A Dental First for Carol

I had quite the experience this morning. My very first -- yes at my age -- filling at the dentist. At my check up/cleaning last week it was discovered my "occasional" flossing wasn't enough and I managed to get a cavity between two of my back teeth. I headed off to the dentist with iPod in hand prepared for what I honestly didn't know never having been in this position before.

First my gum was topically numbed and I thought "well this isn't too bad." Next was the first round of Novocaine. That wasn't too bad either -- just a few pinch like pains. As I laid there letting the numbing take effect I realized my tongue, my lips and my chin no longer existed. Well at least it felt that way! :-) The next round of Novocaine was administered with no pain at all. A few more minutes of letting the numbing take effect and I am surprised the dentist and hygienist are not laughing at me since as I said above I have basically lost the right half of my face. A quick hand to the cheek and I realize this isn't the case but it sure feels that way.

The dentist came back in and gave me these lovely green glasses to wear; I proceed to insert my iPod headphones in, close my eyes and hope for the best. After about 15 minutes of tugging, pushing and this every interesting ultra violet light I am done! The dentist gives me a mirror and the very cool thing is if I didn't now what tooth had the cavity I wouldn't be able to tell what tooth was filled. Despite the lovely result I tell the dentist I am now flossing every single day AND brushing after lunch as well. This girl is determined for that to be her first, last and ONLY filling.

Now as I sit here and try to eat my lunch I am left to wonder when the right side of my face will come back to life.