Thanks for the tip, MajTom! I probably should go and get a second opinion like you suggest... A buddy of mine is a dentist, but moved his practice half-way across the country before I could see him "professionally." He was a fairly recent grad (mid-90s), and he was taught that unless they're they're bothering the patient, don't touch 'em.
On the other hand, he still occasionally opened beer bottles with his teeth, so maybe his opinion wasn't worth all that much.
I hope the recovery is going well FunkedUp!
Cheers,
phaetn