What are you looking at?: Any Excuse For A Day Off

Well, folks, it's done. Yesterday morning I lost five of my teeth, and I must say, it really wasn't bad at all.

When I got there, the nice dental assistant gave me some pills for nausea, nerves, and pain. Minutes later, I was in the The Room, where they led me to The Chair and gave me The Mask. My favorite part about the dentist is The Mask, as it allows me to feel comfortable enough to play with my lips and laugh out loud without embarassment or shame. This time, I made it a point to inform my dentist that I had flossed for the big day.

"Thank you!" he said.

What a wonderful man.

It wasn't until the gas was fully in my system that the needles came out and the numbing began. That was actually the worst part, because I could feel the needle going deeper into my skin/gum (hell, I can't remember where) with each shot. Once I was all numbed up, the pushing began. I say pushing because that's what it felt like - like a little group of midget men were heaving and hoing into the side of each tooth. And then... "The first one's out!" he said, and I asked to see it. It was a big tooth. I was impressed.

He kept going, and after about an hour, all five teeth were out. I remember holding ice packs and feeling very shaky. Luke said they were a little worried about me because my face was white and my lips were purple. I slept a lot for the rest of the day, but there wasn't any pain. All in all, it's been a rather pleasant experience. The staff at Hilcrest was great, Luke's been wonderfully patient (his homemade strawberry-banana milkshakes are fantastic), and best of all, I'm enjoying a three-day weekend filled with ice cream, pajama pants, and marathon phone calls with friends. I almost wish things were worse - then I'd have a reason to call in sick on Monday.