Remember that tooth? You know, the one I have been whining….I mean writing….about these last few weeks? The idiot who ran a marathon with toothache? Then collapsed in a heap when he crossed the finishing line and cried like a baby the whole way home? Yeah that tooth? Well, three visits to the dentists later and it’s still there. And this is where today’s story begins….
On Monday I sat, a complete wreck, in my dental surgery waiting to be summonsed into the torture chamber. The omens were not particularly good. The receptionist sweetly informed me that their computers kept crashing so the dental team were unable to view x-rays prior to commencing work. Part of me perked up at the prospect of an 11th hour reprieve.
Another part of me just wanted it over and done with. The computer gremlins seemingly vanquished, I was invited into the treatment room where my always bright and breezy dentist gave me the option of a tooth extraction or several painful and expensive root canal sessions in order to save the offending back molar. Even then she could not guarantee it would be successful. Just get it out,’ I pleased. Toothy and I were finished.
Not one, not two, not three, but four pain killing injections later, I lay back in the chair like a drooling bumpkin, unable to feel my ears, let alone my mouth. Hannah the dentist, all seven stone of her, began to valiantly tug and pull at the tooth. I felt nothing initially, the anaesthetic was doing it’s job. Then a sickening crack. I looked up into her eyes, expecting to see her triumphantly holding the tooth aloft.
How wrong I was. She held a tooth, or rather, part of a tooth. Such was the level of decay, the molar was crumbling. Part of it had broken off, but the base and roots remained resolutely in place. Hannah frowned before delving determinedly into my mouth again. This girl wasn’t giving up. That’s when the pain began. Which, given my level of pain relief, was astounding. Yet, there it was.
She huffed and she puffed but it would not come. Her silver instruments flashed before my eyes, before playing a cruel tune across the exposed nerve. A veritable xylophone of agony. In the end I waved a hand frantically in the air. Enough! The pain was too much. She admitted defeat, saying she would refer me to a specialist who would remove the remainder of the molar under sedation. Lots and lots of sedation, I silently prayed.
Teeth. Meh. Who needs them? Well, we all do I guess. But I certainly don’t need this one. Yet, it doesn’t want to leave me. It reminded me of my OCD, of how certain unwanted, intrusive thoughts refused to budge from my beleaguered mind, no matter how hard I tried. Addictive and destructive thinking. A sinful cycle of deception and despair. A desperate desire for the pain to end, for release, for freedom.
I wanted to be free of them, as much as I want to be free of this mischievous molar. I cannot be free of the tooth, I thought as I typed the sixth paragraph of this post on my phone. Then my verse for the day flashed up on the screen, and I smiled. Who says God doesn’t have a sense of humour. I’ll sign off by quoting the verse. The rest, I think, is pretty explanatory. Accessing the truth can be incredibly painful. In end though, it’s worth the effort.
John 8:32 – ‘Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’
How is your relationship with the truth?
Black Thoughts 
I found myself cringing as I read this as I really REALLY hate going to the dentist and will only go in circumstances where I cannot tolerate the pain any longer. I hope you get relief soon. ❤
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Thank you. It’s not too bad at the minute.
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Wowsers that sounds awful! Lots and lots of sedation needed this time!
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Hit me over the head with a hammer 🔨
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😂 pretty sure that’s illegal for a dentist to do, but maybe your wife would be able to oblige 😂
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I hope the dental surgeon is generous with sedation, all the best! And yes, the truth will set you free…
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Thank you 😊 I
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I had a molar removed a few months ago. The dentist warned me that part of it or even some of the roots might break off as he was removing it, but luckily it came out in one piece. It took a while to come out though.
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It is always a risk. While removing one of my molars, the dentist dislocated my jaw. More than 3 years later, I still have problems.
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Ye Gods 😳
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Horrendous 😱
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The dentist is evil!! Have you ever been to a dentist in Minnesota and dealt with all of the insurance problems? If you have not, please keep it that way. It is such a hassle and majorly expensive. After having 3 root canals and numerous extractions, my advise is to just pull the tooth and be done.
As for my relationship with the truth: it hurts, but it is a necessary pain in order to learn and grow. I accept it as part of life, just like the dentist.
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I’m sorry to say I have never visited a dentist in Minnesota, much to my shame 😂
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Oh crap. I’m screwed. Minnesota resident over here!
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OUCH OUCH OUCH
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Ouch! But I love the humor you put into telling this tale.
I hope you find some relief soon! Tooth pain is the worst!
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Thank you 🙏🏻
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Oh NO! So sorry, my friend. Definitely get lots of nitrous oxide next time. But not too much. :p Praying for freedom from the tooth!
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Thank you.
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Perhaps the lesson here is when the tooth *starts* giving you misery, you don’t make it wait to be attended to? I’m sorry this happened, though. Dentists are all Steve Martin in Little Shop of Horrors.
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That sounds very painful. I have not idea how you ran a marathon in the condition. Get well soon.
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Thank you.
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Yikes! Wow, I wasn’t expecting that (the tooth coming out in pieces) and I pray that you’ll have a safe, pain-free surgery. Whenever I go to the dentist, I keep my eyes shut. Can’t bear to see the needles, instruments, etc.
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Thank you.
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I hate dental work. I am getting a root canal probably in January. I’m not eager or happy about it.
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Oh that sounds so bad… hope you get it out! 👍
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Thank you.
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Oh, my! Praying for you! That sounded brutal.
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Thank you.
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That was a terrible experience. I pray that you will have a successful surgery. You describe the ordeal so real. I was captivated.
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Thank you.
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Since I’ve discovered tranquilizers (courtesy of my dentist), all is fine with the world when having her poke and prod. I don’t even quiver anymore as I’m stepping into the “clinically” scented foyer.
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I’m glad it’s a less traumatic experience for you.
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Brillant way of depicting the scene. I felt “pulled” in and my gums hurt now. Hopefully, you are not bothered anymore.
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