Extrusion Imminent

In the continuing saga of Tom’s Teeth, I spent another 2 1/2 hours “vacationing” in the dentist’s chair this morning. I’ve come to this realization today: When I’m lying on my deathbed, even if the rest of my life is a complete shambles, I will at least have the satisfaction of knowing that I’ve experienced every conceivable dental procedure known to man.

Next up on the list for Tom's Teeth: An "extrusion" of my right upper canine (which I believe is tooth #6 - yes I've spent so much time at dentists during my life that I understand the Mysterious Tooth Numbering Scheme). This process involves removing the temporary crown that's there, embedding a hook into the bone, and stretching a tight wire over the empty space above the tooth which is anchored to the neighboring teeth by braces-like brackets. A rubber band is stretched between the wire band and hook and viola! The tooth is extruded out of the gum 2-3mm over the course of a couple of months.

Why would I want to do this you ask? Isn't it obvious? Who WOULDN'T want to have a hook and a rubber band and metal wire inserted into their mouth for a couple of months?? (The real answer is: Since the tooth has previously been cut off right at the gumline, there is very little bone exposed, so a permanent crown placed on it in this condition would probably break off in about 5 years.)

After the extrusion, the process of building two upper bridges to fill the gaping holes where 4 teeth used to be can begin, along with the construction of permanent crowns on my 6 frontmost teeth. After that, maybe I'll actually be able to chew food again. Cheers!