Finally got to go to the dentist today and take a look at the toothache, and the doctor said that the cavity was very bad, going down into the root of the tooth, so she gave me two options: pull out the tooth, or get it crowned. And because my Medicaid didn't cover crowning, I made the hard decision to have the tooth pulled. They gave me injections in the gums to numb everything, and I spent the next 10-15 minutes feeling tight pressure (that wasn't too painful, but made me weep in case of pain) as they slowly removed the tooth. When it was finally out, I ask them if I could have a look, and the tooth had this big hole on its side. It was bad. I wanted to keep it, but they had to throw it for bio hazard reasons.

So right now, I'm at home, feeling much better, and using gauze cloths to press against the extraction area to created a blood clot that will seal the hole. I'm also taking my pain meds, just in case I have pain. Can't spit for now until the clot is formed, and I can't drink from a straw until next week. Tomorrow, I'll have rinse with warm salted water 3-times a day, at least until I got back to work on Thursday. Also have to rinse gently after every meal for the next few days.

I just hope the healing process goes by without any further problems or complications. Wish me luck. =)