This is the only picture I will be showing you because I love this photo. It brings me a sense of peace, unlike my day.
I have serious periodontal disease inherited from my dad. My twin has it as well. You know, as a caregiver since 2010, people would say, "Don't forget to take care of yourself." I knew I was taking care of myself. I eat breakfast out, snack on potato chips for lunch, and make a meal or get take-out for supper. If I have a runny nose, I blow it. If I can't sleep I meditate or take a Tylenol PM. What more could I do to take care of myself?
However, I knew I had gum issues. Over the past several months my bottom teeth had shifted and became loose. I thought, "I will deal with this in due time." But, I didn't. During my drives to Gainesville, I would flick my tongue against a couple of loose bottom teeth; but I will say, I knew the inevitable would happen. Last night while watching "Castle", I flicked my bottom tooth and it flipped into my mouth. Gross! Well, I immediately called Sam Markham, my daughter's husband who works on root canals. "Not to worry Mrs. George. I'll look at it tomorrow and take X-rays."
So today I met Sam at his office (after getting lost twice). We waited for his assistant, Tracy to arrive. I was so apologetic. Embarrased is the real word. With a dentist in your family, I knew better, but I had had such a bad experience from a royal jerk about fifteen years ago, that I stopped taking care of my teeth. Pompous jerk, I might add.
Anyway, today I was laid back in the dentist chair feeling somewhat calm. Of course I started barking orders to Sam. "Don't wiggle that other tooth or it will fall out on the floor." Sam told me to calm down many times. Eventually, he let Tracy take the X-rays.
Oh, my word. That little bitty but wide contraption she put in my mouth was uncomfortable. At one point my left hand was extended straight out like I imagine electrocution must look like, pointer finger stiffened to the heavens. In the meantime, Sam kept reassuring me I was doing good. Yeah! Right! I think I said at one point, "You are NOT getting a Christmas present from me!" Later, I think I said, "I'm NOT coming to Christmas dinner even if you invite me!"
Poor Tracy. She was so patient. She tried not to hurt me, but my lower teeth and gums were in agony. No. I was in agony. "Just pull them all and give me dentures!" I squalled. But, dear sweet Sam kept reassuring me that he and other specialists would come up with a plan.
People, I didn't even get a shot today. I longed for a shot in the gums. I longed to be put out of misery. I even longed for a Long Island Iced Tea. Finally, taking X-rays was over and Sam told me I did good. "Liar liar pants on fire!" I thought. I'm a whimp! A big cry baby! In the end, something was mentioned to me about having a flapper put in my mouth once my bottom teeth were pulled while a bridge was being made.
A flapper? I was so out of it, I didn't even ask. So if you see me around town in the next week or two and there's something strange in my mouth, please don't ask. Do not make me talk. Pretend I look normal. . . because I don't know what a flapper is.
And, by the way Sam Markham, "I still love you!" It's all my fault because I didn't take care of myself.
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