A Dental Bargain

Now those are two words one doesn't often hear together.

When C had his dental checkup with a new dentist in early January, they did the same kind of panoramic x-ray that M had had in December (the one that discovered his extra tooth). C's panor-x showed teeth several teeth that were delayed in coming out on their own, thus impeding permanent molars below. We made appointments for extractions.

C did not like the idea of this at all. Needles were involved after all. And he doesn't do well with needles. Period.

A couple of weeks ago he told me that one of the two teeth that needs to be extracted was loose. Cool. Then I received an insurance authorization noting what our portion of the fees would be. Ouch.

Several days ago, C informed me that the loose tooth had come out. But that he'd swallowed it by mistake. After a good laugh, and canceling one of the extraction appointments, I had an idea. Could he get that other tooth out, too?

He said it wasn't loose, but that he'd try.

I gave him some incentive. I told him that we'd give him $25 if he could get that tooth on his own.

And he did, just last night.

While some might say the tooth fairy was generous, I know we got a bargain. As long as C never sees the insurance statement to see how much we would have paid the dentist, we'll all be happy.

In other news, it's Truck Day! 8 days to Spring Training! (And still no contract for Manny.)