How are you when it comes to going to the dentist?
I won’t lie, when I was a kid, I wasn’t exactly calm, cool and collected, when it was time to have my teeth worked on.
Back in elementary school the dental nurses, as I called them, would come and set up shop at our school for two or three weeks at a time, doing cleanings and maintenance work for every kid in school.
And every day, I would get physically sick with worry, that it would be my turn next. I’d get headaches, tummy aches and sore throats, from stressing out so much.
Finally, when it was my turn to actually sit in the chair, I’d actually do all right, except when it was time to get flouride.
Sure, I’d get to choose the flavour, but then, they’d fill up that foam mouthguard, stick it in my mouth, and and take off for what seemed like 20 minutes, leaving me to occasionally use the suction, to get keep too much of that flavoured goo from running down my throat.
But, I survived.
I had another bad experience when I was a kid, when I had a stubborn tooth that wouldn’t come out, and I had to go to Saskatoon, to get it removed.
This dentist had some horrible bedside manner, and I was a nervous kid, and kind of panicky that day. A recipe for disaster.
So what did he do? He said if I didn’t stop crying, he’d send my mom out of the room.
Threats. Thanks, dude. What a #$%^&* jerk.
Fortunately, that was the last bad experience I’ve had at the dentist.
Since then, I’ve had fillings, crowns, root canals, and even had my wisdom teeth yanked out.
And I’m actually pretty relaxed now, to the point where I just about fall asleep in the chair!
Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve had to have a couple of fillings done, including one just yesterday.
It was a deep cavity, in one of my back teeth, right up top, so there was some stretching and pulling on my cheek and lips to get in there, just because it was a tough tooth to reach.
I’ve got to say, the fun little bite blocker they use to help keep your mouth open is a lifesaver. I didn’t know such a thing existed, but it sure was helpful!
But, Dr. Omar and his helper took great care of me, and now, all is well!
Now, it’s just some aftercare, and the usual maintenance until my next check-up.
Not so bad at all!
