Toothless

I am now toothless.

Not completely.  I still have most of my teeth.  It's just one tooth I am less.

Today was the day I got the remnants of my broken tooth extracted.  It went pretty smoothly, though the dentist said since it was broken off right at the gum line, there was a chance he might not be able to pull it.  If that were the case, he'd have to refer me to a specialist. 

However, that were not the case, and he was able to get a good grip on the tooth and extract it quickly and cleanly.  The bleeding has pretty much stopped, and it's now to the slightly oozing stage.  From what I've researched, that can last up to 24 hours. 

The bad news is, he didn't give me any of the good drugs.  He said they've decided they don't really work all that well for dental pain, not even loretabs, which is what I used to take.  I'll do just as good taking ibuprofin or Tylenol.  Since I can't take NSAIDs, Tylenol it is.  Or in my case, generic Wal-Mart brand acetaminophen. 

However, since the deadening is already worn off, and it's not hurting too badly, I'm going to hold off on that.  It may be sore tomorrow, but for now, it's just a little tender. 

I'm also supposed to avoid heavy chewing, hot foods or drinks, and straws.  Hee hee, straws.  Get it?  I've been banned from straws and I'm not even on the left coast! 

OK, moving right along...

I have to go back in about three weeks to see if Dr. Moody can add another tooth to my partial.  I told them to schedule me for a 4:15 appointment.  I can't keep missing work for this.  That was the weirdest part about the whole thing -- being home two hours early.  I keep thinking I'm late getting to bed, but it's not even 6:00 yet. 

Speaking of work, they are starting this new thing where employees meet with the plant manager and the head of human resources.

 Guess who got picked to go.  Yippee...

One of my coworkers, when she found out, she clapped her hands like a little girl and said, "You're going to have so much fun!"  I just smiled and nodded, but inside, I was thinking, "What does she think this is, a tea party?"

Truth is, I don't really even want to go.  Neither does anyone else I've talked to.  One guy even ran and put in a vacation day to get out of it.  Another friend said, "It's just going to be a bunch of people sitting around not saying anything." 

I said, "Those snacks better be more than a granola bar and a gatorade!" 

That's why I'm going.  If they try to engage me in conversation, I'm going to say, "I'm only here for the food." 


(Everafter reference.  It's the only Drew Barrymore movie I actually like.  Other than ET, which doesn't really count because she was young and cute back then.)