Throw out your gold teeth, and see how they roll

I don't have any gold teeth, but I do have a few fillings from when I was a youngster and ate way more sugar than I do now. But I haven't had a cavity for longer than I can honestly remember. But that's not through any particularly diligent dental routine on my part, mainly just good luck. About a year ago, I decided to straighten up and fly right and start getting in to the dentist for the regularly scheduled cleaning that my insurance pays for. No sense paying for the benefit if I'm not using it as often as possible, right?

Last spring my new dentist told me that I should have my wisdom teeth taken out. Sure thing, no problem, sez I. I'll have it done before I come back in November. But, no sense losing out on good cycling days during the summer being knocked on my butt for a few days by oral surgery. I can put that off until the weather starts to turn. October, no later. I swear.

At my 6 month cleaning in November both my hygenist and dentist scolded me, gently, for still having the same number of teeth as I'd had on my last visit. Sure thing, no problem, sez I. I'll have it done before I come back in May. You see where this is headed, don't you? Things are so hectic around the holidays. Plus, I'd rather have Lasik than oral surgery. I can put that off until January, when being outside is a bitch. February, no later. I swear.

Last night I thought I had something caught in my teeth as I was watching The Riches. I'd been eating some chips and salsa and assumed it was just a chunk of chip. So I hit it hard with the fancy toothbrush thinking it would dislodge the offending snack item. It turns out I dislodged a chunk of filling. And unfortunately it's on a tooth that borders one of the aforementioned wisdom teeth. Long story short, the dentist says "Sorry, can't help you. Get thee to an oral surgeon." So I've an appointment for May 1, and I'm hoping like hell my mouth holds together through the weekend. And in a bit of irony, or at least amusing juxtaposition, my Ironman rider packet showed up in the mail today.

Edit: In another bout of amusing juxtaposition just after I posted this, iTunes' random protocol served up the classic Metallica nugget: "(Anesthesia) Pulling Teeth" It's a mainly crappy bass solo, with some drums and guitar thrown in at the end. In the harsh light of honest appraisal, the worst track on Kill 'Em All. But the all out onslaught of the next track, Whiplash, makes up for it. But tonight the title alone made me laugh and not fast forward to the next track.

Date: April 24
Mileage: 10
Ride type/Bike: Commute/Schwinn
April mileage: 254
Year to date mileage: 1163