Had a tooth fracture a few months ago. Finally went to the dentist today. I'm without insurance right now. I can get a root canal for 2 grand, or an extraction for 175 bucks. Easy decision. Thank God it's not a front tooth. Still not the greatest news I could hope for after all my good news from the doctor. Oh well, that's life for you.
But while I was feeling embarrassed and stressed, some of my friends and co-workers shared all the dental problems they've dealt with. Healthy teeth being extracted for braces, fillings that kept falling out, teeth that were just damaged and had to go, and many of these were young people. It made me feel better to know I wasn't alone.