I thought that might get your attention. :) Yes, it's true.
Sunday morning as I was eating breakfast, I lost part of a tooth. I've had a filling in that molar for 25 years; my tooth decided it was too weak to handle that big filling any longer. I haven't been to the dentist since after child #2 was born, and he just turned 8. I spent yesterday checking out a few dentists and finally made an appointment with one whose website really impressed me. I know one of the hygienists who works there, so that made me feel a bit more confident.
Today I went to the dentist, spent an hour in that dreaded chair, and had a temporary crown bonded. When I went to the receptionist's desk to pay and schedule my next appointment, she told me that today's visit was $998. I thought maybe I didn't hear her right, perhaps as a result of the numbness in my head. I said, "Oood-u-eese-epeet-at?" My mouth was really numb, so let me interpret that for you. "Could you please repeat that?" Without blinking an eyelash she said, "$998." I just about fell flat on the floor.
Oh, how I wish we had dental insurance! Instead of crying on the ride home, believe me- I thought about it, I decided to count my blessings instead.
* The dentist's office was by far the nicest I've ever been to. The waiting room looked like a picture from BH&G, and I had a flat-screened TV right in front of my face in the chair so that I could watch FOX News while the dentist drilled away. Maybe that's what a big chunk of my $998 is going towards.
* The office manager graciously allowed me to pay 1/2 of the amount today and the rest on my return visit.
* As the dentist was examining my tooth, another piece broke off. I'm thankful that I was able to get an appointment quickly before more damage was done.
* I haven't had any pain at all. It could have been much worse.
* I was super impressed with the dentist. He is a Christian and has been a dentist for 35 years. I felt like I was in good hands.
* The Lord provided the money for today's payment. I know He'll provide the rest when the time comes to pay it.
The Lord's going to teach me something as a result of this experience (besides the importance of taking care of my teeth). :)
Maybe it's trusting Him to provide for our needs.
Maybe it's not worrying over things I can't control.
Maybe it's the importance of being a good steward.
Whatever it is, I just hope it doesn't involve too many more hours in the dentist's chair.
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ETA: Ladies, thank you all for your sweet, encouraging comments. I feel a little better knowing that I'm not the only one who puts off the inevitable, unpleasant tasks.
I have more to rejoice about; I'm not experiencing any jaw pain today. The dentist thought that I would since I had to keep my mouth open for so long yesterday. I guess he didn't know that my jaw gets lots of exercise on a daily basis. :)
Image from here.
Labels: Daily Life
