So, Friday was the big day: first term classes (American History I) ended, Jonathan (unfortunately) went home, and I had my gum surgery.  You may remember that last time on James's phusebox, I had to have a gum graft because of a rather large, if isoloated, gum recession, brought on by one of my lower teeth moving too quickly when I had braces.  Irritation was caused by the fact that my regular dentist's office did not see fit to clean my teeth before the surgery (which was necessary); however, another dentist's office was willing to do so.

I did go to the other dentist's office; it was much cheaper, the people were nicer, and the dentist remembered me (his wife was my high school German teacher), and that Wesley and I didn't get to go to Washington, DC.  I think I've found a new dentist...

Back to the gums: Friday, I took my final, said good-bye to Jonathan, and my parents whisked me off to Lebanon.  An hour before my appointment, I whisked myself off to Never-Never-Land by taking a prescribed Atavan (like a stepped-up Valium).  While I still cared what happened to me at the periodontist's, I only have a vague recollection of what actually did.  I can remember being rather aware at the time, but unfortunately, I am now unaware of what I was then aware of.  Regardless, they had me take one of my prescribed painkillers immediately following the surgery, and I was out until eleven o'clock Friday night (did I mention that the surgery took place at two o'clock that afternoon?)...

Post-op: the gum itself is somewhat sore, but because it's in the lower front of my mouth, it's relatively unbothered by eating, drinking, or anything else.  The more annoying part is the roof of my mouth; invariably when I eat or swallow saliva, a little bit of pressure is applied to those stitches, and it's not the most pleasant feeling.  Nevertheless, the pain itself isn't bad at all.  At most, there's some discomfort due to swelling, exacerbated at times by facial expressions (ie, strange mouth movements).  Needless to say, I have not had any more painkillers, other than Tylenol.  I do prefer to be cognizant.

In other medicinal news, I also have an antibacterial mouthwash to use.  However, since I am not allowed to rinse my mouth out or spit, I just have to let the mouthwash sit in my mouth and then let it just kind of fall out.  The problem arises because if the mouthwash is swallowed, it makes you nauseous.  Naturally, I'm not swallowing it, but let's face it: I'm a somewhat busy person.  I cannot stant in front of the sink for an hour expelling mouthwash, so some of it invariably gets swallowed.  Naursea is not pleasant.  The remedy comes in the form of another of the periodontist's insructions: rinsing my mouth with saltwater.  This at least removes some of the mouthwash and keeps it from building up in my mouth.

Actually, the sorest part is from the most minor aspect of the surgery.  In addition, to the gum recession, I had a "fremma."  Basically, there was a small piece of tissue connecting my gum to my lower lip; I've had this since birth, as do many people.  It wasn't really causing any harm, but it wasn't helping anything either.  Therefore, the periodontist went ahead and cut it.  That, combined with them holding my lower lip down and open for an hour (you try it!), has caused the most soreness.

Undoubtedly, there will be further updates...