Thursday, April 7, 2022
This should have been a routine 6-month cleaning, but it turned out that the dentist saw a cavity under a crown (upper right). I had x-rays then the procedure began. First, with a “numbing” shot (actually, two shots) then lots of drilling and pulling to get the old crown off. I really utilized mindful breathing with meditation!
Masks are still required, but the receptionist did not take my temperature. She did have me fill out another form asking for medical conditions and prescription medications.
After coming to this dental office since 2016, I’m used to the ethnic diversity. And I still love it. Dr. M., the dentist, is Indian. Dental technician staff are mostly Asian, and the reception/office staff are Latina. The dental staff are all wearing full PPE, even Dr. M.—gown, mask, and hair covering—so I no longer see her beautiful long, flowing black hair.
The most painful part was when the office manager came in with the paperwork for me to sign to authorize the work. $1,254. At least I could pay half today and the remaining amount three weeks from now when the permanent crown is installed. And this is with dental insurance!
After my mouth was sufficiently “numb,” a young man started making impressions with a gooey pink substance. I lost count of how many he actually made. That was the longest part. Finally, a dental hygienist came in to do the cleaning. Scraping off plaque, flossing, polishing, and fluoride, and telling me to not eat or drink for 30 minutes. Not that I even could eat or drink, given the state of numbness of my mouth!
When I got home, Linda needed me to take her walker outside so she could sit on it and work with the watering system where the water faucets with timers are. I took Emily out with a leash and bowl of water so she could sit with Mom. Then I went inside and made a mocha frappuccino as my reward for “surviving” another dental experience.
UPDATE (April 28, 2022)
I went back today to get the permanent crown put on. I was terrified of this appointment! I obsessed about it for days. But it took only 30 minutes, from the time I walked in until the time I walked out. There was no pain (only to my credit card). Well, that’s done for another 5 1/2 months. **heavy sigh**
