Monkey On My Back

[liralen]

Finally got past a bit of a barrier about my dental stuff. I'd had a bad experience with a dentist in the spring, and finally got around to finding a new one, and doing all the things that I needed to do to get all my records to a new place that someone I really do trust a great deal recommended. I'd been thinking, nearly all summer about the fact

Comments

[tagryn]

Also, I could totally relate to the experience of stressing about having to call about the records transfer. My previous dentist made me VERY stressed out; he had a very peculiar personal manner which made me uncomfortable in a lot of ways. I finally decided, hey, I'm *already* tense because you guys are going to be messing with some organs which have rather sensitive nerve endings in them, I don't need to be worrying too about trying to get along with the dentist (when I'm the one paying for it!).

I didn't know the office staff personally, so there wasn't that aspect to it, but there's still the reality of telling them that you're ending the relationship (rejection), which is what the records transfer indicates. Usually, though, the anticipation is worse than what actually happens. I'm sure they get this kind of request regularly, so its not a big deal to them, even though its something to us as we're doing it.

I'm totally comfortable with my current dentist, so it was worth it. I wish he would remember that numbing my lower teeth always takes numerous painkiller shots, which is my only complaint, but can't have everything...that's actually why I've found root canals on my lowers less stressful than supposedly "easier" things like fillings and crowns on them, because then the specialists don't mess around and basically flood the tooth with painkiller, since the RC procedure involves the very thing that issues the pain impulses.

[liralen]

Exactly that with the transfer, and that's exactly the problem I had with the first dentist I tried after my dentist had quit the office I was going to... it's that rejection anticipation.

Neat that you are comfortable now! The new dentist I got to see Wednesday does inspire a lot more confidence in me, so I'm going to see how it turns out.

[tagryn]

Also, one practical idea that worked for me: after hearing really good things about it in a reddit thread, I switched to a Philips Sonicare electric toothbrush. First cleaning I got after switching, the comment from the hygienist was "Looks good, everything looks really clean" when previously it had normally been about how much plaque had built up and how I needed more frequent cleanings. That was, different...and I do notice my teeth feel significantly cleaner since switching. Donna also says its had a noticeable teeth-whitening effect, as well. One bonus is it has a built-time timer feature which reminds the user how long to brush each part, which has resulted in brushing for the recommended time (i.e. longer) instead of guesstimating it.

Can't recall if I'd mentioned this before, but the results have been very amendable.

[liralen]

*grins* We're on our third Sonicare handle... we keep wearing them out...

And, yes, I agree, the difference was remarkable.