New Teeth

Monday Berta drove me to Algodones Mexico to the dentist. On the way, we stopped for the big breakfast I’d been told to eat. Friends own the Cactus Café in Vicksburg, AZ and they filled me up. The last meal I’d chew for about a week.

Upon arriving at the dentist I was led through several sidewalk stalls to another office a couple blocks away for x-rays. I was very impressed with the new technology. A small wand placed against the gums and a picture of my teeth showed up on a computer screen. Ten minutes and $60 later I walked out with a page of teeth pictures to find my way back to Dr. Castro’s office.

Next I spent five hours in a very tiny room as Dr. Marie and her assistant removed 18 teeth. They were so gentle and I was so numb. I never felt a thing. After stitching me up, the dentures were put in and after a little grinding I have a new smile.

Picked up medications–antibiotic and pain pills for only $13–then waited in line about 20 minutes to cross the border back to the USA. On the three hour drive home, the Novocain wore off and I started to hurt so took a pain pill.

Yesterday and today I was very sore. Trying to eat a little something reularly—ensure, smoothie, soup, pudding, jello, yogurt, oatmeal. Yet I’m not in too terrible pain, and it’s just going to get better.

I return to Mexico next Tuesday to have the stitches removed. Then one more trip in five to six months for alignment, if needed. Not bad. Three trips, $1300. I’ll know in a week or two how it all works out.

And I look forward to more beautiful smiling now that Obama will be President. YEA!!!