100 Things - #6: I have false teeth.

When I was about 8 or 9 (can’t quite remember when), I tried to jump a ramp on my bicycle.  I didn’t quite make it and fell.  I knocked out my three front teeth, broke my arm, and pushed all my teeth around inside my mouth.  Basically the accident, shoved my teeth in such a way that they pointed back towards my throat instead of down as they would normally.

The doctors/dentists did try to re-attach my natural teeth, which my dad went home and found, however; it didn’t take.  I spent that entire summer in and out of various doctor and dentist offices and several surgeries later, I was good as new with my false teeth.  I had my teeth wired, but my jaw was not wired shut.  I do remember having the wires removed about 6 weeks after they were put on, and the very next day I was riding my bike again.  As a kid, not riding my bike for most of the summer was pure torture, however; I was treated to tons of Popsicles and ice cream all summer long.  Funny enough I don’t have a ton of other memories from that summer beyond that and the many doctor/dentist visits.

I have weak teeth, no doubt, due to all the moving around the roots sustained during that summer.  I also have a huge fear of the dentist, I practically need to be sedated to walk into the office.  Just sitting in the waiting room is enough to bring me to tears.  I’m sure all those visits and painful memories are indelibly marked on my subconscious causing this huge fear in me.