Saturday, November 29, 2008

My Two Front Teeth.

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth. Do you remember that song? That song brought new meaning to me 18 years ago when I lost mine doing something stupid. Since then I've been paying for my choices with a smile I'm embarrassed of. After several attempts/surgeries to repair the damage done, and after running out of a dentist's office(in the middle of surgery) screaming,"She's the devil". No joke. I ran out crying and hid in Adam's car. He talked me into going back in. I then got a flipper(a tooth attached to retainer) to get me through my wedding. They told me it would last six months. Well 14 years later I still have it. Needless to say I built up an extreme fear of the dentist chair and the fact we were so dirt poor I could never afford to have the work done kept me at a safe distance from the chair. I never stopped longing to have my smile back though, but staying away from the dentist for so many years hasn't exactly helped improve it any. Okay, now stop right there. Would I want fear to stop my kids? No. Would I allow them to neglect themselves? No! Then what are my actions teaching them? This is the Christmas. The Christmas I get my two front teeth! I met with a dentist last week. He seemed confident, which I appreciate. So on Dec.8th I head to the chair! He told me it will be a long process spread out over 6-9 months and recommended I take Valium the day of my first procedure. So, I'm getting my two front teeth for Christmas!



So the tooth on the right to the visibly missing tooth is fake and the other front tooth is cracked all the way down and being replaced as well.
I guess I'm sharing all this because I'm both terrified and excited.

11 comments:

Paula said...

OMG Steffany! We have something else in common... I have fake front teeth! I even had a "flipper", as you so charmingly called it. :) But only for about a year. I knocked mine out in 7th grade jumping ramps on a bicycle because all the boys were doing it, so why shouldn't I? The dentist put the teeth back in, and they were fine for about 8 years, but then I had to get them pulled an have a bridge put it in. The process sucks, honey, I won't lie. I got my bridge replaced a few years ago, and it was awful, even with my nicest dentist in the world. But you'll be so glad to have non-removable teeth. I've done it THREE TIMES now, and so can you! I'll be happy to hold your hand in cyberspace.

darci said...

wow, dec 8th! way to go! i'll be thinking of you-i would do the valium/adavan thing if he says to. :) post the night before so we all can remember to pray for you!

crispy said...

I have taken drugs to get into the dentist chair too. THough I don't have a fake took, just the FEAR. I am recovering from being a dental phobic.

I hope it turns out great. Just breath....

Janet said...

You are being very brave going back to the dentist after having such traumatic experiences. Good luck and I'm sure that with a sympathetic dentist you will be fine.
Good lukc and stay brave
Love
Janet

Unknown said...

I am so excited that you are finally doing this. I have seen you bloom in your confidence to smile over the past few years, but I know this will be the icing on the cake and boost your self esteem and confidence. I know how much this means to you and I share in your joy! YAY for teeth!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Wow. The Rockstar's front teeth are also both fake. He has an implant in one. Is that what you are getting??

You can DO IT!!!

Laura Lu said...

No WAY! I can't believe you're actually doing it! I'm super-de-duper (yes, I just quoted Barney...cuz I'm cool like that) scared of the dentist. I'm so happy that you're brave enough to do it. I want to talk to you after you've taken the valium...I think we could have a really good laugh! :D

Laura Lu said...

oh and i'll be praying!!! but you already know that! :D

Kelly said...

You are not alone sister, I hate the dentist, too, and have not been in far too long. My kids, however, go regularly to the coolest dentist. I love her. I beg her to take me in but alas, she wont. Good Luck.

Ali said...

I'll be thinking of you on Monday, and praying for you. I totally understand, but I have gotten really used to being scared of going to the dentist. And that is coming from a person who has had two root canals, four crowns, and way too many old fillings. My heart still freaks out on the dentist chair and the novacaine shot actually makes the heart race more so...

Ali said...

so how did it go? Are you okay?