About 4 years ago I noticed my bottom left molar was cracked. I had it fixed by my dentist. About 6 months later it started to crack again but this time a small piece broke off. So, I went to the dentist and he sent me for a root canal and then built up the tooth temporarily so I could get a cap or a crown (I can't even remember which now, I think they're pretty much the same thing?) but of course my dental insurance would not cover that part of the procedure and so I was in the process of saving ohh, about $850 to have this done.

In the meantime, I got pregnant with Dante, then 6 months after I had Dante, I got pregnant with Wyatt so the dental work was put on hold but it was okay because my dentist had (temporarily) fixed it and it wasn't giving me trouble. That is, until about 6 months ago. Believe me, I was surprised it held up as long as it did! It actually broke apart while I was eating...spaghetti! Hahahaaaaa

Okay, well, back to saving. At that point I just wanted it pulled but my dentist tried to talk me out of that. He gave me reasons, if it was pulled my other teeth would move, blah blah bah...I still wanted it pulled - however, at that time, I had no dental insurance at all.

I waited until this month because this month I was finally able to be placed on Zyon's insurance. Now I have dental so I contacted my oral surgeon, the one who pulled my wisdom teeth years ago and I find out my insurance will cover the cost of removing the tooth - yay!

Here's the dilemma - the earliest they can get me in is April 22nd - we leave for vacation April 28th. Since this has gone on so long, I am not sure what the extent of the procedure will be. I opted to be awake and just have Novocaine. I know they will take xrays and then determine what needs to be done but I am betting on a surgical extraction.

So, do I have this done on the 22nd or do wait until we get back from vacation?

Having it done on the 22nd could mean no more pain - well, no more pain from the molar but I could have pain from the procedure. If everything goes well, I could have the tooth out, be on antibiotics and have a prescription for the pain. Swelling and bruising should be gone, right?

OR

It could more of a procedure than I anticipate, heck the tooth next to it could need work by now. What if there are complications? What if it's determined I should be under anesthesia for this? I don't do well under anesthesia and usually require at least a full day to recover.

So if I have this done on a Wednesday - it can take a few days to notice if anything is wrong (infection, dry socket, etc) and by the weekend I notice a problem (if there is one) which means it won't be until that Monday I (hopefully) get back to the dentist/oral surgeon and then leave on Tuesday??? Okay I know this is a extreme example but it could happen!

If I don't have it done, I live with the pain, which has gotten worse over the last 2 weeks. I take a full supply of Advil and Anbesol with me on the trip. The plus to this? I deal with the pain I am already used to and I don't have to worry about the 'what ifs' of surgery. Plus, will admit, having people in lab coats coming at me to do a surgical procedure is definitely something I am more than happy to put off!

Advice? Suggestions?