a dentist visit

My teeth are all jangle-ly right now. They are all a little loose and gritty. This happens after every visit, but they’ll be back to normal tomorrow.

I went to the Dentist this morning.

I used to be worried about going to the dentist. I would be nervous the night before and nervous in the waiting room and nervous in the chair. But since I have been going faithfully every 6 months for 10 plus years, the routine is old hat. I am even okay when the dentist occasionally finds a cavity and needs to do a filling.

Experience does wonders for your confidence.

I know the routine. I sit on the chair and wait for my cup of mouthwash to swish for 30 seconds. Put on the heavy bib for x-rays (once a year.) The dental hygienist will then measure my gums and then give me a small lecture about the importance of flossing. She then uses a tool with a sharp point to scrap off plaque pausing for moments to spray water and suck it out of my mouth. I then get a fancy tooth brushing and polishing by a device that I have never gotten a good look at. Today’s flavor was cinnamon. She then flosses my teeth and calls in the dentist.

The Dentist comes in and calls me by my name and adds in a “howya doin’ buddy.” He is a real nice guy and has restored my faith in people with needles and drills in my mouth. He knows my family. My sister was in the same class as his daughter. We do the typical small talk – KU Jayhawks are looking good and my Dad and his latest Russian adventure.

Your teeth are looking great – my dentist says after poking for cavities (and I guess looking at my x-rays, which he did behind me) all of which took about 20 seconds.

I collect my new toothbrush and mini pack of dental floss, say my thank you’s and leave. All of which took about 30 minutes. See you in 6 months!