Accessories to Life

Tooth adoption

I don’t like going to the dentist. I’m not sure if anyone does. But for the very first time, I was very happy to be at the dentist, coming out from the dental procedure beaming with my new adopted tooth.

I lost a tooth to food. It’s unreal how much junk I stuff myself and yet expect my set of teeth to be there every time I need them. And not just to be there, but to take in all that crap with minimal supervision and maintenance. Finally, one tooth gave way. It decided not to fight anymore. The nerve was taken out to sever what remains of my relationship with that tooth. Let’s call it Ed.

Slowly but surely, Ed wore out. In his final breath, the battle-worn tooth decided he had enough humiliation - Ed jumped off the gum cliff…

The dentist had to clear up the remains, so that a new one can be fixed into the void. A mould was taken to create an exact clone. Then the wait begins while the artists were busy sculpting the new tooth.

It feels weird with nothing there. I’m not quite sure if I’m supposed to eat with the neighbours, who must be thinking when will it be until they come to the same fate. Eating with only one side also creates unnecessary strain to them. “It’ll all be over soon” I told myself.

And soon it was. The day came when Ed Clone was ready. Went back to the dentist who did the funeral proceedings for Ed. Ed Clone looked exactly like the old one, during his more glory days. Even the colour was spot on. Although the tooth fit in like a glove, I can’t help to feel something foreign in my mouth, something that doesn’t belong to me. The tongue thinks that he’s definitely smoother and more well polished than the rest. Other than that, the clone is just like the original. Only time will tell how long will my relationship last with Ed Clone.

“So, how should I be treating this new tooth?” I asked.

“Sounds easy enough…” Then again, brush and floss didn’t help Ed.

“Just like any other tooth. Brush and floss.”

So here’s farewell to Ed, and hope I’ll treat Ed Clone better. It’s not everyday that we get a second chance to treat the same person better.

“Ed Clone, welcome to the family.”

p/s: Photo courtesy of Karissa Ann.

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