I’m pretty much a wimp when it comes to physical pain, but unexpected events can come up where you simply don’t have a choice. Either you face it now, or continue to suffer the consequences of avoiding the problem. One problem is the build up of infection which worsens the pain. In fact, one thing I leaned on a recent visit to the dentist, was that removing an infection can cause more pain then extracting a tooth.
A little over a year ago I started feeling some discomfort in my jaw. It emanated from my tooth but it was much lower. So I went to my dentist who was able to see a small dark spot at the bottom of a tooth where I had a root canal performed years before. A small space had developed and we needed to go back in there and see what was going on and try and fill that space. Space in life can be good, but inside teeth I discovered, is very bad. Bacteria and infection can set up camp and eventually start eating away at healthy tissue and bone, potentially creating a big problem.
After that procedure the endodontist informed me that the area was filled but that the structure of the tooth was weak and it’s life expectancy was probably not more then a couple of years. True to his word, 14 months after that visit the pain returned to my jaw and a boil appeared on my gum line around that tooth. There wasn’t a lot of pain, but when it burst and puss came out I knew it wasn’t a good sign. So back to the dentist I went who now informed me that the tooth was dead and that an extraction was needed. I’ve never had a tooth pulled before, and the only image I had in my mind was one from the moves, where a guy puts his foot on your chest and with a pair of pliers in your mouth wrenches out your tooth. Not a good visual.
The oral surgeon I went to was a true professional. He jokingly assured me that their methods of pulling teeth had improved over the years. However, because of the infection and the amount of pain that probably would be involved, suggested that I be put to sleep for the procedure. That would require some preparation such as not eating for 12 hours previous, etc. so I would have go home and schedule the procedure for another day. The other option, which I could do immediately, was to have just a local anesthetic and remain conscious through the procedure. Which, in itself, because of the infection and the brittle tooth could involve quite a bit of pain. So this was the moment of truth for me. Face the pain consciously now, or come back later and be put to sleep.
Obviously there are additional risks when you are put to sleep, but the upside is you don’t have to face the pain. While contemplating my options, I remembered that Puggy Pearson, an old time poker player, died the night after going to the dentist and being put to sleep. Knowing that risk was very slight, it still didn’t seem to make sense to take that path just to avoid the pain. Secondly, from my personal experience, I know it’s more effective to handle something consciously rather then unconsciously. So, I made the decision to face the procedure consciously and have it done right then.
They came in with this long needle and gave me a few shots to the jaw to numb the area and then I watched Seinfeld on the TV to find some humor and distraction while it took effect. Fifteen minutes later, they came in for the kill.
Leaning almost on my back there was nothing now to distract me. I knew I had to find something to look at to focus on as a distraction. The only thing I could find was the dark flowing hair on the surgeons head. So I started counting the hairs that were dangling from his head as he went in - Oweee! My eyes opened wide as the pain went deep. So excrutiating at one point that tears filled my eyes and I started to sweat. I could feel the metal on my bone as he began twisting the tooth trying to pry the culprit loose from it’s forty year old home. I tightened my grip on the chair trying my best to hold my body in place. In my mouth they put what’s called “a block,” to prevent it from slamming shut. There is also some gauze in there to soak up the blood. At one point I couldn’t get enough air, and it felt like I was going to choke on it. But it was as if he could read my mind, and he assured me he would remove it in just a moment. That moment of helplessness and submission can be a very spiritual moment. It was for me, as I found peace looking into the eyes of his assistant who was calm and smiling.
Finally, I was relieved when I saw this long thread and knew he was stitching up my gums. At this point I couldn’t even feel the needle. I was so relieved knowing that I had made it through the experience without “tapping out.” I had faced the pain and bagged the badly infected tooth.
I now know what Webster means now when he defines the word patience as “suffering in place.” For the word patient, comes from the word patience. A trait, thanks to this experience, that I now have a greater understanding and capability of applying at the tables.
Don't forget to brush your teeth and I'll see y'all smiling at the tables.
Kenna
