Saturday, September 24, 2011

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

8 comments:

  1. So glad your experience with a root canal wasn't so bad. That's a great photo! You have a terrific smile! As for the NCIS re-runs, Tootsie and I watch them too. Gibbs is my favorite too. I think the man is so darn sexy!! You have a great day. Hugs, Edna B.

    p.s. Your blog is NOT boring!! I love your sense of humor and style of writing.

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  2. I love your photo too, Cheryl. The root canal doesn't sound bad at all. The only painful part these days, is getting the bill!

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  3. Boring? Has someone told you you're blog is boring?! It is not. I continue to enjoy it, even if I'm commenting less, must go hand in hand with me writing less. Happy healing!

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  4. Oh that's good dear! Root canals are one of life's most frightening experiences, hehe. But you can definitely survive it with courage and a kind dentist. When in doubt, there are always sedatives, LOL.

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  5. One of the reasons why I like visiting your blog so much is because it has become a daily reference I can use in order to learn new nice stuff. It's like a curiosities box that surprises you over and over again.

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  6. The root canal is a sensitive part of the dental cavity that is oftentimes overlooked by people. Thank goodness for dentists who can alleviate the suffering. It is difficult to imagine how it would be without them.

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  7. How long has it been since you last visited your dentist? When I read this: "I never quite know what to do with the tongue during dental procedures." I got the idea that it was your first time to visit a dentist. I haven't seen "I Don't Know How She Does It", but what I do know is that eating popcorn is the best when watching films. :P

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