantee that there won't be complications. Secondly, she would also
have to find a *very good dentist* who is willing to work with her. It has
been my experience (and I mean no disrespect to British citizens and
dentists) that good looking, healthy teeth are not a first priority with
British folks. I say this because I had the necessity to see a dentist for
a dental emergency a couple of years ago while traveling in England. His
office was nowhere near as up to date as an American dental office. As a
result, I elected to wait until I got home to have the problem remedied.
The dentist needs to fully understand the importance placed on clarinetting
to this student. I can't stress this enough.

I have very good teeth, but I have major skeletal problems that have
required continuing care throughout my life in order for me to continue
playing the clarinet. I am not a professional either, but my playing
schedule is probably just as full as a full-time musician (I play somewhere
every day of the week, in addition to 45 minutes of daily practice) and I
hold a day job, too. I have undergone 14 surgical procedures, 3 of which
were major surgeries requiring extended hospital stays, all so I could
continue to play. I have a medical-dental team consisting of my primary
care doctor, a general dentist, an orthodontist and an oral and
maxillofacial surgeon. The general dentist is seen 3 times per year. The
orthodontist is seen twice per year and the surgeon is seen at least once a
month and more often if I am having problems. I have gone into great detail
here only to impart to you the importance of the clarinet to me.

If I can be of any other service to you please stay in touch. I truly
understand this desire to play and am quite willing to offer support to you
and your student.

Regards,

Nancy
znjb@-----.net

Nancy Buckman
Pasadena, Maryland, USA
znjb@-----.net

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