One afternoon, I woke up sharply from an unplanned nap to a searing pain in my back molar. The hot, focused agony was unique in its strength. I’ve certainly felt sensitivity in my teeth before (a childhood spent loving sweets taught me all about that), but this was clearly different.
I rushed to the bathroom and downed 4 Extra Strength Bayer, the cool tap water causing a fresh sting on the way. I breathed sharply through clenched teeth. This was a nightmarish pain that I needed immediate care for. I did a long, thorough rinse with Listerine and that helped a bit, but it was evident I needed medical attention.
I pulled out my phone and ran a search for nearby dentists. Through some miraculous stroke of fortune, I had only recently acquired dental insurance through my job. Despite the pain I was feeling, this revelation caused me a needed emotional boost.
The search had found a few well-rated dentists nearby, but in my post-nap, ache-plagued disorientation, I had failed to notice that it was 5:30. Nearly all of these were closed. One had hours until 6:30, so I grabbed my keys and rushed out the door.