The day I woke up with a toothache

We had plans to go to Powell and Cody one day this week to pick up some farm essentials, things like wild bird food and dog treats and of course hit a few other places too. But I woke up on the planned day with a toothache. I really wasn’t surprised. I just kept hoping for a little while longer. 

I am the world’s worst procrastinator when what needs to be done is not something I want to do. That is kind of what this was. I knew I had some teeth getting bad, some were broken, some had some cavities and some had lost fillings and then just kind of fallen apart. But I just didn’t get around to making the call for an appointment. 

First of all, I must say, on the whole, I hate dentists. My experience hasn’t always been good. My early experience wasn’t all that bad. Dr, Kelly, who I am sure treated a lot of my readers in their younger years, was pretty cool. He always gave out ice cream cone certificates if we were good. Then I had one dentist who was really awful. He completely mucked up my feelings about dentists. It was several years then before I went to a dentist again. Then came my favorite, Dr. Doerr. He was always so kind and caring, but he was sure a nag about brushing and flossing. He was good to me and for me, though. 

When we moved to Missoula, I went to see a dentist recommended by some friends. It was the first time I had ever had a dentist ask if I wanted to be numbed. I kind of stared at him, and he replied that he had several clients that didn’t do the numbing. I was appalled. My favorite dental experience was also in Missoula. When I got my wisdom teeth pulled, they put me clear out. It was totally awesome. I wish I could have every procedure done that way. 

So that morning I wake up with a toothache. It has been years since I have visited a dentist. I have no client history with anyone in the local area and I am scared of dentists. So I decide to call the most local one we have, Greybull Dental. 

First of all I was surprised when they told me to come in right away. Then when Dr. Davidson looked at the x-ray and told me we might as well take it out right away. Wow, I didn’t know what to say. I guess he looked at all of my sketchy teeth and decided that if I was in his chair he might as well get out what he could. He will be pulling more, I am sure. I am afraid I will soon join the denture club.  

But the best part? One of the gals in the front office gave me an application that might be able to help me pay for a portion of my dental care. 

The only problem I had was while the doctor has both hands in my mouth he is talking to his assistant about calving, and I so wanted to join in the conversation and I couldn’t. So for once I couldn’t talk. Now that is something, a day when I couldn’t talk. 

My Favorite White Chicken Chili

2 pounds chicken breasts, cut in bite sized pieces

1 large onion, chopped

1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chilies

2 (14 ounce) cans northern beans

1 quart chicken broth

½ teaspoon oregano

1 tablespoon seasoned salt

black pepper to taste

Brown chicken breasts lightly in a small amount of oil. Add onion and sauté until the onion begins to soften. Dump in everything else, bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes. It is done, ready to eat and superb.