Chew on my anatomy

At the instant I was born, my mother thought I was a freak.

This was because I was born with my 2 lower incisors. These are called natal teeth, and happens in 1 out of  2000 newborn infants.

Last July, I had my molar extracted.

That surgical procedure, though performed swiftly and successfully, was a horrid experience. It was after all, my first dental surgery - incisions, stitches, bone grafting and all.

To compound matters, I was still breastfeeding then. Thus I actually didn't take any of the prescribed painkillers and relied only on panadols. It was living hell for the whole of that night.

Last Friday, I went for a follow-up dentist appointment. This time for the implant. In a while after reaching the clinic, I found myself staring at the ceiling wearing unfashionable goggles.

Me: So will I hear cracking sounds later, like during the extraction? (totally freaked out then)

Dentist: No, just some drilling sounds.

Me: Oh no! I wonder if that's a better alternative or not! (i was actually absolutely relieved!)

A local anesthetic was administered. I flinched. It was bloody painful.

Dentist: Sorry dear, please bear with it.

He then left the surgery room giving time for the anesthetic to work, leaving me chatting with the assistants, a trying thing to do as I gradually feel the right side of my lips flapping out of control as I speak.

The dentist returned after a round of walking with Sean in his arms, sending flying kisses to everyone in his office.

Then, the surface area of my face is being wrapped up, leaving only an opening exposing my mouth. I felt like 纸包鸡 instinctively. Behind the veil, I tried to picture how I must have looked then. I wanted to tell the dentist to help me take a photo.

Dentist: Ok Nicole, open your mouth wide.

I obeyed and opened my mouth so wide that my jaws seemed to have locked.

Then, the drilling sounds. I begin to imagine how my gums are being slowly pried open by a spiralling motor, sending pieces of gum and spewed blood into the cavity of my mouth. The assistant had a field day administering the suction device.

Dentist: Beautiful piece of bone.

What? Where? My collarbone?

Dentist: Amazing what technology can do today.

Then I realised. He's talking about the piece of artificial bone grafted onto my jaw.

Then came the awkward sounds of a screwdriver turning. You know, that creaking sound.

Dentist: Ok, done!

My face was unwrapped. I attempt to rinse my mouth quite unsuccessfully with my droopy lips. I looked like I had suffered a stroke on the right side.

I made the gentlest effort for my tongue to feel what used to be a gaping hole.

It touches something cold, a metallic stud.

Dentist: So Nicole, how do you feel now?

Me: DAMN SCREWED!

I had ravioli for lunch 10 minutes after I walked out of the clinic and now 3 days later, my teeth on the other side are aching sorely from over-usage.

I told Steve that I have a feeling this might not be the last time I will be screwed on the dentist chair.

He gave me the widest-eyed stare.

How my upper jaw would appear if you have X-ray vision