Dear friends,
For some time, I had been discussing with my previous dentist in Port Elgin and current dentist in Markham the possibility of implanting a molar tooth, ever since I had lost all upper molar teeth on one side to cavity and infection. It was the combination of its cost and my fear of having someone drilling a hole in my jaw near my sinus that made me wait so long.
Finally, after long discussion and consideration, I had dental surgery on the Tuesday morning of April 26 around 8:30 AM. I made the appointment at 8:30 morning so that after the surgery, I could go directly to the office and do my work. I even packed my lunch. I was utterly clueless.
I did not even realize that the dental surgery would require recovery time. It would take 24–72 hours to heal. So instead of going to the office, I went to a pharmacy to get pain killers, antibiotics, and Peridex mouthwash. I sent an email to Bruce and Lisa sharing that I would not be at the office on Tuesday and probably Wednesday. Then, I went directly to my bed with an icepack on my face. I ended up staying in my bed all Tuesday and Wednesday. I could not believe putting a tiny screw in my jaw would need 48 and more hours to recover. At least I was so glad I did not schedule the surgery on Friday or Saturday.
I have learned a good lesson again. It is not just dental surgery that requires a time of recovery and rest, but I am not always good at recognizing the need for recovery. I need to become more intentional about recovery time. I am sure I am not the only who struggles with this.
After a long day at work, after a big or small project, after spending hours with pleasant friends or troubled clients, after visiting our loving family or complete strangers, after success or failure, after hearing exciting or disappointing news, after listening to others or sharing our concerns with others, after saying goodbye to our loved ones or welcoming others, we need time to rest, process and reflect. Looking back, when my dentist said, “Do you have any other questions?”, I could have asked, “What should I expect after surgery?” “How long will it take to heal?” But the only questions I asked were, “How much it will it cost?”, “What is the timeline for the procedure?” and “How soon can I get it?”
May we not forget to spend time with the Risen Christ, and find peace and rest each day!
—Rev. Chuck Moon
A version of this message first appeared in the Saturday, April 30, 2022, edition of Tidbits.