Ann presents with tenderness in the mandibular and a new spring haircut. The clinical exam and radiographs reveal no decay or obvious pathology. The fractured tooth (#14) examined before Christmas remains asymptomatic. Ann again declines treatment but approves when I tell Janice to keep it on watch. Four quadrants of scaling and prophylaxis are performed, and Ann appreciates the margarita joke. Routine orofacial screening is scheduled.
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Ann presents with no complaints and “no sensitivity whatsoever” in the mandibular. Praise for my “magic touch” is duly received. The orofacial is within normal limits and #14 is still asymptomatic. Ann looks comfortable chairside and taps along to my new bossa nova playlist when Janice leaves the room. Four quadrants of flossing are performed on the house. Ann needs little persuading for a follow-up and seems sincere about the promise to floss.
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Ann presents with moderate remorse for rescheduling. She claims the lack of pain made her “forget” about her teeth. Interproximal food is indeed noted in all quadrants and Janice cuts the music. Periodontal probing depths are astonishingly less than 3 mm but Ann blushes when probed about her new billing address. I gently inquire about #14 and list the risks of sustained mesio-palatal fracture. She finally confesses that she has been reluctant to “stir up trouble” and make a more serious commitment. I send Janice out to schedule the next consultation and remove her soiled bib with care.
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Ann presents with a cold formality that Janice validates with side eye. Home care is poor, new playlist ignored. Radiographs of #14 still reveal no sign of decay or pathology, but one day, I tell her, they will. One day she’ll be begging me for that crown, I want to shout, but the closed eyes and tilt of the jaw tell me she wishes she were anywhere else.
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