If we were to play a round of the Family Feud: Of the 100 people surveyed, name a place people dread going to. Answer: The dentist (ding). I would say the dentist would probably have the highest percentage of the responses (unless you consider the electric chair). Wonder why? Choking? Blood? Feeling as if you are drowning in your own saliva? Sound of the drill? Never knowing what will be found? Pain? More pain? EXTREME PAIN?
Although it was uncomfortable and sometimes painful, going to the dentist never really bothered me. Hated getting fillings many years ago but newer procedures are being used that minimize the pain (of course, I haven’t had a root canal or wisdom teeth removed).
Throughout the majority of my employment career I’ve had medical benefits and received the two cleanings per year allotment. Had to pay a portion for a few crowns or some pre periodontal and gingivitis treatments. When you don’t have insurance, you tend not to go as regularly, but I’ve always brushed and flossed, and a few years ago started scraping the tongue…if you’ve never bought a tongue scraper, might I suggest you run out and buy one; it works wonders…this is starting to become a gross piece of writing…Anyway, since moving from San Diego County, I’ve gone to four different dentists and had four different opinions. Yes, it’s now a known fact that my gums are receding which seems a big deal to some and not so much to others. The last dentist charged $75 for deep cleaning and stain removal (had insurance). Inquired about the stains since I don’t smoke, drink coffee, or tea. Asked whether mouthwash or my insatiable craving of chocolate-coated protein bars could be the culprits. He said, “No.” Continued my regular teeth maintenance and the stains reappeared. Received a tidbit through the email regarding hydrogen peroxide—can use it as a mouthwash and decided to try it and sure enough the stains disappeared and also the occasional swelling of the gums no longer occurred.
After moving to Orange County I had to find another dentist. Luckily one dentist right next door was on my provider list. Made my first appointment for a cleaning. The first appointment of almost every dentist I’ve gone to consisted only of x-rays and examination. Never the main thing you wanted to have done and a succeeding appointment was necessary.
Went to my appointment Friday. By the name I sensed the dentist probably was Asian and sure enough everyone in the office was Asian (maybe they were all related). For the most part I’ve known Asians to be very polite and try to please and can be somewhat frugal but since working in the health center, there are some in that ethnic group, students and staff alike, who are very rude, obnoxious, and demanding.
While sitting in the waiting room filling out my paperwork, a female patient entered the front door and signed in. She was there for extractions and started asking what was being done. They were continuing with the root canal. She was somewhat confused and a little nervous and didn’t know what to expect. I could have chimed in and said my mother fainted when she had her first one, but thought it best to keep my mouth shut.
Dr. C introduced herself and asked if I was having any problems. Then a young kid took my x-rays. He was very polite. Dr. C showed me the results and said things looked good and acknowledged my receding gumline but there was no need for concern. Then she proceeded to do the cleaning and explained the new procedure that would be used that had been received with favorable comments and wanted my opinion at the end. She explained everything thoroughly and showed me the instrument and said, “Excuse me” before inserting it into my mouth. Her female assistant held the suction tube but did notice her head turning away quite frequently…What a gross sight it must be which makes me wonder why on earth anybody would ever choose to go into this profession. At the end I honestly can say that I only felt an occasional twinge. Told the doctor it was great and asked her about the staining problems. She advised that peroxide is a whitener so it would remove the stains but suggested it was unnecessary to use it full strength. The assistant commenced to polish my teeth and before she inserted the instrument she also said, “Excuse me.” Then later, “Open more please. Open more please. Thank you.” Yes, a very polite group of people.
The overall experience—didn’t wait long, didn’t have much pain, and didn’t cost me a cent. A very good experience indeed.
4 comments:
Someone told my grandfather that brushing his teeth with gasoline would work wonders! It did ... he lost his teeth.
Man, I agree about the tongue scraper. I swear by my Dentek tongue scraper. I also use their complete white. Great stuff!
I don't necessarily hate the dentist but agree that it is not something I look forward to. I recently had 2 crowns put on (wish the Army's insurance covered more) and it costs us a pretty penny. One crown has been causing me pain ever since. So last week I finally go back in to find that my dentist started his own private practice and the new one (very nice asian lady) said that I should have had a root canal, not a crown!! GREAT!!! She also said that maybe it is just that it needs to be filed down. So she did that, come back a week later and pain free so guess the filing down was all it needed. WRONG, today the pain starts again. I really don't want to go back and be told I do need a root canal....painful PLUS more money and are they going to refund me the money I spent on a crown only 2 months ago....probably not! But they do have a nice view of the new shopping center across the street. HA HA!
I don't like dentist!!!! I would rather have another baby then to visit a dentist. Have insurance, but why is it that they always find the more expensive procedure that has to be done? I have avoided them in the last few years and know when I go in they will see dollars signs flashing on those gums and teeth.
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