Dental Clinics
Recently I have been going to the dentist once a week. Three weeks ago, I felt my teeth aching but he said that it was only hyperesthesia. However, I was also told that I had some decayed teeth and that they needed to be fixed. So I came to visit the clinic regularly. The experience taught me two things about dental clinics.
First, I think the atmosphere of the clinic should be more cheerful and familiar. I wonder why it is so uncomfortable, on the whole. Most of the patients may feel scared or irritated by hearing the squeaking sound of the machines, and they may get somber by the smell of medicines.
Second, people have to go to the dentist too many times! I have to attend the clinic again and again to complete the treatment. I think it should be reduced and I hope they make more treatments per one consultation to bring down the number of times you have to go there.
Do you have any happy or bitter experiences about dental clinics? What do you think about them? Next Friday, I will have to go to the dentist again...
Hi. I also do not like dentists so much. I saw a dentist again and again before, and I always feel pain. Though I do not know why local anesthesia is not so effective, I cannot stand the pain of the treatment.
I have one thing to say about dentists. When I go to see one, there is always one professional dentist and several assistants who clean my teeth or do simple things. I wonder why there is a dentist.
Hi, Eri-san. Of course I hate going to the dentist very much. Perhaps a dental office is the most terrible place in the world to me.
I had a bitter experience with a dental clinic when I was a little girl. The treatment was different from an ordinary one and more serious, like an operation. The dentist's cool look, many strange squeaking instruments, and the grim smell frightened me. I cried and rampaged around the office but I was caught by some assistants, and during the operation I was held down and surrounded by them so I could not escape. Looking back at it now, I am very ashamed: I was a troublesome patient.
I really hope that my teeth would never ache and that I would never have to go to the dentist for ever!
Hi everybody! You all don't like dental clinics, do you? I don't like them very much, either, but I don't hate them.
When I was small, I liked sweets and I didn't like brushing my teeth, and as a result I had to go to see a dentist frequently. The dentist was one of my neighbors and was very gentle. There were the smell of medicine floating and the sound of the machines in the waiting room, of course, but I enjoyed reading comic books and listening to the music coming from the speakers. At first I was taken to that dental clinic by my grandmother, but after visiting there a few times I started going alone. Was I a strange girl?
I dislike going to dentists, too. There are two main reasons for this.
First, I hate the sound and feeling of having my decayed teeth treated, especailly the drilling. In addition to that, I can't see what's going on, so I imagine all sorts of nasty things.
Second, I am perplexed because I never know what to look at during the treatment. The dentist's face is very close to me and it is lit strangely.
For these reasons, I dislike going to dentists, but I am happy after the treatment: I can eat without minding my decayed teeth. If you go to the dentist to the very end, you can feel happy.
Going to the Dentist is hated world over...I think we've found the common bond that may finally bring world peace. *chuckle*
but dan, i *like* going to the dentist! that's not to say it's something i'd schedule for a pleasure trip or a long weekend's vacation, i just don't get all worked up about it. there's something soothing about laying back in that chair and having your teeth cleaned or repaired.
actually, thanks for reminding me, i have a dentist appointment tomorrow.
masochist
you love it.
Thank you for your comments, Masami, Ayumi, Tomoko, Yukiko, Yukari, Dan and heather.
You seem to have various experiences with dental clinics. Some of them made me laugh, and your comments encouraged me since I have the dentist appointment today. I'm going to the dentist later and when I undergo the treatment, I will remember your responses and bear it.
I used to be afraid of the dentist, but I've found one that is very gentle. Recently, I had my wisdom teeth extracted. Then he discovered a problem with my front tooth and had to send me to a gum specialist (periodontist). The gum specialist sent me to a third doctor (orthodontist). Only the orthodontist had a frightening demeanor, but, fortunately, his treatment was very quick and painless.
I live in America. I think in the last 20 years, dentists here have worked hard to change their image. On the other hand, we don't have national health insurance and so the treatment is very expensive. All this dental work will cost about $3000, which is the money my husband had saved to buy a new computer.
M Sinclair Stevens,
I'm surprised to learn that Americans don't have national health insurance for dental treatment. In Japan, we have it and we pay 20% of the whole medical expenses, probably. I have never experienced orthodontics, but I didn't expect it to be so expensive! But I think your teeth are more important and precious than buying a new computer.
Eri-san, I'm afraid that we don't have national health ensurance either when we have our front teeth straightened in Japan. I heard from my mother that it costs several hundred thousands of yen to get orthodontic treatment for front teeth. For this amount of money you could buy a new car!
Masani-san,
I didn't know that! Thank you for telling me, and it is surprising that orthodontic treatment costs so much...
I visited the dentist again yesterday, which was my fifth visit. And I think I have to go more two times... Be careful for decayed teeth, everyone.
Masami-san :: May 10, 2003 09:32 PM
Hi, Eri-san. Your post made me laugh because I think the same things as you do whenever I go to the dentist. Of course I've never had a happy experience with a dentist and I don't wonder why people dislike dentists worse than any other clinics.
The worst experience I had with a dentist was a mistaken treatment which happened while pulling out a wisdom tooth. When the doctor closed up the hole left by the tooth, he stuffed unnecessary cotton in it. So I had a sharp pain for a week! It was a disgusting experience for me.
Recently I heard of some medical mistakes on TV or in newspapers. I would like doctors to be more responsible for their acts, which often involve matters of life and death.