A bit of personal update, which you can skip
Dentist decided to only extract the one cracked, abcessed upper molar, and will keep a close watch on the lower one ~ which he found is really not in the "movable" condition the substitute dentist diagnosed when she scheduled the extractions.
That was a good thing, because I ended up paying only half of what two extractions would have cost.
I would not have been able to have this work done anyway, if not for the generosity of a certain person (you know who you are) ♥
Oh, I wish we had the healthcare system they have in the UK. Like any system, it has its drawbacks, but at least it doesn't drive people into bankruptcy.
Anyway, besides keeping the jaw bone from deteriorating, Dr. Peters felt it wise to leave the capped lower molar in place, because it is needed to anchor the planned permanent partial dentures ~ for which they will begin making impressions in late June, when the bone and gum have settled down enough (hopefully).
Till then, I'm stuck with only soft foods that I can handle with my front teeth only ~
~ because chewing with only one molar left is like trying to clap with one hand. :)