You never really know how absolutely debilitating dental issues are until they occur.

About a week ago, I had a molar extracted. I had a root canal done on it a few years ago and a crown was placed onto it. It was holding up really well up until recently. I assume the tooth underneath the crown must have cracked within the past few months, since there was no issue with it at my last checkup in April. The tooth was giving me a lot of discomfort earlier this month. When I got it evaluated at the dentist, that was when I was told the news: a huge cavity had formed on the remaining tooth, to the point where it could not be salvaged.

I didn’t really handle the news very well. I was pretty inconsolable during that visit, all while being told all this information about the actual extraction, possible implant, payment options... I have pretty bad dental phobia. My current dentist (bless his heart) is aware of this and pretty much has to handle me with kid gloves every time I see him. He’s really nice and non-judgmental and doesn’t mind that I have to bring a plushie with me during visits. Even so, it’s a really stressful experience for me.

Leading up to the extraction, I was pretty miserable. I didn’t have any sharp tooth pain since it was a root canal tooth, but the gum around it was super tender and sore. An infection had developed and made the pain even worse. Luckily I was given antibiotics before the extraction. It helped to calm down the swelling, but it was still bothersome. I debated on walking into an emergency clinic and having them pull it sooner than my scheduled extraction, but my fear got the best of me. I opted for IV sedation during my extraction, and emergency dental clinics aren’t able to provide that in such circumstance..

The surgery itself was a breeze, not that I remember anything from the actual procedure. I was nervous leading up to it, but as soon as the IV was placed in my arm, it was lights out. Next thing I remember, my dad is putting my seatbelt on in the car. It’s crazy how sedation medication works; it’s powerful stuff! Even afterwards, I was really sleepy and nauseous from the anesthesia and couldn’t keep anything down. Nevertheless, I’m glad that I got it done. Tooth issues can be pretty serious, even life-threatening.

Recovery hasn’t been very easy, to be honest. Honestly, the worst part about getting a tooth pulled... is after the fact. Jaw pain, sore gums, a numb tongue, and a swollen face. I’m slowly getting back to a regular diet, but I have to eat really slowly on my opposite side. The stitches that were used to close the gap are driving me insane. I wish they would dissolve sooner. I also really don’t like the amount of pain medication I’ve been needing to take. Ibuprofen is rough on the stomach, and the stronger pain medication I was given would make me too drowsy to work. It's steadily getting better, but it’s really been slowing me down.

This goes into my point about the “figurative pause button” on my life right now. I had quite a bit of things planned in October that I didn’t get to do because of my dental woes. Cancelled appointments, missed hangouts with friends. Never mind the fact that today is Halloween! I wish I could go out and have fun and have a drink or two. Sigh... I really need to take things slowly right now. I need to listen to my body and let it heal. Ironically enough, I’m convinced that this is some sort of sign, this whole ordeal. I’ve been severely ignoring myself and putting my health on the back burner. I’ve been so busy with work and friends and appointments and other responsibilities. I never have time for myself..

This really speaks to the concept of needing to make time to care for yourself, or else your body will force you to in one way or another. Then again, my tooth could have cracked regardless of whether I was taking care of myself or not. Accidents happen and you just never know... Gahh, let me be philosophical, okay?!

An allograft bone graft was placed in the socket where the tooth was so that my jawbone can grow back well enough for a potential implant. I’m still debating on whether I want to go that route. I’ve heard mixed things about whether or not replacing a second molar is necessary. My only concern is that, over time, the molar that was above it will start to “super-erupt” and gravitate down, potentially putting it at risk of decay and other complications. This wouldn’t be a concern for the next few years, but it’s still something I would like to prevent while I’m able to.

Teeth issues really stink. I think I’m just genetically unlucky in that department. I’ve always had tooth issues, especially as a kid. Frequent tooth aches and multiple fillings. But I still ate candy and drank soda, like any other sugar-addicted kid in America. You reap what you sow, I guess...

Brush your teeth twice a day, and please remember to floss.