January 19, 2004
The Dentist, The Revenge
I went to the dentist again. Once more, a thoroughly unpleasant experience, but I did certainly feel better afterwards. I think that going to the dentist is one of those experiences where the anticipation and dread is actually much worse than the event itself. Asking your boss for a raise, or telling him/her that you cannot finish something on time probably rank in the same category, as does asking a girl out for a date for the first time. They all produce that familiar queasiness in the stomach, and the occasional cold sweat. But, once the deed is done, you wonder what you worried so much about.
Anyway, I actually spoke to the dentist this time - last week was just the dental assistant/technician/whatever-you-call-those ladies-who help-the-dentist-these-days (and yes they are ALWAYS ladies, in my experience). The 4 or 5 fillings needed has been reduced down to 2, which is a bit of a bonus. When I asked about the cost of white ones, rather than the old-style silver ones, I was given the impressive figure of 40,000 yen ($400/about 220 pounds) per tooth. I think the plan is to go for uglysilver on the tooth that no-one can see, and pearly white on the more prominent one. Not cheap, but I have neglected my teeth for 7 years...
P.S. I spoke to my Dad yesterday, and he has not visited the dentist for about 15 years. His previous gap between visits was about 20 years. Dad, if you're reading this, GO! It's really not as bad as you think it will be.
Posted by Gary at January 19, 2004 09:17 AM