The Root of the Problem

Well, it's official. I'm having a 'root canal'. My visit to the dentist went fine... at least TODAY. That is, because all he did was look at the problem, tell me that it was in bad shape and offer me the solutions to my problem. The issue of course, being a broken molar that I have let go for far too long. The visit went a little something like the following.

I get to the office, fill out all the 'necessary paperwork', and get my insurance information in order. While i'm waiting, I eyeball a magazine to pass the time, thinking about all the dental horror stories, all the while, hearing this kid-must have been about 9 or 10 years old, in the back making the worst gagging and hurling noises you've ever heard... like something was just strangling the life out of him. "Oh, that's encouraging... terrific... I gotta go in after this kid... 'Doc Holiday' sounded better on his dying breath." (ok, try to ignore it)

Finally, I get to go in, and I sit in 'The Chair'... you know the one, staring at the instruments hanging from the torture device, and then I look away at a poster illustrating all types of issues with the mandible and glands surrounding teeth and the like. If that wasn't enough to pep me right up, the 'Easy Listening' music went right up my nose...lol Finally, a girl comes in and shoves some contraption in my mouth and takes an 'x-ray' I assume. Leaves the room. A few minutes later, Doc comes back in and has a peek for himself... feels around the gums, stares at my Tooth of Doom with his tiny mirror... says "Hmmmm, never had a major tooth removed have you?". Me: "Nooo (giggle). He leaves the room.

When he comes back, the girl is with him... they give me the low-down. "Do you have any interest in salvaging the tooth?" he asks. (No of course not, I get my kicks from having them yanked and the tooth fairy is giving me quite a kickback in this deal, what do you think??) "Well... I wasn't sure if it would be possible, given the condition it was in... is it even possible?" I ask. Doc replies "It's in bad shape... but with a Root Canal, and a Crown, you can save it."

"Well, certainly then-of course I want to save it if I can."

So he has referred me to an official 'Endoperiodontal Group'--you know--a "specialist" to perform the actual Root Canal, and then i'm to report back to him for a crown. Heard good stories of Root Canals, and heard nightmare stories about them too... Let's hope mine is a Disney movie and not an "R" :) Also, wish me luck--and Barnze, do tell how your dentist situation is going!!

Since we've gotta do what we gotta do, then lets at least have a laugh out of the dear ol' Dentist. If you all remember a movie called "Little Shop of Horrors" with Steve Martin as a cruel and evil Dentist, then this should bring a laugh. Enjoy :)