Friday, February 19, 2010

Go ahead and laugh


First, the good news: I have completed four out of five cleanings (which should be called "scrapings") with the periodontal hygienist. No one in that office can figure out why I am having gum trouble, but have never had a cavity, and it took them awhile to believe that I have always been an avid brusher and flosser. Next month is a visit to the actual periodontist, who will hopefully tell me I get to keep my teeth for awhile.

Next, the funny-but-true news: according to the dentist, I have a small mouth. And a small jaw.

My husband's reaction: "Overcompensate, do we?"
My boss's reaction: "And you make up for it, don't you?"

Never having had a cavity, I had never had any kind of numbing agent until last week. (Stupidly, thinking I was getting a regular cleaning the first time, I said, "No, I don't need anesthesia.") Boy was that weird. Because she was only working on one quarter of the teeth, only half of my mouth/tongue/face were numb.

Outside, I could only feel rain falling on half of my face. Trying to drink through a straw was...interesting. Even singing along with the radio felt bizarre.

And both times I have been numb I have been paranoid for hours afterwards that I am drooling.

I have been promised by everyone that they would tell me.

And you would, wouldn't you?

13 comments:

Robert Tres said...

Um, sorry but I need to tell you something. :)

Fireblossom said...

They won't tell you. They will laugh behind their hands like hyenas, and secretly take photographs with their evil little phones, and then post them on the internet. But don't worry, there's good news: you're only drooling on one side! :-D

Claire said...

Snap!

I have a small mouth too.

When my family learnt this, they laughed for a full half hour.

Cxx

Granny Annie said...

Oh yes, I would tell you immediately -- after I had a chance to run the hidden camera a bit:)

Ileana said...

Chica, I wouldn't even notice if you were drooling. I'd think it was a cute little quirk of yours and leave it at that...especially if we were drinking. ;)

A mouth that's too small?? I've never heard of such a thing. Good luck at the periodontist!

PS - You don't mind if I call you "Blondie" for one post, do you? :)

G. B. Miller said...

It could be worse you know.

Try talking with four needles worth of novacaine rattling around your mouth.

(You know I have to do you one better, right?)

But yes, I suppose I would tell you that you were drooling....after showing a comparison between you and an old SNL skit that featured a PSA for Drooler's Anonymous (yes, it's just that gross).

Fireblossom said...

PS--I have a small mouth, too. last time I had one of those molds done of my mouth, they had to go get a form from the children's section. The adult ones were too big for my mouf.

Riot Kitty said...

Bob: And what would that be? ;)
FB: LMAO!
GA: That would be like "The Most Candid Camera Ever," right?
Ily: Ha! No, I don't mind...I'm in good company with Joan Jett apparently.
G: Yes, you definitely did me one better! I don't think I want to watch that skit...

Lynn said...

I would totally tell you, she said, loyally.

Anonymous said...

As a regular to fillings and various dental work, I'm jealous of you lasting this long before you had to deal with that lovely Novocain.

If it makes you feel any better, I had top braces put on in October and I get my lowers in two weeks. At the age of 29, I'm just hoping someone will ask me to prom.

LL Cool Joe said...

I could write a book about the dental work I've had done.

That's it!! I've finally found my subject matter. You are such an inspiration RK!

Riot Kitty said...

Lynn: I hope so!
SBBTC: I'm sure someone will take you to the prom! Compared with the cleaning without numbing, I'm happy with the Novocain. (I'm 33 btw.)
Joey: Ha!

Green tea said...

Been there, had deep cleaning and also gum surgery.
It's been 20 years and I have continue to go the the Peridontal hygienist every 4 months.
Some of us develop more plaque then others and that is was causes gum problems.
My Peridontist checks me out after each cleaning.
Haven't seen her since last week when she lasered a small lesion off of my tongue.
That was interesting.. :)