Today I am thankful for my dentist.
Like most people, I hate going to the dentist. Growing up, we went sporadically and all of my brothers and sisters and I have a fair amount of cavities. Since braces were never an option when I was a kid, my back teeth are crammed tight together, making flossing a true challenge. That, combined with the sweet tooth I inherited from my father, resulted in a new cavity, deep down at the gum line, where my teeth are all crowded. It was quite a job getting this fixed.
Dr. Crane has a wonderfully gentle voice. He never scolds or lectures, just comments on how difficult it is to clean those crowded teeth. He watches carefully as he works and when he saw me flinch, he stopped and added more numbing agent. His assistant (his daughter) had everything he needed ready at hand so I was in the chair with my mouth stretched open for as short a time as possible. Never once did either of them ask me question when there were tools in my mouth preventing me from answering.
I left the dentist with a caution not to eat or to drink anything hot for a few hours, and to be really careful not to bite my cheek or tongue, since I was so numb. It took a long time for the numbing to fade, but I knew to expect that. Dr. Crane explains everything in as much detail as I need.
I hate going to the dentist.
But everyone at Dr. Crane's office makes it easier. I am thankful for such a thoughtful and caring dentist and staff.
I have gone through a LOT of dental work. The dentist is kind of hard to be thankful for...but you are right. I should be thankful for the dentists who have patiently worked on my teeth, helping me to stay healthy and keep my own teeth. When she was my age, my mother had already had dentures for many years. I have two bridges and other crowns, but I have the chance of never needing dentures. I hope my daughter will never need crowns or bridges...and maybe if she has children they might never have to have fillings. . I am thankful for my dentist and the advances in dentistry. Thanks for reminding to think it through.
ReplyDeleteSo glad I'm not the only one with a mouth full of dental work. Thanks for adding your story.
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