I've always been terrified of going to the dentist, ever since I was a little kid. Fell on a Sunday morning, busted off my two top front teeth, and my Mom called the dentist (family friend) and took me over to his office. He yanked the remains minus pain killer, and that did me in for the rest of my life.
Years later, dental work was mandatory while I was on Active Duty, so I had to suffer through the horrifying experience of having my jaw dislocated while my wisdom teeth were pulled by a Second Looie who didn't know his ass from a hole in the ground. My roomie ran and got her boss, a bird Colonel, who immediately stepped in and took over the procedure, and took care of me for the rest of the time I was stationed in Alaska. I never went to the dentist again after I left the military, and I still have the click in my jaw from the dislocation but thankfully, no pain.
Last weekend I broke a molar eating one of those Chinese sugar cookies. Talk about PAIN???!!! Started on antibiotics right away (had them from when Chance was sick), and thankfully, had two tablets of hydrocodone here to hold things at bay; broke them in half to take off the edge. Called my Aunt to find out who she went to, and discovered that we have a dentist in the family. Called Dr. J's office, he ordered antibiotics round the clock, and I met him when I went in on Tuesday for Round #1. Told him my history, he told me he would take good care of me and explain everything step by step -- and he did. First order of business was x-rays, then a set of "around your head" x-rays. Then, lots of that pink stuff to deaden me before sticking in those gigantic needles; that pink stuff tastes like crap! Then the needles, and then my face went to sleep. Out came that broken molar, and it was ugly. Not only was it busted, but it had a strange hook on it, and it was a bugger to get it out. Left there with a prescription for Vidodin ES 750, so that I didn't have to deal with the pain; headed straight for Walgreens and asked them to put a rush on it. I was dying; the numbness was wearing off while I was waiting for the script to be filled, the pain was coming up, and I needed to be home before I took the pain meds. Drugs work!!!
Thursday, I was back in again for Round #2, for two more teeth to be removed, and two teeth to get temporary caps prior to a bridge being made on the left side. Back this coming week for one last tooth to be removed, and then a mold to be made for a bridge for the right side.
Dr. J promised me that when this is all finished, I'll be out of pain and be able to eat again. If I had known he was in the family, I probably would have undertaken this project a long time ago. As of right now, with the glaring exception of those giant needles coming at me, I seem to be totally relaxed on all the other procedures. I don't mind the needles on the outside on my teeth, but the shots on the inside of my teeth are another whole story -- they HURT.
I actually ate something besides oatmeal today. That's a helluva an improvement -- LOL!!!