Be careful what you wish for...

Of course I had all year to use my Flexible Spending account money, but I waited until the last minute. A couple of weeks ago it hit me that I was going to lose about $300 of my hard earned money. I frantically called the dentist here that was referred to me to see if I could schedule a cleaning. I stocked up on teeth whitening gel and was fitted for a retainer. I had braces 18 years ago, but my bottom teeth are starting to move. (Can we slow down for a second...I had braces 18 years ago?? Whoa.)

Rather than go through the pain of braces again (which was the first option they gave me--seriously? for one tooth that is moving?) and seeing as how I only had $300 of "free" money I opted to go for a retainer and just deal with it.

During the cleaning my dentist sees a discoloration under one of my sealants. (I just realized how boring this post is and how I'm giving you way more information than you ever wanted to know. But I've been to the dentist 3 times in the past week so it's on my brain. I'll try and get to the point. And stop delaying it with explanations like this.)

Anyway, as she takes off the sealant she realizes it's a small cavity forming. So I have to come back for a filling. As she drills into my tooth...and drills...and drills...and drills she realizes that while it is a tiny cavity, it has now made it's way through to the top of my tooth. I'm now going to have to have a root canal.

I kind of freaked out for a second. I've never even had a cavity (great genes in the teeth pool, I guess) and now I have to have a ROOT CANAL?!?!

My new dentist was kind enough to draw me a picture of what happens with a root canal. It's ok that I'm not seven years old; the visual helped.

Long story short (finally), I went back in for the root canal this week. I actually didn't feel a thing and the process was entirely painless. Until I go to the front to pay. Ouch. I guess that's what I get for wishing I could use up the rest of my money...