Time for another visit to the dentist. Seems like two years
goes by awfully fast! I know! I know! A checkup every six months is
recommended. But I tend to stretch that out a bit. Or, a lot. Typically, I wait
until there is a problem, which was the case this time.
The reason for my visit was a small chip on my upper front
tooth, specifically, the mesial lingual surface of #8; the right maxillary
central anterior (for those who want a technical description). The tooth has
previously had a root canal, thanks to my dog knocking me of my skateboard when
I was a kid, so there was no pain, only the aggravation to my tongue. But I
would like to keep the tooth, and prefer to not pay for an implant, so I made
the appointment.
And that’s when the trouble started.
Since my last visit, my dentist has retired. I may have
mentioned a few times that I do not like change. I know that change sometimes
is inevitable, but that doesn’t mean I have to like it. So, it was with a fair
amount of trepidation that I “looked forward” to this dental visit.
And I was not disappointed.
New faces, new procedures, new equipment; all made for a distressing
hour. I guess you could say, it was rather a numbing effect! And on top of
that, I had to endure a lecture from the dental assistant about the “proper”
care of my teeth. As if, at 48 years of age, I’ve never heard anything about
brushing and flossing. I considered asking her who had made her dentures, just
to make a point, but thought that might not bode well for my own comfort while
in the chair!
Actually, I must admit, the new dentist is okay. More than
okay really, she’s great. She’s knowledgeable, competent, skillful, thorough,
good-natured, and witty. In short, she’s very likable, as a dentist and as a
person. But it’s just not the same. My old dentist knew me, knew my family.
There was a certain familiarity and a friendly atmosphere. Now, a dental visit
is purely business, impersonal. I know, in time that will change. I’ll become
more comfortable and used to the new people. Used to the new way of doing
things. Used to the idea that my old dentist is gone.
And, in time, I’m sure I will learn to accept this change.
Maybe. Probably about the time my new dentist retires!
Bruce A. Borders is the author of
more than a dozen books, including: Inside Room
913, Over My Dead Body, The Journey, Miscarriage Of Justice, and The Wynn Garrett Series. Available in ebook and
paperback on iTunes, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and Smashwords, or at www.bruceabordersbooks.weebly.com.
Amazon Profile - http://www.amazon.com/Bruce-A.-Borders/e/B006SOLWQS.
Bruce A. Borders also serves as the Vice-President of Rave Reviews Book Club.
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Kathryn R. Biel
It's a funny thing - I'm not one of those "I hate going to the dentist" types of people, but I always seem to conveniently "forget" when it's time to go back. I guess we just take our teeth for granted - completely forgetting how much we don't know about our teeth and our dental health and how there might not be something wrong until it's too late.
ReplyDeleteChristy Hodges @ Smile Designers
I've never been fortunate enough to have a dentist that I liked as much as you did your previous one, but I appreciate the sentiment. I don't particularly enjoy the flossing conversations either, and always feel somewhat anxious before dental visits. I suppose that's all the more reason to take their advice, so we don't have to visit as often!
ReplyDeleteDora Ingram @ CGDDS