Thanks, guys, for your input. Luckily for me, some of the financial pros where I worked as an admin assistant over 5 years ago found out about what's going on with me. One called me up and was insistent about wanting to do something. I told him about my dental quandary, and he got back to me right away with the name and number of his dentist, who has experience. I saw him yesterday, and he recommended I keep all my teeth, so the money I just unloaded (and next pile I'll hand over near Christmas when I get my crowns) won't be yanked out of my head at the end of the year.

On the water pik front - I asked both dentists, and was given a "go ahead and use it, but be careful". My dentist recommended a low to med low setting only. ("Lots of water pressure can actually force bacteria deeper down than it would penetrate on its own.") The "experienced" dentist also recommended something like a Sonicare automatic toothbrush because some people have fatigue, and the brush does the work for you. I think I'll hold off on buying that, and trust that I won't be that fatigued (yes, fingers are crossed, and I did knock wood).