I don’t HATE many things. In fact, when my kids were little, I didn’t let them say the word hate. It just feels like a really strong word.
Well, I hate foxes. They scare me and they don’t seem to know their place.
I also hate going to the dentist. HATE. HATE. HATE.
About a year ago our dentist decided to stop taking insurance. After taking the boys for their cleanings, I realized it was sorta crazy to pay out of pocket when we have good dental insurance. But Boeden, who is anxious in general, had finally relaxed and tolerated his dental visits. And truthfully, the thought of finding a new dentist was daunting. So I sorta dragged my feet.
I went an entire year without seeing a dentist- which I know is bad. But I finally made an appointment with a dentist that was recommended by a good friend. I assumed my ‘new patient’ appointment’ was for a cleaning….
So on Tuesday I busted up for my appointment. Everyone was so nice. Their brand new building was beautiful. They had the newest and best technology. They were all seriously so nice and complimentary and I could tell they were trained at putting people at ease.
They did a pretty comprehensive photo shoot of my mouth. They were very thorough and explained everything - which was important since I plan to take my boys to this new practice as well.
Then the dentist came in.
OH.MY.GOD. - my mouth is a dumpster fire.
There would be no cleaning this week. Rather I have to book two separate appointments (one for each side) for a “deep cleaning” which requires numbing.
I also have 3 cavities. (my bad)
I also need 3 crowns replaced.
I have been clenching so much that not only do I have the above issues, but I am apparently able to shift my teeth with my intense clenching - and now need Invisalign.
But don’t worry- that’s not all.
Sweet little new dentist pointed to one of my x-rays and said “so it looks like they left the file in your gums on this one.”
EXCUSE ME?????
I sat up straight in the chair and tried my best to calmly ask her to explain further and not start crying.
She said that the tool/file used to perform a root canal is very delicate and sometimes it can break off. She said that as long as the endodontist a. tells you said file is living in your gums and b. follows up after 6 months to make sure there are no issues, people can totally live with a DENTAL TOOL EMBEDDED IN THEIR JAW!
I actually love the endodontist we see- and that’s saying a lot since you only see an endodontist to get a root canal- which is a very miserable procedure. I asked if she was sure that they left a tool in my mouth. We agreed to have her request a copy of my records. (In all fairness, I do recall getting a letter that I needed to go back for a 6 month check after my most recent root canal- and I did. But no one said it was to check on the wellbeing of a tool that was now living in my freaking jaw!!!)
I don’t HATE dentists. I just hate going to the dentist. And this new dentist seems smart and capable, so I think I am in good hands. But for the next few weeks I will be making quite a few visits to the dentist, in between baking. It just makes me that much more grateful that I can bake for you all. You really have no idea how much happiness it brings me. So thanks for being a Schone’s Scones customer!
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