On Thursday I had the first stage of a dental implant done in the space where the cracked problem tooth used to reside. I now have a screw installed in the bone and we must wait three months to see if it bonds with the bone properly. Every step of the way since the cracked crown back in November I've been told it shouldn't hurt more than a day or two and every time that's been wrong but this time it was really true. It sounds pretty awful but it was over in 20 minutes and there is minimal swelling and pain. I can't brush or chew on that side for two weeks so I'm starting off with quite soft food while the gum and bone begin to heal. Gabby has appointed herself nursemaid and I'm eating mushy stuff like yogurt, pudding and this dish I made for lunch which is pureed potato, broccoli and shallot with a bit of creme fraiche mixed in. The worst part is the antibacterial rinse that mucks up your taste buds so things taste wonky but it's only for a few weeks, not bad at all.