Molars out!

Had molars taken out this morning. The experience was definitely interesting. They brought me back to the room and as soon as I lay down they placed the nitrous over my nose and covered me with a blanket. After about two minutes I was VERY comfortable and VERY relaxed. A couple minutes later the doctor came in, asked me how I was doing, I told him fine and asked him how HE was doing and if his hand was feeling steady. He assured me 'yes' and proceeded to put the IV in my arm. And here's how the chain of events felt like they happened: They started putting cotton/gauze in my mouth, rearranged it a bit, took it out then told me I was done. I was very confused, I don't remember losing consciousness. My mom said I kept asking how long I was in there for and if they were sure they were done. In hindsight it was a very nice experience! What really made me laugh is that a few hours later I looked at my phone and I had about 6 pictures of myself in the recovery area. I asked my mom about it and she said I had taken them. All in the spirit of the blog I guess! So, even though every pic is terrible and is of no purpose, I have to post at least one since I made the effort. Cheers to all and I hope everyone has a great weekend:)

Molar eviction notice

Having my extra molars extracted tomorrow morning. The doc said it would only take about 30-45 minutes. I will be put under general anesthesia, which will be my first time. Is it wrong that I'm looking forward to the pre-nitrous and post-vicodin perks? (I'm really not that type of girl.) I rarely take meds, but it's nice to take a mental vacation every so often and why not this weekend, where the big news story is "Car-magedon." One of the main freeways in LA is closing for construction Saturday and Sunday and the mayor has warned it will be a huge traffic nightmare and stay home. So, I will be staying at my mom's house. Maybe I'll catch HP7:)

"B" day is almost here

I'm excited and want to cry at the same time (and I don't mean tears of joy). Operation Braceface will commence in August. Spacers will be added on August 8th, braces on August 22nd. Boo and Yay!

Question for all you bracefaces: Are you happy with your metal vs. ceramic decision? I'm actually leaning toward metal bc the brackets are so much smaller and they are supposedly faster. Also, I've come this far, I might as well really go for it. Thoughts?

I am grateful to live across the PCH from very wealthy people in Malibu, who pay for their own firework barge to float in and give us all a show. view from my roof deck. hip hip hooray!

Money

It seems like it's been a long waiting period to get this show on the road. I finally saw a new dentist for a cleaning and checkup (all clear!) as well as a consult with an oral surgeon for my 4th molar extraction (happening July 14). My ortho appt to put on my braces will follow shortly thereafter.

One of the things I haven't seen in the blog universe is how much money this all costs! I know I hear 'a lot' and it's so different for all of us in different countries, with different insurance plans. I was planning on keeping my own tally going, I figured why not share it. So, without further ado:

Costs to date
dental ins.: none
medical ins.: Anthem Blue Cross PPO

$328 - Dental Cleaning/Exam/Pano Xray
$91 - Oral Surgery Consult

$419 TOTAL