Extracted!!

I did not plan to go to the dentist today (or for that matter, the oral surgeon). But after several weeks of battling with Tooth #19, action was needed. A couple of weeks ago, I scheduled a visit to my dentist because the gum around this tooth was feeling raw. Discovered the tooth had an infection. After a week of antibiotics, things seemed to calm down.

The following week, I was back at the dentist for a cleaning and checkup (and more work) and a follow-up on Tooth #19.  The other dentist at the practice agreed that it was inevitable that the tooth was a hopeless cause. So we discussed what to put in its place: implant, bridge, and nothing. We didn't discuss when the tooth had to leave.



Tooth #19 in middle.

But time was catching up with Tooth #19. Several days ago, I noticed that my jawbone was feeling weird around Tooth #19.  This morning I wondered if I was taking an unnecessary chance by ignoring the discomfort. Why, it sort of looked like my jaw and cheek were swollen.

So I crashed the dentist office at 8 a.m. and they agreed to take a look (I've been a regular for 14 years). Tooth #19 was pronounced a goner. So I was directed to an oral surgeon to do the honors. Fortunately, he had an opening and now so do I (where Tooth #19 once was).

I am typing this up as the Novocaine wears off and (hopefully) the extra strength Tylenol kicks in; I've got several layers of gauze in the gap (to stop the bleeding) and am putting a cold pack on every so often to try to keep the swelling down.

Oh, Tooth #19 why did you betray me? What did I do wrong? I tried to take care of you. I brushed twice a day and flossed daily. I visited the dentist religiously twice a year for cleanings and exams. What tooth could ask for more? Oh Why oh why? It just won't be the same without you Tooth #19. No bridge or implant can really take your place (although a bridge will likely be constructed-but that will be another blog posting). Fairwell Tooth #19-may you rest in pieces.

Sound Tigers Win!

Sunday April 10th was the final game for the10th Anniversary season of the AHL's Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Fortunately it was a home game and fortunately we had FREE tickets that Richard had won at an earlier game this season for the "chuck-a-puck" contest. Our free seats weren't as good as the ticket at the left but we found decent seats in the same section. Nearly every seat at the (Webster Bank) Arena at Harbor Yard is a good seat. And they are cheaper than NHL tickets. Richard, Lynn, and I went.

The arena was filled to near capacity to watch an exciting game to avoid last place. Fortunately, the Sound Tigers won the game (4-3). Lots of action! Always good to beat the Devils. And so the Devils end up in last place (better than the lake of fire and brimstone [Rev 20:10]).

The Sound Tigers did not have a very successful year but we enjoyed going to several games this year and look forward to next year. SOUND TIGERS!