Rockingham (TBA) – Major “surgical dental extractions”

Have you ever had surgery? What for?

I remember going to the dentist a few years ago and having not been for a while. I was very nervous and well embarrassed too. I knew I needed major work done.

The dentist began his routine examination and we weren’t that long into the review before he removes his fingers from my mouth and says “Your going to need to have all your upper teeth and 5 lower teeth removed due to periodontal disease and damage.

The only way to stop the disease is to have the teeth removed. Oh my lord, I was in shock. I knew I needed work done on my bottom teeth, but for him to state that I needed all my upper teeth removed was just devastating.

I said I don’t believe that, and he told me to go home and think about it and to check my upper teeth for movement. I did, and every God dam toothed in my upper mouth was loose, but I was altogether unaware until checking.

So I booked in again and asked what steps are involved and the expense of the whole ordeal, and he said that the only teeth that are suitable for the mouth are dentures, not screw in ones either due to bone loss…

He said I had a few options of either removing them in 3 stages and have no teeth in my mouth for up to 6 months while healing then get the the dentures or u could be brave and get them removed all at once and have immediate dentures in my mouth with a beautiful smile from day 1.

I didn’t hesitate and I said take them all the once please. Considering I only had one tooth missing from the whole mouth, you can imagine my discomfort at the idea of having them all removed at once.

My Dad always used to say, “All I want for Xmas is my 2 front teeth.” And since I often think of him, I decided I wanted them removed for Xmas as a bit of a standing joke.

The appointment was drawing close, and the day of, I was a hot mess. I think I snuck in a shot or two before the appointment to calm my nervousness. I think I went into the appointment crying just like I left from my initial appointment crying, too.

The tears must have upset him also as he didn’t charge me for the diagnosis he walked me to reception and told the staff not to charge me, and he would take care of the bill for today.

There was something about the dentist that was just so calming, hence the tooth whisperer. So I’m ready for needles to be pricked all around my gums and he says let’s not try that today we’ll just start taking them out and if you feel like you need pain relief I’ll give you some needles.

Strangely, I agree, but every dentist trip always hurt even with the God damn needles. I didn’t like his chances, but sure enough, he started extracting all my upper teeth, and before I knew it, he was done with mo needles and no pain. Mind you during my time in the dentist’s chair, I did have nails firmly implanted in my leg, and he had to keep asking me to breathe.

Not much blood, barely any pain and he gave me some antibiotics and paid relief saying I will need it for the healing and boy did I ever, the healing was so painful and I had to keep my dentures in for 48 hours so the gums can heal over. It was a mission, and at times, I would start gagging with all the extra stuff in my mouth.

I remember the mirror moment, the moment of truth. After the appointment, I got to check out my new smile, I was pleased as punch and smiling ear to ear with tears of happiness and joy. I was beside myself.

So now whenever I choke on my teeth or can’t eat that steak sandwich or corn cob, I remember the smile, and it takes all the pain and struggles away. It was indeed surgery, but with a bonus nice smile at the end.