One thing I always dread is my dental appointment. I developed gum disease and have to go to two dentists now. My dental visits are staggered between dentists. I love Dr. Frank and started going to him after his father, Dr. Frank Sr. retired. But I love my hygienist even better. She is gentle and knows me. She knows I get scared and she takes pains to make sure I am comfortable. (Haha I made a joke and didn't even mean to.) Anyway, I want to keep my smile as long as I can.
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| Smiling at ya' |
I really like having my teeth and being able to chew things. I don't think I'd be near as happy without them.
See that glamorous gap in my front teeth, ala Lauren Hutton? That's what happens when your teeth shift.
Getting old is not for the faint hearted.
Rachel says everything is looking good. Some of my gaps aren't as deep. The new gum graft is looking good.
My teeth aren't as loose as they once were. That's good news. I just have to keep my dental appointments and let them treat my disease.
Did I mention I hate going to the dentist?
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| Getting them cleaned. |
Rachel and I have deep conversations while she is working. She is cheerful and upbeat. She's in the right profession. I, on the other hand, am a nervous wreck.
I learned that Rachel became a hygienist because her older brother was a dentist. I think that is neat.
Rachel's son went to SPSU so I tell her about Colt going down there.
Oddly enough, this is one of the most relaxing places I've been in a while.
Rachel gave me a clean bill of health and the usual encouragement that I always need.
It's a lot less stressful since I've been going to Doctor Frank and Doctor Phillip, my periodontal dentist.
Note the cool bow-tie and bright shirt. Doctor Frank is a character. His old bird dog was laying in the hall when I came in the exam room.
He thought I was funny for bringing my camera. I told him I might as well put my pictures on my blog. Little does he know I'm going to make him famous.
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| Doctor Frank |
He thinks I am doing very well. It looks like we will be able to keep my smile for a while. Doctor Frank is a mountain climber. He climbed Mount Kilimanjaro (I think).
Doctor Frank's father Doctor Frank Sr. was my dentist for years. After he retired I didn't know what to do but I finally came to see Doctor Frank.
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| Hygienist Rachel |
That's my girl Rachel. I've been going to her since I was first married years ago. She's a wonderful person.
I found out that Donny and Rachel went to school together when we went to one of his class reunions one time.
Rachel is a beautiful woman and a gentle hygienist. I am grateful to Rachel for her calm nature.
AS ALWAYS
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Thanks for your replies. Or not.
Well, I think it's kinda normal for most people to be afraid of going to the dentist. It's also good to see that you're doing fine in rejuvenating your teeth back to good health.
ReplyDeleteThank you Hertha for you comment. Yes, I suppose most people are nervous about going to the dentist. When I was young I used to dream all my teeth fell out. Imagine how scary it was when my dream started coming true. I was so glad to go to my periodontal dentist who did a bone graft to save my teeth. I love my smile.
ReplyDeleteAll those photographs of smiling people are very endearing. The bond you have developed with you dentist and hygienist is very rare and precious. Anyway, I hope everything goes well with the treatment of the gum disease you mentioned earlier in your post. Keep smiling. :)
ReplyDeleteDr. Frank sure is quite a character! And his bowtie looks adorable! Haha. Kidding aside, having dentophobia is common among children and adults. You are very fortunate to have such a wonderful dentist who makes you feel at ease with the procedure. I wish that all dentists are like that so patients will enjoy their dental checkups!
ReplyDeleteOhhh! You are such a brave woman, and I admire you for overcoming your fear of going to the dentist. Dr. Franks is not just a nice and cool dentist, but he’s a mountain climber too. I bet Rachel has a bubbly personality too. Thank goodness you've found people you are at ease with while having your dental appointment.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jerri, Nannie, and Cody. It was important for me to find dentists I like. I am a nervous Nellie and wouldn't go if I didn't like my dental teams. I have two, you know. Dr. Frank is my regular dentist, and Dr. Phillip is my dental surgeon. I had a problem with my gums this summer when I developed an infection where I had the bone graft. Dr. Phillip put me on antibiotics. So far, so good.
ReplyDeleteYou’re really close to your dentist and your hygienist. I like how Dr. Frank’s character can lift up your mood, which is very helpful when you’re under a dental procedure. And I bet Rachel’s calmness and gentleness reassures you that your dental health is in good hands. In effect, the feeling of dread that you associate with dental visits is reduced if not eliminated.
ReplyDeleteIt's very important to me to like my dental staff or I wouldn't be willing to go to my appointments like I should. I've been blessed to have two great dental teams. Thank you for your comment, Landon.
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