DEATH TO A MOLAR - dental extracttion 101

It’s a case of a 3rd upper molar gone berserk. It had a mind of its own when it decided to grow sideways. Instead of the usual downward growth, it grew side by side with my left cheek. This made me bit my cheek every time I chew. If not for this discomfort, I wouldn’t sentence this molar to extinction.

I had my 3rd molar extracted. It was painless through anesthesia. But of course, after the numbing has subsided, there was a slight tingling sensation but nothing to complain about really. The thing was, I didn’t realize how surreal the experience would be. I couldn’t remember the last time I had a tooth extraction. I couldn’t remember the feeling of having to undergo the procedure nor anything associated with it. It was “huh?!” to me. The dentist told me to inhale and exhale as she put the needle in my gums. The inhale and exhale thing worked, I didn’t feel the needle prick. Then she told me to wait a while for the anesthesia to take effect. After about 10 to 15 minutes, she did something with my tooth and asked if I felt anything. I told her, none. Then she told me that she’ll proceed. After some tugging, pushing and pulling, the molar gave in. Then she handed me a small pack of ice to put in my cheek and gave me a sheet of paper. Below is what’s written on that paper verbatim.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR CARE AFTER DENTAL EXTRACTION
Maipid, Munoz and Pangilinan Dental Clinic
Unit 202 Heart of the City Condominium
40 Sgt. Esguerra Avenue, Quezon City
Telephone no. 924-1632

1. Bite on gauze at least 30mins. If bleeding continues, place a gauze pack directly over the bleeding point and bite or press firmly after an hour.

2. To prevent dislodging the blood clot, DO NOT spit excessively, drink through a straw, smoke for at least 72 hours, or rinse the mouth vigorously on the day of surgery.

3. Keep the mouth clean to prevent secondary infection. Brush your teeth and tongue gently. Flossing may be deferred until pain subsides.

4. To prevent swelling, apply cold compress or ice wrapped in a towel against the face near the affected site after the procedure. Do this for 30 minutes, then remove it for 30 minutes and repeat. Cold also reduces bleeding.

5. Take pain relievers or analgesics to control pain or discomfort.

6. The diet should consist of cool fluids and soft foods for the first day.

7. Strenuous activities or exercises should be avoided for 24 hours.

8. After 24 hours, rinse the mouth with warm salt water (1/2 tsp. salt per glass of lukewarm water). DO this 3 to 5 times a day for 7 days.

I hope anyone who would have to undergo the procedure or have done so recently would find these infos useful.

CCP ON A SUNDAY

It was such a treat for an amateur photographer like me and an exploratory toddler like Rainie. We had long walks, seaside trips and a Jollibee treat. It’s a good and fun way to spend a lazy Sunday morning with the ones you love. I consider it as one of those ultimate cheap bonding activities.

Love "Trip"

Since it’s Valentine’s Day, let me have a trip down memory lane. Some reminiscing wouldn’t hurt a hopeless romantic like me.

1989
I was in Grade 6. He was in 3rd year high school. I knew him only by face. He has a group of "rowdy" friends who frequented a carinderia just beside our house. He’s the silent type. It’s probably the reason why he caught my fancy. I thought he was cute. But that was that. I haven’t seen him since.

Cartimar-rific!

under the sea replicas (saltwater aquarium)

Looking for plants, shoes and pets in just one place? Cartimar is it. We went there to look for arowanas. Here’s an interesting side story. My husband’s parents have a pet arowana which took a suicidal dive out of its own aquarium. I can’t believe it, the first time I heard it. It’s a case of an oversized arowana inside a rectangular aquarium-prison. Apparently, the fish is sick and tired of its having to swim in a small aquarium. It took the matter into its own hands. After mustering the courage to do something no fish has ever done before, it gathered all the strength it needs to jump out of its cell. It succeeded in its attempt. So it was given a decent funeral – somewhere in the garden. The aquarium looks so empty, both figuratively and literally. So there, off to Cartimar. It is always a delight for me to go there. There’s so much to see.

Fishes and shells in various colors, shapes and sizes. Shoes, specially those sporty looking ones, in different hip styles.

Shells in various shapes and sizes

 Plants – orchids and cacti - are my favorites. Water fountains (we used to make these as a sideline business), but those in the stalls are more complicated to make and definitely bigger than the tabletop ones.

orchids are plentiful

cactuses

If you’re looking for pets, there are dogs and a couple of Persian and Siamese cats, all so cute and somewhat giving that please-buy-me-so-I-can-get-out-of-here look. Lovebirds, pigeons, turtles – name it.

lovebirds are just some of the pets you can bring home

I hope we can go back here again, but this time minus the arowana suicide story.

HOW TO GET THERE:
If you're coming from Monumento, the fastest way would be to take the LRT. Alight at Gil Puyat Station. You can walk from there (long walk) or you can board a jeep with Cartimar signage or any jeep going to Baclaran. Ask the driver to drop you off Cartimar.

Superwomom’s Top 10 List of Pinoy Children’s Books

Thank God for children’s books. If not for them, I wouldn’t be able to really connect with my daughter. Together, we’ve read more than 10 Adarna books. I’m the eager reader and she’s the avid listener. I can say she responds well with books. She can identify things based on what we’ve read. I introduced her to reading by setting a side some of our time in the morning to just sit down and read. Based on what comes to her mind (I think), she’ll tell me the book she wants to read. Of course, I’ll readily oblige.

I started this reading session with R when she was still in my womb. I don’t know if it has anything to do with her liking for books. I love reading children’s books. I even dream of becoming a storyteller. And I’m happy to slowly realize that dream with my daughter as my first and sole audience (for now). After months of diligently reading to her, she can now identify what’s going to happen next or fill-in the words for me. She even points out the things in the book that she’s already familiar with.

I just hope that her love for books will be sustained throughout her life and I hope that I’ll be able to support her all the way.

Superwomom’s Top 10 List of Pinoy Children’s Books

1. Ang Magic Silya ni Titoy - A journey of friendship between an ordinary boy and his friend on a wheelchair.