My Fear of Dental Procedures

I found out that I have two impacted teeth: one on the lower right and another on the upper left. Because of my pre-employment medical exam, I have to have them removed. I don't know why, but dental procedures intimidate me---in fact, I'm scared out of my wits right now! That's pretty ironic for a person who endured two days in the labor room and eventually had a c-section! I scheduled my first 'surgery' on May 30th so I at least have had one impacted tooth removed before the semester starts. My decision to postpone the removal of the impacted upper left tooth was based on (1) "gravity" of the situation (2) funds (3) time.

My newly found uber friendly dentist Pam told me that gravity will tend to pull the impacted lower right molar even lower, which will make it more difficult to extract. At least the other tooth can wait until the end of the semester. I think it would be best that the first extraction be over and done with ASAP. In the case of the right tooth, time passed is directly proportional to the degree of pain.

Since the extraction of an impacted tooth is a surgical procedure, I may need to pay at least 5,000 Philippine Pesos (around US$96.00) for it to be done. Argh. At least I'm sure of the quality of the service.

The recovery period would probably be at least an entire day, but you never know...so my dentist and I agreed that I would have the surgery in the morning.

I've been blaming myself these past few days for being complacent with my dental health. My husband and I have changed our ways---we will fulfill all our dental appointments from now on.