I had planned a couple of clothes-related posts for this week: one to share photos of OOTDs that have been cluttering my digital filing cabinet the last few weeks; a second to share two or three more Visible Mending Projects.
But Friday afternoon, I got an email from my dentist’s office notifying me that they had a two-hour spot to install a post for a second implant, including a process called a “sinus lift.” Not much notice — the spot was on Monday, but it would be the last opportunity to have the procedure done in time for it to heal nicely before a trip I’m taking next month.
Earlier in the week, I’d had my teeth cleaned and then had spent another hour opening and closing and moving my jaw this way and that while an awkwardly shaped and sized 3-D scanner tried to get up close and personal with the inner back of my upper jaw, and honestly, I’d had enough of that. But the timing was irrefutable, and I emailed back confirming I wanted the appointment.
The office, in turn, emailed back copies of the Waivers I had to sign and of the pre- and post-procedure precautions and requirements for care. And that triggered a few fears (and, I’ll admit it just to you) even a few tears. The sinus lift seemed most sinister, somehow. I imagined puncturing and suffocating and sneezing while a post was being carefully screwed into my jawbone. . . This even though I came through that extraction last February still breathing (although it was a nasty process, followed by some discomfort with the follow-up pharmaceuticals).
But I was delighted to have a friend come over from the island to spend a sun-sparkling Saturday with me — I walked to meet her; our lunch conversation lasted three hours; and after I walked her back to the ferry, we got chatting again such that she had to run when I looked at my watch and said “Doesn’t your boat leave in ten minutes?” By the time I got home, I’d logged over eight kilometres and mostly kept “the surgery” in its mental corner, out of view. . .
Sunday, the distraction was preparing a turkey dinner which we shared with one of our local daughter’s family — the bird was the one Paul bought for New Year’s dinner for the family, a turkey I was sure would be too small to feed 17 of us and provide enough leftovers for soup and a few days of turkey sandwiches. So he went back to buy another and The Little Guy’s been waiting in the freezer ever since. Three months later, and we’re running out of weather for roasting turkey, so . . .
And I couldn’t have planned that pleasant distraction any better if I’d had that dental appointment on the calendar weeks earlier.
So Monday morning, with five hours left before Chair Time, the Delightful Redhead — the Eleven — arrived. While she and her Granddad hauled up a box of old photos and other mementos from our storage unit, I changed into an outfit that would let me walk comfortably (in sunshine!) to the dental office. And also fake a little jauntiness.
When Granddaughter came back upstairs, she gave my ‘Fit two thumbs up, before she plunged into images of family whose younger versions she tried to identify (That’s my mom, right? No? It’s Auntie R? Whaat? and also “Who’s this? Is this your mom, Granddad? She looks so sweet and kind”).
I was amused to think that I was wearing a newly mended pair of sneakers — the clever full sole that was glued to my old Stan Smith Adidas (after the old crumbling one was cut off, the entire layer that touched the ground). It’s been my big complaint about the comfort and “cool factor” of sneakers, their inability to be repaired.
So I’m keen to have found this option. Not so many cobblers are doing this yet, but we have a world champion in our ‘hood (I’ll be bringing my Blundstones in for similar treatment in the fall). The new soles, applied, cost almost as much as a new pair of the sneakers — BUT, if we all had to pay for the cost of sending our “garbage” to landfill, as perhaps one day we might, or should, I’d be ahead. And ethically, I feel as if I am. . . And I figure that as more of us use this option when we find it, the price is likely to come down and the practice become common.
Plus it amused me to think that I was wearing expensively Mended Sneakers to walk to an appointment for (way more expensively) Mending my Mouth.
I was also amused to find that way back in 2013, I dressed up much more (Why ever did I not keep that gold satin skirt?!) in hopes of positively affecting the outcome of a challenging dental appointment. The Outfit of That Day didn’t manage to do so, but it did console me somewhat — as did a few memories that helped slow the tears (Yes, I’ve been known to cry in that ergonomically designed chair, even in one that provided a mechanical calming massage).
So I did manage to post a clothing-related piece today, if neither of the ones I’d planned on. Today was a lazy recovery day as I count out my little bundles of painkillers and anti-inflammatories and antibiotics; as I Absolutely AVOID blowing my nose or sneezing with my mouth closed (just as the pollen begins to fill the Spring Air!); and as I purée my meals into soup.
Finally, yes, despite my dental fears and dental tears I know I’m privileged to be able to keep these decades-old teeth in best shape for some septuagenarian and octogenarian chewing. . .
Okay, I’m opening the comments section for you now — any others out there who need to prepare themselves mentally and emotionally to visit the dentist? (I’m actually fine for most procedures — even the tricky ones, I’m good once we get started and I do have total confidence in the guy behind the mask, really like all the office staff, am grateful for a great hygienist and a lovely CDA with a lively sense of humour). And do any of you dress to make the day a bit easier? Or am I the only one? 😉 Tell me, do. . .
xo,
f
Oh my! You are brave…congratulations getting through the procedure.
Like you I dress for comfort in the dentists chair…especially for crowns. My dentist is amazing and very gentle and talks me through the process. He asks if I need a break…then we proceed.
Soft velour is what I opt for…
Thank goodness you have a trip to look forward to as you mend.
Reading on your deck with your layers in the morning sounds very lovely. I imagine the views are spectacular.
Leslie
Hostess of the Humble Bungalow
Author
As so often happens, Leslie, the procedure wasn’t as bad as the fears I’d built against it, and I’m glad to be on the other side, hoping the implant is settling in.
I’ve been lucky with my dentists as well — and I would say that my first root canal (in my early 20s!) went a long way to conquer my childhood fear of that chair! I’ve had too many since and every time it’s been okay, but my mind and body still play tricks ahead of time.
Soft velour, very comforting — makes sense to me!
I have my implant surgery coming up on April 16 (it’s front teeth so no sinus lift but I seem to remember whining about the bone graft process last year; taken from my chin. The photos from the recovery shock even me! I would attach one here if I could.) I will be glad when it’s over and I have proper teeth in my head. I’m not looking forward to two weeks of no chewing/no straws/no heart rate elevation but it will pass.
What will I wear? Let’s see. I’ll probably wear black knit pants (mostly intended for travel)…they’re cuffed and short enough to show my socks…I like all black with a coloured sock (coloured for me means dark green, or rust, or mustard)…or lately white…white socks and a white shirt under a black sweater (no white shirt for periodontist though! Too risky!)
I’m going home tomorrow. My flight leaves at 6:30 am. So today is cleaning and packing. And trekking around to get all the garbage and recycling to its rightful place. And tallying my purchases. Mostly sunscreen and books lol
Author
No! I turned away from your comment in horror at the bone graft taken from your chin. I think both of mine have been bovine, and if I start moo-ing it’s a price worth paying, I think. . . If you know of worse risks — CJD dementia, for example — don’t tell me! 😉
Don’t forget to add to your two weeks of Vietato the prohibition of alcohol. Paul poured me a few-ounches share of his beer last night, and I had to push it away quickly. Well worth better hearing. I really want this post to sink luxuriously into the jaw!
I have never worried about stains at the periodontist — yikes! I like the coloured sock with the smart but comfy knit pants — you can kick your ankle up to catch a view from the top of the chair if you need a bit of sassy self-encouragement.
Hmmm, I see you’ve probably arrived home to sunshine but definitely a drop in temperature. Which works out well — you have sunscreen just unpacked and books to cuddle up with. Happy re-entry as all that Italian sorts itself into the new neural pathways. xo
Hahaha I’m in Toronto airport, read your response and just laughed out loud! Didn’t even try to control it! I have some bovine bone too and maybe even porcine (I’ve also been through the osseous surgery routine and have had a couple of grafts for bone loss and yes those things are hereditary) so I’ll be moo-ing and oink-ing along with you! We could star in a community theatre performance of Animal Farm. Anyway the reason my own bone was used this time was because the area was so extensive and in the front, she wanted to increase the likelihood of acceptance. And I hang my bag on the hook. Clasp my hands loosely and command myself to keep them that way.
Gosh ! I had a tooth stump out prior to implant starting in a few months . On Monday ! It hung over me all week so I was amused when he said all done ! I never felt its removal . I too get a bit worked up and regretted it was an end of day appt ! But hey ho . Much symp to you .
Dentist said ‘you do good job hiding you’re nervous ‘
I said I’m 65 I feel I have to behave !. Good luck in healing x
Author
Oh, glad that worked out so well — some extractions are obviously worse than others and I seem inclined to think they’ll all be like the horrid ones (I had one of those last year, but really, even that was manageable).
Now you’re onward to the implant and you’ll have more chewing power! Always a good thing!
I felt genuinely uncomfortable reading this…glad it is now done and dusted. The distraction process, the clock-watching, the Walk of Dread.
Author
Right? You’ve got it! The discomfort goes so deep with me, back to me at Six, trying to be a dutiful patient but afraid of that needle . . . Too many fillings with too little anaesthetic, I see retrospectively.
Cannot believe how much I relaxed afterward, how much I didn’t know I was being affected for weeks before.
I respected and liked my previous (now retired) dentist but regularly told him I hated dental appointments despite my confidence in him and his skills. So far, my worst procedure has been root canal work, the last one about years 10 years ago. I’m not good at sitting still for a long time so the solution was for me to take a mild sedative, prescribed by the dentist, which seemed to make time pass very quickly. The downside is that I needed to be accompanied home but my lovely husband kindly acted as my chaperone. I’m sure there’ll be more intense dental challenges in my future and hope that mild sedation will be an option for whatever needs doing. Thank you for your honesty and openness, which I know will help your readers when we face similar challenges.
You are wise to look after your teeth. I visited an old friend of my parents recently, having not seen him for 5 years. He is 93 and I was dismayed to notice that he has lost several teeth. Another old family friend, now in her mid 80s, to whom I relayed details of my visit (she also knows him) sadly observed that complicated and expensive procedures to save teeth are not always possible or affordable for people of her age or older.
Yes, I do dress to relieve the stress of certain appointments, and to give me courage. It’s another useful distraction in the lead up to them. It is a great pity you no longer have the beautiful gold satin skirt from 2013. I still mourn some trousers the colour of old gold, in a heavy silk, that had a few tucks at the ankle to give them a bit of a harem look. I have no idea why I parted with them, given that they made me feel great, were versatile, and comfortable.
I wish you every success for the long term outcome of the procedure and hope you can stop pureeing meals very, very soon x
Author
It’s hard, isn’t it, Maria — even when we like, respect, and trust our dentist, there’s something that still sticks.
Funnily enough, I actually feel pretty confident now about handling root canal work (I’ve had more than 5, goofy that I can’t even remember how many!) and never had the sedative. Apparently, I will probably take that before having my wisdom teeth out later this year (and of course they’re still there because of my fear, although I put up other arguments along the way!). I guess I was always trying to be “the good patient,” but I’ve occasionally been in the chair with tears rolling silently down my cheeks — and of course, then I felt it incumbent to apologize 😉
I feel very privileged, fortunate, to be able to afford the dental care despite my fears of it. We have a plan — which doesn’t cover much of the artificial teeth, but does help with costs of maintenance, filling, cleaning, check-ups.
Ooh, too bad about those old gold trousers — they sound delicious!! Worth trolling vintage shops for!
First, you look terrific, if understandably apprehensive.
Second, ugh. I remind myself how lucky I am to be able to afford expensive dental care (and why is that not available to everyone who wants/needs it?) but that doesn’t stop the dread. I’ve never heard of a sinus lift but it sounds horrible, doesn’t it?
The photo sorting project is adorable.
Ceci
Author
Yep! We are very lucky, even in our dread, and yes! dental care really should be better incorporated into our medical systems and much more accessible — we do have a federal plan being rolled out in Canada this year, and I’ll be keen to see how much it helps. We had a provincial plan for lower-income families for a few years when my kids were growing up (we didn’t qualify for it, but so good to know some of their friends or classmates might) — of course, it was scrapped as soon as a more “fiscally conservative” government came in. Sad that so many fail to recognize the extended social costs we will all eventually pay for this short-sighted thinking, but whoops! I feel a rant coming on.
It is, isn’t it, the photo-sorting project? She’s always been more curious than the other 5, and I’m quite sure would love a day or two of being able to snoop through all sorts of artifacts 😉
Brava Frances,you really had a lot of troubles-fingers crossed that everything will be over soon! You did it in a very stylish way-love your outfit!
Despite my reluctance of reading anything connected with teeth,I actually love my dentist and his assistant (and have loved all three of my dentists and two assistants during my 65 years-my actual dentist’s assistant was an assistant to my former dentist as well! ) and have no fear so far
Cudos for your cobbler (although mine did similar thing with my boots,so cudos for him,too)
Dressing for the dentist is a little bit tricky- I usually wear red lipsticks,scarves and sensitive materials….everything is no-no! So,navy or black is my choice and I remove scarf and lipstick before entering
Dottoressa
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Thanks K! Really, compared to “real troubles” going on in the world today, mine are very “tempest in a teapot”-y, but I was surprised how much mental/emotional energy that dread took up. Feeling much better now, and even imagining the sinus lift might have helped with ongoing congestion.🤞🏻
My impression when we visited your beautiful city was that you have a wealth of artisans, and definitely shoemakers and cobblers (Paul still wears a pair of sandals that he had made for him while we were there).
Yes, I wouldn’t wear perfume to the dentist or the red lipstick, but they just chained the usual disposable napkin around my neck right over the scarf. They always offer to hang my bag on the wall just in front of me, but I prefer having something to clutch if I needed to 😉
I’m glad the procedure is over, sending healing vibes. I remember a few years ago when I had my implant. The process began late in 2019 and then of course everything shut down a few weeks later. what was supposed to be 3-6 month process ended up taking two years. and when it was finally time to “install” my new teeth they were the wrong size. the lab which made them was in the opposite coast so there were weeks of back and forth until, finally, they got it right. A couple of years ago I had two pairs of favorite boots repaired. I have a pair of suede La Canadienne suede boots which are flattering and comfortable. but they were getting a bit worn looking. now I can get a few more seasons from them.
Author
Oh, yes, I had a process shut down during the pandemic as well — mid Invisalign. I think I could have caught and avoided two root canals and expensive crowns if I’d been able to get in during that extended closure. A lesson in how important the regular consistent checks are!
I’m glad you finally got your new teeth, despite all the fitting and waiting and refitting and rewaiting. Happy chewing!
Isn’t it satisfying to get old favourite boots and shoes repaired? I’m loving having what almost feels like new pairs in my wardrobe — and feeling a bit virtuous instead of a bit guilty! 😉
I’m quite relieved to find I’m not the only one who may have shed a tear or two in one of those ergonomically designed chairs!
But my outfit plan is the opposite of yours, Frances! It’s a bit weird, I know, but I’ve realised I don’t want any of my favourites to get tainted by the dental visit. I’d prefer to put on something comfortable and even veer towards bland with my outfit. I had to smile to myself when I realised that was my thought process.
I’m glad it went well for you. I think that the anticipation can be the worst part of it. Xx
Author
Oh, solidarity! Another occasional tear-sheeder!
And your outfit plan makes perfect sense to me, even though it’s rather the inverse of mine. Whatever it takes, right?
And definitely, the fear ahead was worse than the actual experience (although in some odd way, perhaps the rehearsed fear, once seen not to have been justified, leads to the near euphoria I’ve felt the last day or two. So maybe almost worth it?)
I feel for you. I have bad gums and have had numerous rounds of osseus dental surgery the last two this past January. It is behind you and so is yours. Feel better!
And both times when I had to go to the appointments I wore my best red wine velvet Doc Martens for good luck and as an encouragement.
Author
Ugh! that gum surgery/graft has always sounded appalling to me. I’m glad you’re done with it!
And also envious of your Red Wine Velvet Docs! That would do the trick, for sure!
Dress up, dress down whatever gets you through it. My teeth have always looked great (for the UK not the US as they are not white enough!) but they are a sham and I have had a life full of horrible dental procedures and gum disease. Finally a lovely dentist explained that some of us have a genetic predisposition to gum disease it goes along with my high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems and that actually I had been taking good care of my teeth and gums, after a lifetime of being tutted at by snotty dental hygienists it was a great relief.
I’ve had two implants and they are brilliant. Had to wait a while though as the pandemic started just after I had the posts fitted and the teeth were finally fitted a year later!!
Author
I’m so glad you got a different perspective on your gum disease — I’ve had the very rare, occasional “snotty dental hygienist” and that’s a kind of shaming I don’t need. The sweetheart who’s done my last few cleanings has been just lovely about telling me what a great job I’m doing, and that kind of encouragement really lifted me; felt like a kid who just got a gold star!
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the implants (sounds as if you had a similar postponement to Darby — see her comment in this thread)
I wear THE most comfortable clothes,no makeup and a hat.
Author
I don’t wear makeup either — would all just get rubbed off, and I’m not sure it would bear such close-up scrutiny anyway! The hat is a wise idea — bad hair is a predictable result of all that handling in the chair! And comfort! Yes! Clothes that cuddle us!
Ugh. I stress even over cleanings. My teeth are so sensitive. I’m glad you are done with the implant and I hope that it is healing well. It’s all uphill now. Hopefully this is the last procedure you have for a while.
I’ve had a number of procedures, with a couple of them being unpleasant. I am very glad to be able to afford them and to live in a time when they are possible.
I like a comfortable outfit and do not dress up for the dentist. Even with the bib that the team uses, I’ve had nice work tops stained by toothpaste, which manages to splatter just beyond the edges of the bib. I typically wear jeans and a tee shirt, but in the case of dental surgery, I’ve sometimes worn sweatpants for the comfort factory.
Author
That’s tough — I’m lucky that my teeth aren’t too sensitive, but I remember that cleanings used to be much more uncomfortable than they are now. So much has improved in dental technology during our lifetime! And you’re absolutely right — we are very lucky to be living in a time when these procedures are even possible.
I had a crown (in the front) come loose a few weeks ago: dentist said no problem, we’ll just yank it out and glue it back in. No dice, it did not want to come out. OK, we’ll wait two weeks and come back again. Once more, it’s stubbornness proved her wrong. Told me to eat chewy things (Sugar Daddy’s and Turkish Taffy – remember them?) and come back in 4 weeks. Well, today was 4 weeks and wonders abound, she got it out and glued back! Good for another 20 years, I hope. Nothing compared to your saga, but a reminder how quickly things can turn. Lucky I had some insurance and cash to cover the rest. And a good dentist! Wanted to get that out of the way before my trip to Italy in late April.
Author
Whoa! That crown really didn’t want to come out! I’ve had a loose one re-placed before and I worried about what it would take to get it out properly — but mine came out easily enough. I hope yours is happily settled back in and stays in place for as long as you need it!
I was thinking about you . I’m glad all went well . Flipping teeth !
Author
Thank you! And I absolutely agree — there are definitely design flaws 😉
Glad your dental surgery went well.
I had an appointment on Wednesday, and I swear those x-ray things you have to bite on are less well-designed than optimal;) OUCH!
Author
Aren’t those annoying?! Almost like stepping on Lego, except at least the Lego is an avoidable accident. . .
Thanks for sharing about your dental experience and the shoe repair. Glad it went well. I am wondering if you could share who your amazing cobbler is? I don’t live too far from Vancouver and we do not have anyone amazing in our neighborhood. I would be willing to drive for that type of skill. I hate throwing away good quality things that could be repaired.
Author
Hi Joy, Happy to share the name: The Quick Cobbler on 2nd Avenue. . . There’s usually a bit of a wait while the shoes are being repaired — their services are quite sought after.
I’ve also heard good things about Awl Together Leather in East Vancouver . . .
Thank you so much!
Author
you’re welcome! 😉
Probably tempting fate to say that so far I haven’t had anything more dentally invasive than an extraction because of an abcess under general anaesthetic and a root canal, and I managed to nod off during the latter once the worst of it was past because there was nothing else to do but lie still, and it was warm, and my head was resting snugly against my rugby-playing dentist’s broad chest and I could hear his calm heartbeat…I do go to a private dentist because sadly, although we have dental care on the NHS, there aren’t enough dentists for the population. This is not for lack of young people wanting to become dentists.
But I’ve just been through the preparation thing with my cataract surgery this past Monday. Instructions were issued on what to wear – “a front-buttoning top, and nothing that you mind being possibly ruined (exact word) because of fluid spills during the operation”. So it was a Gap blue chambray shirt, a cast-off of my daughter’s that was making its way towards being a gardening shirt. Below I wore slim leg jeans with a turn up cuff and lace up Ecco leather baseball boots. I felt as if I was dressed like a teenager in comparison to my fellow patients in the pre-surgery waiting area! There were complications during the op, but the new lens was able to be inserted which apparently isn’t always a given with what happened. Now however I’m in for a protracted period of non-strenuous activity as things – fingers crossed – settle down. I hope you’re well into the settling-down phase.
PS – my cataract surgery was on the NHS, so completely free, as is the aftercare through my local optician.
Clothes as armour, I do that too. They must look good and be emotionally comfortable as well as physically. I think you nailed it.
I’ve been procrastinating seeing my dentist, I had extensive work early last year and he muttered about two teeth that will need fillings soon. Cataract surgery is on the cards as well. I must give myself a talking to and get on with it all.
How good to be able to rejuvenate shoes with chunky rubber soles. I pulled out a favourite pair of sandals this summer (bought due to unexpectedly hot weather while travelling in Spain fifteen years ago) and discovered I was leaving a trail of rubber because the soles had become friable during their winter rest. I will investigate if any cobblers in our area are doing full sole replacement yet although it too late for my lovely sandals which went in the bin.
I had the same procedure and went to a top dental surgeon who also works in hospitals for jaw surgeries. I am allergic to NSAIDS so was afraid of swelling. He said he could angle the post a certain way to minimize that. He literally only took 30 minutes to do a sinus lift and post. The scanning part didn’t take much time either so not sure why such a huge variation. Maybe being highly experienced?
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You were very lucky, weren’t you?! My procedure was done by my dentist, not by a surgeon, but I would imagine that there are huge differences depending on the size of a patient’s jaw, the position of the tooth, etc. Mine was in a tough spot to get to, and I’m very grateful for time and care taken. Months later now, and I look forward to having the implant 😉