January 13, 2004

The Dentist...

It sounds like the title of a horror film doesn't it. I can just imagine that guy with the deep voice doing the trailer "and introducing The Dentist, strarring Steve Buscemi. You may never want to sit in that chair again..."

I went last week, anyway. Having not been in 7 years, I was somewhat worried about what the outcome would be. They took an x-ray, had a poke around, and cleaned and de-plaqued my teeth, but only the lower ones. I have to go back again for the top ones to be cleaned, and for the inevitable fillings. I appear to have 5 cavities, 3 or 4 of which have already been filled, but the old fillings need replacing. So I have to spend money going to a scary place I don't want to go to for them to drill into my teeth. REALLY looking forward to that, I have to say.

Just as an aside, I heard from a Japanese friend who used to live in London that when she went to the dentist there, the dentist was amazed by how well her treath had been treated. He/she called in all the other dentists and dental assistants to show them a prime example of first-class dentistry. So, at least I'm putting myself in safe hands...

Posted by Gary at January 13, 2004 11:49 AM
Comments

Gary, you really ought to be going twice a year, if your medical insurance supports it. Once in 7 years means a lot of work and pain (fillings etc.) whereas twice a year usually means just cleanings and no cavities (or you catch them before they become a problem.)

I'm not sure that Japanese dentistry is all that advanced. Or rather, maybe the dentistry is advanced, but few take advange of it? I see all these people in Japan dressed in the latest fashions, carrying thousand-dollar bags from Europe, with the most horrid teeth imaginable. It is such a stark image.

Posted by: Gen at January 13, 2004 01:20 PM

Thanks Dr Gen! I should be going more regularly, you are right. But I have foolishly neglected to go for a long time, which makes the dread of going much stronger and, as you point out, the pain much greater.

As for Japanese dentistry, it seems that what you might call 'cosmetic dentistry' - strightening up people's teeth, etc, is poor here, but the actual fixing of problems is done with considerable skill. That's what I heard, anyway. I do hope they fill my teeth with white fillings, not metal ones.

Posted by: Gary at January 13, 2004 01:31 PM