I survived the root canal

My nerves were shaky when I reached the office where I would be undergoing a root canal.  After registering at the front desk I found my way to the magazines to try to settle myself down.


I picked up a Family Circle and opened it at random...to an article on dentistry.  It literally began with the words "As I sat in office waiting for my root canal...".  What?  Is this a trick...or a sign?  I kept reading.


It went on to explain the marvels of modern dentistry and the advances that have been made in pain management and alleviating fear.  Needles to say, I found this very comforting.


The day unfolded much like in the article.  The procedure was explained to me and a topical agent was used to numb the area before injecting the Novocaine.   While not pleasant, it was not as wrenching as I remembered from past experiences.


A soft block was inserted to keep my mouth open and a rubber sheet fastened around the tooth to keep the junk out of my mouth.  It was quite a mouthful but it gave me peace of mind that I wouldn't be swallowing anything nasty and it provided a shield for my tongue.  I never quite know what to do with the tongue during dental procedures.  It's like it has a life of its own and flops around and I'm afraid it will get in the way.


The drilling sound is always unsettling and I wished I had thought to bring music and headphones or a book on tape or something.  But between the office music and the conversation between the dentist and his assistant it helped to distract me.  I could feel pressure and movement but not pain, except for a couple of small instances and then he applied more Novocaine and I went blissfully numb.


I recalled the old days of having to swish and spit in the sink and counted myself as blessed to live in a time and age where painless dentistry is possible.  And to be living in a country where medical services are readily available.  And for having a sufficient income to allow good dental care.  Very blessed indeed.


I left the office being happy to have it over with and go on with my life.  Eating soup for a couple of days while the mouth is tender will help with my weight loss, so that's a bonus.


Then I went to see a movie (I Don't Know How She Does It) and relaxed with popcorn being chewed carefully on the other side and a soda with a straw since I still didn't have much feeling on the right side.


Then I went home and continued working on the grid covers until She Devil said it was time to watch old episodes of NCIS and hold her for a while.  I think she has a thing for Tony.  My favorite is Gibbs.


Long Live the Old Toothy Queen