Too much calculus

I went to a dentist today for the first time since getting my wisdom teeth out 7 years ago (which was painful in more ways than one, since grad school didn't offer dental insurance). My gums are in bad shape, but I knew that; the gaps are 5mm instead of 1-2 like they should be, so they're going to do some scaling. In March, which is the earliest they have an opening in the schedule (but I'm on the cancellation list). I guess that means they're popular, which is a good sign. Anyway, miraculously I have no cavities! I was sure I had several, based on the cold sensitivity, but that turns out to just be part of the gum recession exposing the roots. Also, apparently a medium-bristle brush just exacerbates the gum problems (yes, I think mshonle already said this), so they gave me a soft-bristle brush. And the out-of-pocket for the procedures is going to be way less than I expected, so I can reduce my FSA allotment. Meanwhile, I have to figure out how to spend the $1600+ I have leftover for this year, or I lose it. That's way too much Advil...