I will be the pattern of all patience; I will say nothing.

Got back from the root canal treatment an hour ago. It was pretty much what I expected.

I ran into all 3 dentists I use at the clinic – my orthodontist I met in the lift going to the clinic. She insisted I pop by and so she can check if she can fix the tooth in my bottom row that popped out of place.

The endodontist was already waiting for me – I was a little late as usual. He was his usual brand of smiley and geeky, years ago when I worked at the dental clinic, he convinced me that wearing retainers was a waste of time. So it was ironic that this morning I run into my orthodontist who gave me the – you didn’t wear your retainers?? spiel – and the very endodontist who gave me the idea in the first place.

Before he started drilling, I told him it was his fault that my orthodontist is now hunting me down and we’re trying to restore perfection to the alignment of my teeth.

And he said the deepest thing a dentist has ever said to me – life is full of imperfection.

That’s so true. Still, I’d like to know I’m trying for it. Maybe I equate perfection with excellence.

An hour later, I emerge from the endodontist’s chair numb and sore, and I run into my regular dentist. He reminds me of my dad – small set, tan, and horribly anal retentive. He asks me how I am, and says it was quick. We go through my next steps and his schedule, so I know when to make my next appointment.

He is concerned that the treatment is going to impact my bank balance a little too much. I’m worried that the crown is going to be ugly. He’s my mom’s age, probably older. I shudder to think about ever visiting a dentist that’s not him. He’s extracted every adult tooth I ever needed to extract (4 pre-molars for my orthodontics, 4 wisdom teeth), and kept them all whole.

I had a good day at the dentist. Mostly because Mr Endodontist said I didn’t look my age, but a lot younger – he was always funny.

Next week we finish what we started, so another few trips to the dentist, but the hard part is over. I’ve one less tooth, and imperfection has set, but well, life is full of imperfection.