This is about as much as I can open my mouth, so instead I’ll show you another adorable photo of Lola.
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But I am happy to report I survived my first dental implant- barely.
It all started yesterday morning a few hours before surgery when I took out the bottle of pills I was prescribed to take beforehand and had to choke down not one but TWELVE little tablets all at once. When I asked the doctor what this was all about he said “not to worry, they’re just steroids.” Just steroids? I haven’t roided up since the early 90s and wasn’t exactly too keen on starting to juice again. But if the doctor prescribed it, what else could I do? I swear with every tiny pill I swallowed I could feel my neck getting larger and my testicles getting smaller.
When I got to the dentist office I was so damn nervous I could barely swallow my mouth was so dry. Although now I’m just wondering if that wasn’t an aftereffect of all the steroids? The only thing that kept me going was the thought of that beautiful little pink pig nose that was about to placed over my face in just a few minutes to get that nitrous oxide pumping through my bloodstream.
I sat in the dentist chair and the doctor came over, we made small talk like we always do, he looked at my mouth and of course I instantly regretted forgetting to floss this morning. Of all mornings, why couldn’t I have put in just a little extra effort? He started rubbing that awful tasting numbing gel on my gums and then all of the sudden he raised that ominous looking shiny metal needle I know all too well above my mouth and I panicked and held my hand out- “Whoa whoa whoa, let’s not rush right into this. Aren’t I gonna get a little gas first before you stick me?”
And then he said the five worst words I’ve ever heard in my life, “I don’t give gas anymore.”
My heart sank to the ground. I can’t explain to you the terror and disappointment I felt all at once. No more gas? What is this the 1920s? I didn’t realize how truly bad I wanted that nitrous until I realized I wasn’t going to get it. I’m not kidding you when I say I almost started to cry. I had to hold back tears and remind myself this isn’t a normal reaction for an adult. Something about that dentist chair just takes me back to being a frightened eight-year-old thinking I can cry and whine and throw a fit and everyone will just deal with it because I’m a kid.
As the anesthesia from all the needles started to soak into my mouth the nurse tried to talk to me while I waited to be moved into the surgery room. Does a soccer player try to kick a ball when his leg is numb? Or a tennis player when his arm is numb? No. Then why do the nurses always try to talk to me when my mouth is the size of a softball and I can’t feel anything below my nose? It’s just uncomfortable.
And then the doctor took a steel tool about the size of a pencil and held it against my crown tooth that he was trying to knock out, and hit the other end of the tool with what can only be described as a hammer. He was literally hammering away at my tooth, again and again and again. I should have just said give me a couple dirty martinis and a ball gown and I’ll have this tooth out in no time. But nope, we did it the old fashioned way.
I was finally moved into the surgery room and it wasn’t until the nurse started describing to me how the doctor was “simply” going to open up my gums, fold back the tissue, and then drill into my bone to place an implant, when she looked at the fear in my eyes and casually remarked, “Oh honey, we should have prescribed you with some valium or something to take before, you seem a little apprehensive.” I’ve never taken anxiety pills or relaxing pills or whatever it is she mentioned, but I’m certainly not against them and would have jumped at the chance to down a few to numb my fear. Thanks for the after thought, Nurse Grunt.
They placed a sheet over my face with only a small circle cut out over my nose and mouth, and oddly enough this kind of made me feel better. I’m a hider, I always have been. As a little kid there was nothing better to me than hanging out under a table with a long table cloth draping over the sides, or in the middle of racks at clothing at a store. Even today, I’m still the type of person who likes to sit in the corner in a classroom, or next to anything that makes me feel like people can’t see me. I don’t know what this says about my personality, probably nothing too good, but it’s just how I am. So I was happy to hide under the sheet, that was until my nose accidentally got covered, and suddenly the heat of the room and the smell and sound of them grinding away at my bone started to get to me.
The types of things the doctor was saying made me feel like I was on an episode of Gold Rush, they were the diggers, and my mouth was the glory hole. “More bone! Keep drilling a little deeper! We need more bone still.” At one time I could have sworn I heard Parker Schnabel in the room yelling at everyone else to work a little harder.
And this just got way too long. These pain meds I’m on just make me a Chatty Nancy I think. Long story short, I did okay- even without the gas. Thank you so much for all of the kind comments and well wishes yesterday, I truly appreciate every one of them!
And now I’m going to give you a chance to win $1000 to do a little Christmas shopping. Enter once, or enter a lot, it’s whatever you choose! Happy weekend, everyone!
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With the end of November quickly approaching, it’s time to get excited about the holidays and of course, Black Friday! I’m sure you all love to shop a sale as much as I do, so to mark this fabulously fun occasion, I have collaborated with a group of delightful bloggers to bring one lucky reader the chance to win a $1,000 Visa Gift Card or $1,000 PayPal cash!
Fizz & Frosting | Style Elixir | Fash Boulevard | The Chiffon Diary | The Shine Project
Crazy Style Love | Glossy Blonde | The Daily Tay | Little Miss Fearless | Elle Apparel
Lilly’s Style | Moiology | Classic & Bubbly | GBO Fashion | Karly Kim
Kacie’s Kloset | The Freckled Fox | Twist Me Pretty | Because of Jackie | Here & Now
Let It Be Beautiful | Fancy Things Blog | Simply Lulu Style | Walking in Memphis | Coffee Beans & Bobby Pins
Everyday Fashion & Finance | Perfectly Coutured | Fashion Flirtation
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OMG I would have freaked the eff out. When I had my wisdom teeth out I cried with anxiety that they were just going to put me out with an IV so they gave me gas and THEN started the IV when I was already out. Lord you poor thing! Hope you're high as a kite right now π
Oh and I would pay bills with that money. Responsible adult in me I suppose…
Oh dang, I love getting my teeth cleaned and the love stops there!!
And I would spend the money on bills and my kids christmas!
OUCH! Glad that's over with and you survived!!!
$1000 would help with Christmas presents and bills π
Ugh I hate the dentist! I think I would have cried!
I would spend the money on wedding stuff – Guest book, card holder ect.
Here's a laugh for you… I had an implant about 5 years ago that was done way wrong and it failed. SO i'm working on having a permanent tooth in my mouth at some point which insurance won't cover. Long story short? I'd use the money to get the same surgery you just had.
Also, I usually get put to sleep but if I could hide and you say it wasn't too awful…
That is the scariest thing that I have ever read! Hope you are feeling better today. I would spend this on tuition for the Spring semester…it is out of control!
My god, that is terrifying! I've been putting off my dental implant for years now. I don't know how you did it w/o the gas! Good for you! Glad you're doing well now!!
I have an embarrassing and irrational fear of the dentist, so naturally I will have nightmares after reading this. I would buy a dog, have it trained and bring it home so my husband can't say no!
I would use the $1,000 to pay off my credit card. Woof.
I'm glad you're doing okay!
OMG so brave! I need an anaesthetic just to get an anaesthetic haha x
oh Taylor, I wanted to cry reading this…. That sounds horrible. I cried at my last filling… LOL. I can't believe you were awake with no drugs!
Feel better! My mom had dental implants & has been so good ever since!
Kristin
crumbsandcurls.blogspot.com
Christmas shopping galore! I could definitely have my way with a $1,000 giftcard. Wishing you a speedy recovery too!
I would definitely be using it to go on a shopping spree. I would buy ALL THE THINGS.
Ouch, the dentist freaks me out. Glad you are okay.
I would use the $1,000 to finish paying off school. #BrokecollegeKidProbs
I HATE THE DENTIST WITH THE WHITE HOT INTENSITY OF A THOUSAND SUNS. I cringed reading this whole thing OH MY GOSH. I'm so glad for you that it's over.
Glad to hear you made it — I'm with you on the martinis and ball gown… Not to suck up, but I'd put the $1000 toward my own implant fund. I'm just scared that they'll make we walk around for a coupla months with no tooth where the implant will go. I teach 8-10 year-old kids and that would be tough. π
I would use it to go on extra adventures during my honeymoon in a month. Sidenote: Glad you survived the dentist and why would they ever take away the gas?!?!
I would use the $1000 to buy Christmas gifts for my family members and put it towards our trip back home for the holidays.
I'd use it for everyone's Christmas presents!
NO GAS? I'm so glad you survived. Hope the healing goes well!
I'm so glad it went well; I hope your recovery is quick and easy!
Glad everything went well even without the gas! I was the same way they had to give me more valium when I got there I was shaking so bad. I would totally use the money for Xmas gifts and bills!
Wow…no gas or valium? I couldn't have done it!! The $ would definitely be used for Christmas and possibly a $100 or so to pay down some bills.
This sounds like pure torture. I'm glad you made it through, I wouldn't have. I would have been like "give me twilight" because I wouldn't have been able to be conscious through that. Yikes!
Holy hell you JUST sent me into an anxiety attack. I HATE the dentist and the words "I dont give gas anymore" would've sent my happy ass SPRINTING out the door. I'm the biggest baby about it. OMG. Even cleanings I medicate for. No I'm not kidding…and the $$ would go towards my nitrous bill @ the dentist. Kidding! Paying bills and being boring π
This would be awesome for Christmas shopping!
OMG this is a nightmare. I'm so glad you survived it and I pray that on these mess you can drink. Heavily. Just taking 12 pills alone would give me hives. Glad you are doing good!!
I would try to save the money toward a down payment on a house. And I'm glad you survived the dentist!
i would pay off my debt and buy myself new clothes! i haven't bought new clothes since high school!
laurenofthedoxey.blogspot.com
Well. This story definitely makes my "the dentist pushed his thumb too hard into the bottom of my mouth" dentist horror story sound pretty pathetic in comparison!! Yikes!! Glad you survived!! π
Yay it's over! Now continue eating that brownie goodness and applesauce and jello and whatever else! If I won the $1000 I would use it for Christmas presents for my fam π
there is no way in hell he was going to get near me without gas. oh hell no. wth? dont give gas? why not? i couldnt even read through your entire description without getting sick to my stomach and sweaty.
OMG I Need to win this!!! I read most of those blogs above!! So much talent!
well you just solidified the fact that i may never ever go to the dentist again. I HATE that place. my teeth are aching right now. I need that $1,000 just to make up for the trauma I endured envisioning what you went through. That sounds selfish…I am sorry about your implant pain!! π
Twelve steroids!?! Girl, I would have started running for the hills right then!
I'd spend my two year anniversary in Iceland. All expenses paid!
Glad you survived and are doing ok! That sounds awful with no gas…I couldn't do it.
I would spend the money on Christmas shopping and projects for the house!
Was this a regular dentist not a specialist of some sort? My dentist hasn't used gas in 10+ years. I was shocked when you mentioned it the other day.
I have to admit I would most definitely spend that money on things for our new house. Slightly selfish hahah
Glad you are doing ok! And Lola is adorable π And I would buy Christmas presents and probably pink Hunter boots for me!
You've earned yourself some chocolate pudding, buttered noodles, and any other wonderful "soft foods" that you may not have eaten previously… thats a silver lining, right?! =) Hope the recovery process goes smoothly!!!
I feel almost just as disappointed about the no laughing gas part as you. I said almost.
And $1000?? Hmm, we just have a Target opening here (we're really behind the times), and from what I've heard, that money wouldn't last very long in there!
Ooh, I feel for you! I need to be put under when I have dental surgery. The sound of the cracking and drilling. The smell of burnt gums. It's all just horrible!
Oh honey. My father is a dentist / oral surgeon and I used to work for him. IT GETS BETTER. I know I've heard that line somewhere before, maybe an episode of Glee (kidding!!!) .. I promise dentists are not evil monsters, even though yes, most don't use gas anymore. I didn't wanna have to tell you that.
Nothing like the smell of bone drilling to get you going in the morning, right?
Hang in there. Sorry your testes shrank, btw. But your biceps look hot.
You're more brave than I am! I'd have left at the no gas part. Hope you recover quickly!
Hope you have a speedy recovery! I would have been terrified!
$1,000: I would put it towards christmas gifts!
So scary! I'm glad you made it out okay. I always wonder if I would pass out from just hearing them talk about bone or whatever if I was in surgery and not all the way out. This is why I am terrified of c-sections.
And with 1000, I would buy decor for my new house, no question!
HOLY GOSH that's terrifying!! I would have cried – not even ashamed to admit it!
With the $1,000 I would definitely want to buy you a drink for going through all that! (And spend the rest on Christmas presents) because I don't think I would have survived. The dentist is one of my top 5 scariest places to be!
By the way, I'd likely spend the money on Christmas presents or put it into savings while we buy a house.
Oh my gosh, I couldn't of gone through that and been awake. I would of freaked out to say the least. I deal with anxiety, so I would of been over the edge. So proud you survived it all, without gas or anxiety pills.!
Ooh and I sure would have fun spending $1000 on Christmas gifts and buying myself a little something something.!
I should say I would spend it on xmas gifts, but I'd probably use it to amp up my wardrobe. After having my baby I haven't hit the mall since my maternity clothing days
Been there! Except they didn't cover my face. I got to see it all.
I would probably spend $400 on Christmas gifts and save the other $600 for a plane ticket back to Rwanda.
Just reading or hearing the word "dentist" makes my skin crawl! I am not sure I would have made it, it just sounds so terrible. Hope you are feeling better in no time!
Jess @ The Odell Yodel
Holy Moly $1,000?! I don't even know where to begin! Christmas shopping maybe!
I had an implant put in while having all 4 wisdom teeth removed. If the doctor would have said, sorry we can't knock you out, I would have jumped out of that chair & ran my ass out of the office. You're obviously way more tough than I am! Haha
No more nitrous?! What has this world come to? π I'm glad everything went well.
But seriously, $100 big ones? I would purchase all the high-end gifts I've always wanted to purchase for my family, instead of the gifts I normally would on my tiny budget. Just sayin'!
Ooo the damage I could do at Target with $1000! I'm glad to hear that you are doing well!!
I hope you're feeling better by now!! (Glad you're well enough to write a post :).) I got an implant as well and the discomfort you feel for a few days has nothing on how good you'll look in the end! (However, I didn't have to take steroids [WTF?!] and, I think(?) was fortunate to get all general-anesthesia'd–small dosis, of course!)
Yuck. I hope you're feeling better!!
So $1000??? Well first, I would buy the princessy/placehouse type of thing (no idea how to describe it, but it's kind of like all those kid tee-pees all over mommy bloggers blogs) for my nieces. Too expensive, but with that money I could do it. Then I would up the ante on my normal Christmas presents. Finally I would honestly probably fit something in there for me–most likely from Target. I have my eye on a chair. π Hey, it's on sale!
I would spend $1000 on an American Airlines ticket!
This actually brought back every bad memory at the dentist's, the orthodontist's, and whatever the heck the place I got my wisdom teeth out is called. But I'm so glad you're over and done with it, and survived it with your sass still intact π
We just bought a new house so I think I'd use it toward that! The responsible me would anyway. The other part of me wants clothes and workout equipment.
I always take a valium beofer going to the dentist! It freaks me out…. well, that and I like valium π
Oh my gosh. Now I'm terrified for mine. I've never had laughing gas before but I think I need it after this haha
PS I would spend $1000 on tuition. Woooooooo…!
I'm so glad you survived that torture! Never, ever had I had the pleasure of getting gas while at a dentist but I haven't had surgery either! I would have flipped the shit haha.
So…$1,000?! I would definitely put some of that towards Christmas shopping, a new tattoo for me and some of it would probably go towards bond for my new house. Ah, university life! Haha.
So glad it's all over for you! And having an adorable little baby like Lola to snuggle will hopefully make recovery a breeze
I would take my husband and kids away for a weekend!
I would have freaked out! I'm glad you survived!
I would use the $1000 to go on a nice trip ALONE with my husband. We are currently living in a 2 bedroom with a five year old, 2.5 year old twins and a 100lb blind dog while we build a house. I need a break!
I would probably pay for my parents to go on a vacation! They are getting worn out and it would be a great thing!
I would buy a new computer!
Couldn't even finish reading your post because I felt myself starting to pass out. I have zero pain-tolerance. But I do have tolerance for lots of money to go christmas shopping with on my grad student budget!
Oh my gosh!! I'm glad everything turned out well, but now I'm almost scared for my dentist appointment on Monday, even though it's just a cleaning. And if I was lucky enough to win $1000, the money would definitely go to buying Christmas gifts for my kids.
I can so relate with the "hiding" thing. I'm a hider, too. Been that way since the 90s in department stores! If I had $1000, I would be able to go visit some family that live out of state for Christmas and shower them with gifts.
$1000, holy moly! I'd finish up my Christmas shopping and then pay off some nasty student loans!!
Feel better!
I would spend that money on Christmas presents!
I feel ya girl. I didn't have laughing gas during any of my surgeries either. I describe getting an implant as having a jack hammer in your mouth! I didn't want to tell ya that before your surgery though!! hahah Next time, bring some headphones, it helps block out the noise of them talking about whats going on. I hope you have a speedy recovery! π
At this point, probably on Christmas gifts!! I wouldn't mind sneaking in a purchase for myself as well…maybe a few new shirts? Just a few I promise…
I'm happy you made it through! Getting my wisdom teeth out was the worst thing I've ever been through so I'm sure it sucked! If I won the money I would use it get my husband something nice for Christmas. He has worked so hard this year to provide for our new baby, he deserves it!
$1000 would help me to put a dent in the IVF loan I just took out!
Ouch! Glad you made it through that experience! I would definitely need some anxiety meds for that.
As for $1000? I'd do some Christmas shopping, boyfriend birthday shopping, and personal shopping!
So glad your surgery went well!! π
This is an awesome giveaway, I'm so excited it's open worldwide!! Perfect for people like me in the UK π
My fiance and I are saving up to buy a house so an extra $1000 would be a massive help towards that! π
I would use it to get my son and I on our feet again. I recently graduated, but as a single mom working an internship and moving away, there are plenty of expenses that come along when starting over π Just stashing my kitchen would be great!
What the hell? They didn't knock you out completely??? I would have freaked out under those conditions! And let me tell you, those anti-anxiety meds are the best. Let me know the next time you need some and I'd be happy to provide π
I will NEVER win the money (more than 19,000 entries??!), but if I did, I would go on a weekend vacation with my husband, since our anniversary is coming up! But I'd certainly save a little to also spend on/spoil my dogs.
Ummm.. I'm not sure what kind of road side Doctor you had but OH MY GOD– you didn't even get sedated? That's just insane. No gas, no sedation, not happening to this girl. My mouth hurts for you!
I wish i could say I would buy something significant for someone with cancer or something, but no, I'd pry buy a bunch of awesome junk to make my house look pretty. And I have two kids, so I'd make them look pretty too.
It would go towards my WEDDING!
As boring as it sounds I'd spend most of the $ paying off some bills that have been lingering before our new baby girl gets here. And of course I'd have to buy her big brother a super awesome surprise for under the tree.
What?!?! They didn't knock you out? How could they not have told you they wouldn't be doing that? My mom once had conscious dental surgery as well. She made certain growing up that anything other than a basic cleaning we would be knocked out for just because she remembers the trauma. So sorry you had to go through that!
P.S. Hope your testicles get back to their normal size soon.
Great collaboration and giveaway! I would use it to finally fly back home to Hungary to see my parents.
Have a great weekend!
Bogi
http://www.redreticule.com
Ok first and most importantly I would use the money to buy stuff when I was on holiday, next we don't get gas here very often well I have never had gas so I don't really know what it would be like if I did, lastly my 24 yr old daughter to too scared to go to the dentist and even just have a check up.
You are one tough cookie. I am a wimp of all wimps when it comes to that stuff, so ALL the power goes to you.
I wasn't even awake when I got my implant! I couldn't imagine doing what you did! Clearly you are way cooler than I am!
At 17 I had my wisdom teeth taken out and DID get the gas. I was so high after that when my mother gave me blistex for my dry lips I wrote her a note asking "Do I look like I have cum all over my lips?". Sometimes we're better off without the gas.
With the money.. I'd buy my dignity back that I lost that day. or Christmas presents for my friends and family since I just quit my job and am feeling a little brokeski.
Get all my Christmas shopping done, by myself a little something and save the rest π
So I have to assume you're searching laughing gas on the ebay to get your fix? As for the cash, I would use it toward our big ass camper purchase so we could once and for all, unequivocally be "that family." You know, the homeschooling family with four kids and a camper that travels the country to visit national parks and history museums like the nerds they always knew they were. Yep, that's us. (minus the keds and jean skirts)
lmfao @ "neck getting larger and my testicles getting smaller." That's the best thing I've heard all day! My eyes literally widened when I read the part about your dr saying he doesn't give gas anymore. Gas is the best part of going to the dentist. If it weren't for the gas I'd NEVER go. I can't believe they didn't put you UNDER for this!!!! I'm scared just thinking about it. Hold me.
That sounds horrific. The fact that you made it out alive is impressive. Just reading your story made my mouth hurt…
Here's to hoping you feel better soon!
It would be freaking awesome if I win $1000! If I do, I'd spent it on a tablet where I can blog on the go! π
I would buy Christmas presents! π Or put more money toward our house payment :).
I hope you're feeling better soon! Mouth surgery/pain is awful!
My husband and I are buying a house, so $1,000 would be perfect for buying the oven/cooktop we need! Not the most exciting use, but at least we get points for practicality.
Glad you survived! I had a cavity filled for the first time ever this summer and it was traumatizing. I was full body sweating and crying. I asked them if they'd ever had a grown adult in tears because of a cavity. I had the same thought you had, "this is not a normal reaction for an adult". I can't even imagine doing what you did! You are brave!
Glad your surgery went well. I'm a dentist and had to save my comments for after. One lesson we were taught was never say "it will be okay," because at the time, you as the patient have no idea it will be. But, now that the hard part is over (yay! Happy healing) I hope you find, like all of my implant patients, it was a really great decision.
With $1000, I'd buy an awesome mattress, maybe a sleep number – lame-o
I'm supposed to get an implant which I've been putting off. I actually told my dentist "Uh, nope. Never gonna happen." but I was secretly considering it…until now. Thanks but no thanks. I'll pass. You can't see the gap, it's on the side. I'll make due with the teeth I have. Despite what you think, you're a brave brave lady and it's a wonder you didn't go hulk on their asses after all those steroids!
LittleBirdBlogs
Good for you for getting through that. It sounds awful. I have a HUGE fear of dentists. Any kind of Dr. really.
I am sad for you that your testicles got smaller. ; )
I would pay down some billsβ¦exciting right?
bisous
Suzanne
[email protected]
Good for you for not freaking. I would have flipped at the sheet over my face!
As for the $1000 giftcard…I would pay off some school loans, and maybe buy some new jeans.
I hate the dentist! I'm glad it's all over for you!
Your story had me cringing the whole time. I am not a fan of medical procedures of any kind. Getting my wisdom teeth out was traumatic. Then I got to the part where I could win $1,000 bucks…not cringing anymore! π
Best story ever! I don't think they give gas anymore…at least, my dentist doesn't either, and I haven't been to one in years that does.
I would spend the $1,000 on a vacation!
Glad everything went OK. Sometimes I think that gas needs to be given out just for a teeth cleaning, if only so you do not hear what is happening in your mouth.
I would spend it on Christmas gifts! And maybe a book or sweater for myself. π
You are brave. I would have flipped shit and demanded IV Valium. No way.
As for the money, I'd spend it on gifts for my family this holiday season. Or maybe cancer-related medical bills I'll get after all my scans and procedures in December
I would take Christmas down. Mostly gifts. Maybe for myself.
Glad the surgery went well! I would use money for some Christmas shopping my kids!
Probably on Christmas presents!
I would use the $ towards a new couch π
I would use the $ towards a new couch π
Glad you survived! I would spend a thousand bucks on Christmas presents for my loved ones!
I love how you write!! You are hilarious! I'm sure it wasn't so hilarious to live through, but thanks for the chuckle today. I can't imagine how shocking that must have been to realize he wasn't going to give you the gas. Glad you're ok and it's all over:)
You poor thing! That story sounded all sorts of awful!
I would spend it on gifts and donate some!
I would use it for my upcoming wedding π Tks for the chance. I can use all the help I can get over here.
I've already have my xmas list written….just need $$$ π
Christmas gifts π π
I would put it toward retirement savings!
Oh my goodness… I could FINALLY put a down payment on a new car! AHHHH!
I would spend it on something for my husband. He goes from work to finishing our basement to his second job and I would love to thank him!
I would absolutely use it to book a weekend getaway with my boyfriend! What a great Christmas gift!
xx-Katharine
Living's as Easy as 312
Books and Christmas!
I would spend $1000 on new boots for me. Several pair. And maybe a new sweater. Or two.
i would love to spoil myself and family for christmas!