Penning Photography Daily

I had one of my third molar teeth removed today. =)

About 20 years ago, I had my upper third molars removed. They came out quickly and easily. The lowers were not erupted and not causing any problems until recently.

My left lower third molar was poking up and causing problems with it’s neighbor. Tooth number 17 in case you’re interested.

Simple solution, according to my brother-in-law the dentist. Pull it out. He referred me to a local oral surgeon.

So today, there I was, surrounded by more tools than you could count, and a very experienced surgeon and assistant. I had elected for just a local, so after I was numbed up, we began.

“Here, bite down on this so I can get a good grip” was said as a big chunk of black rubber was inserted. 10 seconds later and the tooth was out.

“That’s why I went to four years of dental school followed by four years of oral surgery residency!” said the doctor. He was chuckling at how easy it was. I complimented him, thanking him for his experience, and silently very grateful that it was so easy.

“Do you want to take it home with you?” Of course! So I immediately thought of how to incorporate it into my self portrait.

I spared us all by converting to black and white. I vainly turned it upside down, to further spare us from the awful truth of tooth decay (filled cavities).

Doing just fine, slowly getting the feeling back in my face and tongue.