“Now, most dentists’ chairs go up and down, don't they? The one I was in went back and forwards.
I thought 'This is unusual'. And the dentist said to me 'Mr Vine, get out of the filing cabinet.”
- Tim Vine -
Yesterday morning I had a dental appointment, and on my way there, I started wondering about the person who scares children and adults more than anyone else:
‘The Dentist’
[dramatic music is heard]
I always get a tiny bit apprehensive right before an appointment, which doesn’t make sense because I’ve never actually had a really bad dental experience. Maybe I’m just picking up the vibes of a collective fear or something.
Fear of ‘the dentist’ is pretty common. And if you’ve had bad experiences in the past, it’s easy to assume that dentists, in general, are bad people. Also, if your parents were afraid of the dentist when you were a child, this increased your chances that you would share that fear.
Then...there’s the drill. The sound it makes is scary as hell. It conjures up thoughts of torture and pain. And, of course, the syringe. In the gums. Drill + syringe = major fear. Throw in all those little pointy dental instruments and you’ve got a horror film in the making.
And finally, the dental bill. If the above didn’t finish you off, the cost of the whole procedure will!
Are you afraid of going to the dentist?
The drill, oh yes, I went to dentists for years before the invention of the water cooled, high speed drill. Now there was something to fear. It hurt even with novocain. Funny cartoons though.
ReplyDeleteAck...sounds scary! Thank goodness for more recent inventions :)
Deletenot these days, I see my cousin! As I child I was a bit apprehensive.
ReplyDeleteLucky, you! That sure helps.
DeleteI am most definitely not a fan of going to the dentist. But a dentist with a good bedside manner always makes me feel MUCH better.
ReplyDeleteI've been fortunate enough to have had wonderful dentists. That makes a huge difference.
DeleteHi Martha! I was in the dentist chair much of Monday morning, and I'll be in another dentist's chair a week from tomorrow. I am very anxious about going to the dentist, and I've probably spent more time in a dentist's chair than just about anyone else in the world! But my four main dentists are awesome, and they get me! Loved the "I am God" cat cartoon! I'm going to send it to my sister Barb! I hope that you are having a great week ~ almost Friday! Take care!
ReplyDeleteAt least you have some good dentists. That certainly makes it easier. It's Friday now, so happy weekend to ya!
DeleteI actually love my dentist and his staff -- they always are so casual and make me feel as comfortable as possible. That being said -- it's not my favorite thing to do. In fact, I have an appt. Monday for my crown. Good times.
ReplyDeleteFor me it's the dental hygienist I've had the past two visits. She is amazing! Sweet girl; fantastic at her job.
DeleteI wish we just grew new ones like sharks do. But not as pointy.
ReplyDeleteHahaha...yes, that would be great!
DeleteI love my dentist, but I still get a bit nervous before an appointment. I think it's in my head more than anything--that collective fear of dentists that floats around. And the sound of the drill--don't like it!
ReplyDeleteYup, just like me; it's that collective fear. I really never care about going because I've had good experiences. But there are vibes in the air!
DeleteI have a dentist story that is so scary I can't share it here. Email me and I will tell you, Martha.
ReplyDeleteYou're tough, you can take it!
Okay, Kay! I'll get in touch this weekend.
DeleteI am the ultimate wimp when it comes to visiting the dentist, comes from a childhood in a time before modern training/medication/instruments made it relatively painless... BUT I love my current dentist and staff. Knowing my past history, which includes having jaws wired and metal plates permanently attached to my jaws, Dr. C. has often CALLED ME AT HOME the evening after a procedure to make sure I was doing OK. Now, next to having perfect teeth, I don't know how it could get any better. (But I still shake and have to do my breathing exercises in the chair. I had less anxiety during labor... all four times. :) Some fears never leave us.)
ReplyDeleteYour doctor sounds great! My daughter had dental surgery years ago, and the surgeon called me at home in the evening to see if everything was okay. I was stunned and so pleased. Who does that anymore? That was something.
DeleteEven though I have only had one filling my entire life I still hate the dentist.
ReplyDeleteAnd probably the one who did the filling the most! :)
DeleteNo, I'm not afraid of going to the dentist at all. I attribute this to having started young -- I think my first appointment was when I was 5 or so. Plus our local dentist would not stand for any kind of acting up or acting out by kids or adults. Later on when I was a teenager, I worked for him as a part-time dental assistant and that demystified the whole process for me too.
ReplyDeleteThat's terrific that you started so young; it really helps. And working there part time later on...well... you were part of the club then!
DeleteI've never had a bad experience with a dentist. HOWEVER, in my post menopausal years... two bridges fell out ~ just ... fell out one right after the other! it was frightening.
ReplyDeleteat the time, I had no insurance and we were really struggling with my business. My husband lost his job where we did have insurance including dental! So, was waiting until .. until ... and then ... when we got out from under the hole... I was too embarrassed to go!
My Dad had a horrible experience with one and we, as a family, were prepared to sue. It is our belief from many sources that he was negligent in caring for a 'spot' on his tongue ... for years, this dentist just said it was precancerous and he would continue to watch it... well? it hemorrhaged and thus began a nightmare of throat cancer ... it had spread.. oh, never mind... horrible story and I am so afraid now to go that they will find a cancer spot and I'll die on the way to the hospital....
I'm such a a todo. Plus, I'm too embarrassed now to go and well, it's just another thing I beat myself up over ... what a sissy wimp with my horrible teeth ... I don't mind the pain ... it isn't pleasant but I never was afraid to go. I had great teeth... dammit
bah on me and bah on bad dentists ... ;)
Wow, sounds awful about your dad, Carolyn. What a terrible time that must have been. Sometimes doctors miss things, which is pretty frightening.
DeleteWe have universal healthcare here, but it doesn't cover dental appointments, which are very pricey. For that you have to pay out of pocket. If you're lucky, you'll have dental insurance with your job.
funny ones
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed!
DeleteI wouldn't be if they didn't charge me an arm and a leg lol...now when they tell me how much it'll cost I always say just take it off so far 4 but not in obvious places, I don't go I just floss a lot , lol gosh
ReplyDeleteHahaha...yes, sometimes the bill is the most frightening part of the experience! Dental appointments are so expensive.
DeleteI've never been afraid of the dentist - actually, I think as a child I once fell asleep there. There were a couple of years where I didn't go, but that had more to do with being very shy, and too old to go there with my mother any more. When I finally started going again, the appointments were a welcome escape from work, which utterly sucked at the time.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are very comfortable going! I feel the same way because I've never had a bad experience at a dental office. And so far I've always ended up with great staff. Bedside manner is very important to me. I will not continue at a place where I don't like the 'people' atmosphere.
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