Recovering from the root canal

03 March, 2019

Sooooo.... Last night I flossed (gently, I swear!) and this happened to my temporary crown.

Unsure what to do, I put it back in place, but it kept falling off, even a sip of water made it fall off.  With the surrounding gum area already traumatized by the procedure the preceding day, fusing around with this and having it moving against the gum line, the pain level shot up, resulting in less than optimal sleep and a difficult day.

I tried a denture adhesive (took me several shops to find),  But the hold wasn't secure enough and the temporary crown was still wiggling around. Finally got a reply from my dentist (it is Sunday), and he gave me the go ahead to just leave the thing off, because the tooth it's no longer live and I'm on antibiotics.

The jaw and cheek are still achy, but the immediate gum pain began to calm down immediately. Was able to carefully eat some pasta for dinner, and am ready th torn in early for a long sleep.

Tomorrow morning I start my Spanish lessons, I am looking forward to meeting my tracker and getting started. 

Arrived in Guatemala City

02 March 2019

Headed to Guatemala for 8 weeks of Spanish language immersion courses... and any adventures that happen along the way!

 

 

Early morning flying over Guatemala, shortly before landing. Look at those volcanic mountain ranges, wreathed in clouds!

 
My first view of an active volcano, complete with plume of smoke... I was later informed by my Driver that this is Mt. Pacaya.

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The flight arrived a little early, and a staff from Guatemala Dental Team met me to bring me to their office (via Uber).

If anything can make me smile after traveling all night and then having a root canal in the morning, it's these cute lil cartoon teeth!
  

This is a video walkthrough of my beautiful Airbnb room here in Guatemala City, arranged for me in advance by the staff at Guatemala Dental Team.

Oh yes, and the walk in shower, which was hiding behind the door.
Built in hot water, rather than a flash heater (if there's hot water at all) is quite the luxury in much of Central & South America.

My wonderful Airbnb host, Claudia, made me a lovely simple breakfast this morning. Fresh juiced watermelon from her mom Any, Guatemalan coffee, eggs, beans, queso fresco, and bread. So much better than the packet of instant oatmeal in my backpack!!!

 At 10:00 my ride arrived and we said goodbye. My eyes were closed because I was laughing, she was teasing me about being so tall.