The Sadist in the White Coat
I have a gross confession to make.
No, not what you’re thinking. Perverts.
I haven’t been to the dentist in 8 years.
I’m telling you this so I’ll be shamed into finally going.
The reason I haven’t gone in so long is because I’m afraid of the dentist. Ten years ago, I needed to have two wisdom teeth removed. I was told the other two would have to come out eventually as well. I was working for the government at the time, with a good dental plan, but I knew I was going to be laid off in the next 6 months. So, I told them to yank all four teeth at once.
After the initial meds wore off, the pain was excruciating. I thought my head was going to explode. I went through my initial scrip of Codeine in two days. I, stupidly, smoked cigarettes and got dry sockets. When I went back to the dentist, he put a needle in my gum to administer a local anaesthetic—and hit a nerve. I jumped out of the chair, hollered, and just about decked him.
Since then, I’ve dragged my arse to the dentist only once, in 1998.
Big Papa is horrified by this.
We’re now trying to teach Cakes good hygiene habits. She loves brushing her teeth:
I’m going to have to start going again soon, if only to set a good example for Cakes and to placate Papa.
It’s time to get back in the chair. Shit.
***
The TO Mamas are due for another shindig. Check out the deets here.
Labels: moi
posted by metro mama @ 7:18 PM
13 Comments:
My husband is also afraid of the dentist. He's been once in 8 years also--about 3 weeks ago. Fortunately we found a dentist who caters to the phobics and offers a choice of several levels of sedation ranging from "la-la land" to "pour-me-in-the-car" to outright anesthesia -- like you'd get if you were having major surgery.
Get a valium and get in the chair--you owe to yourself and to Cakes!
listen, sucka - you know my story. i cancelled that appointment to get my wisdom teeth out so many times that the original consulting doc dumped me, and the dental world labelled me a flight risk. i used to go for my semi-annual cleanin' and a-shamin' , sheepishly getting into the chair sweating and afraid that i was going to be in trouble.
i even tried to break up with my dentist, refusing to see him for almost 2 years, but in the end i went - nay, was shamed into - going back.
anyway, point is, the teeth came out, i didn't mind it so much, i had waited so long that they had caused 2 big cavities, so had to get those filled (my freakin' first ones! and it was avoidable!), and now i go like a good girl every 4 months.
my dentist is great - hell, half the company goes to him. i will happily give you his number, chicken.
I'm one of those weirdos who actually likes going to the dentist. BUT....if a dentist hit a nerve with a needle, I think I would have reacted the same way. That is a very unique kind of pain. You might consider Mrs. Phobic's doc that has all the good drugs handy!
Good luck :)
Ouch--he hit a nerve?! I can see why you'd be scared of going to the dentist. But don't let the fear keep you from going again. I bet you've had the worst of your dental incidents. Perhaps you can just have a few drinks before your next checkup to loosen up though :)
And, oh, I cannot end this comment until I say: that picture? priceless.
That is such a hilarious picture. Oh my god. Her face is too funny. Like a little munchkin!
I so love that pic of Cakes.
And you know? I started flossing last year, and it made such a difference in my checkup experience! I was never good about that, but now I am totally converted. I still don't do it every day, but I never let myself go two days in a row without, lest I slip back out of the habit.
julie. are you crazy. i go twice a year and it's not enough, and im a 3 times a day brusher plus a flosser plus a mouth washer. you gotta go man. I'll lend you my teddy bear for the day.
It hasn't been that long for me, but I also hate going! I do it for the kids as well, but it doesn't make me like it any more!!
She is SO beautiful. Love that sweet little smile. So precious! And alot of people are afraid of the dentist. But technology has improved and its not so bad anymore. Plus, they can give you drugs beforehand to make you all loopy so you don't even remember the visit.
Dude. I am so terrified of the dentist. I didn't go for like, 8+ years myself. Then I went, and yes, it sucked, and now I won't go again.
But, you're so right, can't let that happen for WonderBaby.
(More deets on get-together soon! Thanks for the prompt!)
I hate the dentist. Went for the first time after 6 years when my son first needed to go. And I haven't been back since. It is shameful and a bit yucky reall but I SO don't care. ALthough I've been guilted into it so likely will do it again soon.
Yay for the TO mama's next outing -- thanks for organizing it J!
Get yer butt back in the torture chair...you will not be as gorgeous with wooden teeth.
All I can say is Ativan....it will help...Anne
Oh, and you should see how sad and pathetic I am when I need to go for the 'stirrup session'..Ya Know...Anne
Post a Comment
<< Home