Teeth

I went to the dentist two days ago. I'd been having some pain above my right canine tooth. Turned out I had an abcess, and had to have root canal therapy. For various reasons, it was a tricky job and I had to go to an 'endodontist'. I didn't even know such a profession existed, but that's not surprising. Apparently they are specialists who specifically deal with issues related to the root canal and the pulp of the tooth. And they charge an awful lot of money. For two visits of one hour each, I'm going to be paying $1200. I nearly fell off the dentist's chair.

As I lay for an hour with my mouth open while the drilling and filing went on, I tried to imagine what it would be like to earn $600 an hour. 'Tried' being the operative word. I actually think this may be beyond my comprehension.

I reassure myself with the knowledge that dentists have really high suicide rates. Not that I want my endodontist dead (she seems really nice) -- I just want there to be some kind of downside to an income of twenty grand a week.