Tooth

A visit to the dentist this morning revealed exactly what I had suspected. The lower right rear molar is fractured. History is repeating itself once again. Just as what transpired with the lower left rear molar, the procedure will entail the placement of a crown on the damaged tooth. Then, within a few weeks, the tooth will become infected. Subsequently, a root canal will have to be performed. The visit this morning cost $66 and some change. The crown will cost $1,000 or so. The eventual root canal will probably cost $3,000 or more. Little wonder why so many senior citizens and homeless people are often toothless.

Typical San Diego Hottie

Like the homeless guy (“blog” deleted) in San Diego, I'm done. The homeless guy was forced back out onto the street after the tent shelter closed down. There, in that most vulnerable circumstance, his last $60 was stolen. In my case, downtrodden as I am, more money will be extracted from my carcass. And, for what? One tooth!

Typical Baby Food Hotties

Needless to say, I will no longer be able to chew on either side of my mouth. I will be reduced to consuming baby food. To say that I was enraged would be a severe understatement. In effect, the expense is secondary.

Typical Nocturnal Hottie

The dentist presumed that the cause was nocturnal teeth grinding, which is apparently quite common in modern life. Yes, a modern phenomenon not shared by our ancestors. Why? Modern stressors is probably the answer.

Typical Splurging Hottie

The bottom line, of course, is the same lesson repeats itself, which I just didn't learn well enough. There's just no sense in "pinching pennies." Money will continually be extracted from me for causes that do not increase my pleasure. So, self-denial does nothing except foster anger and resentment, not to mention the numerous opportunity costs.