Giving thanks for all things

A couple years ago I needed to get a root canal. I researched dentists in my network to find one with good reviews, and he had a nice introductory video on his website to boot.

The complete lack of other patients in the office was my first sign that the online credibility was just a facade. The next clue was a lot more painful. Getting my crown in place, this doctor began jamming little wooden rods — they may have actually been toothpicks — in between the neighboring tooth and the crown. It was like a form of medieval torture.

I was grateful to get out of there, and decided to never come back. My experience must not be unusual because the secretary, who I paid before leaving, called for payment. I reminded her that I paid in person, and confirmed the debit online. Then the doctor himself called. Their administrative skills are on the same level as his dental abilities.

Unfortunately the story doesn’t end there. I now have what is called a “food trap”. The crown is imperfectly lined/spaced with the next so when I eat food gets stuck there uncommonly often, nearly every time I eat fibrous vegetables or meat.

Instead of getting upset and planning the doctor’s demise every time I eat, I’ve learned to be grateful for the botched procedure. Since I have to floss the food trap with every full meal, I take it as a reminder to hit my whole mouth. Which, to be honest, I’ve never been good at. It’s now my indicator to floss. Maybe it will help prevent me from having to get another root canal!