While in Mexico I had a toothache the likes of which I don't think I've ever had before. I had to decide whether or not to go to the dentist there, and chose instead to pump myself full of medication, to be able to bear the pain. The pain was so bad that I could not keep my mind on anything other than it.
So much for mind over matter. My mind could not focus on anything other than the matter of my aching tooth...
I went to the pharmacy and, following the advice of the pharmacist there, bought some pain medication. It worked like magic. Or a miracle. Every 4 hours I popped back a pill. I didn't dare delay taking the pill after the 4-hour mark: without it the pain returned, rendering me next to useless.
Upon returning to Saskatoon I immediately called my dentist and asked if he could fit me in on an emergency. He promptly gave me an appointment, that same morning. Thank you Lord. Two hours later I had one less tooth in my mouth. A wisdom tooth, no less. Turns out it had a massive cavity that decided to act up precisely when I least expected it - while on vacation.
For the rest of the day I had a sore mouth, but it was a bearable soreness. I didn't feel a jolt penetrate my whole body when making the wrong motion with my mouth. Now it just needs a few days to heal before I'm back to normal.
I've been critical and sceptical of dentists. I didn't trust them at all. After this experience I need to re-evaluate my outlook.
