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My dental phobia began when I was very young, probably around 5 years old. My mom would take me to the dentist for a cleaning every 6 months. But, when the dentist or the hygienist was cleaning my teeth, she (or someone else) would cover my eyes with their hands. I don't know why they did this, but it definitely freaked me out. I was passive about it at the time, ( Just 5 years old) and don't recall saying anything about it. But as I grew older, going to the dentist was always a challenge.
I sometimes think my experience with braces at age 10 was another factor. Before I could get my braces on, I had to have four teeth pulled. By this time, we had moved and had a different dentist. He did not cover my eyes, during this procedure, but the yanking and tugging and blood DID leave a lasting impression.
The orthodontist also had some tricks up his sleeve too. Back in the early 70's when I had my braces put on,they were not attached with glue or whatever it is they use today. Each brace or bracket was put on with a small hammer like tool. It is hard to explain, but needless to say it was painful, if not barbaric. Oh... and before the braces went on, there was the much anticipated fun of the "Spacers"!! Small rubber things that they would slide ( or jam) between your teeth to make room for the braces to go on. How could I forget those lovely things? ! My mouth was sore for the whole weekend.
After two years and 19 days of braces, I had my braces removed. Four months later, I was have my four wisdom teeth cut out. This was done to prevent my newly straightened teeth going crooked again. Oh yeah, to be young, in junior high school and have braces...... The fun never ended.
I do appreciate the fact that my parents did take me to the dentist and the orthodontist. My teeth are straight, and my smile is pretty. But getting to that point was painful and traumatic.
What are your experiences at the dentist? Do you dread it, or is it easy for you?
21 comments:
I had braces as a kid but they never worked since I was always breaking them playing basketball, soccer, or hockey. I did them again a few years ago but before I could have them put on, I needed to have 4 interior teeth extracted so there was room for the teeth to spread out and to alleviate tension due to the crowding (my wisdom teeth fully grew out and were healthy so it was easier to pull smaller ones). Unfortunately for me, on my 2nd set of extractions (2 were pulled each time) after 3 shots of novocaine, I was still not completely numb so I told them to just go ahead and do it so I could get the codeine and go to sleep. That wasn't so much fun.
Good luck! My understanding is that root canals are not as bad as people think they are so with luck you will have a very positive experience.
I first, yest first, had my braces put on when I was 8 in 1962 and they were on for 2 years. Why they put them on my baby teeth is a mystery. I had them put on for the second time at age 12 just as I discovered boys but then failed to discover me since I had braces, glasses and a father strict about hemlines. This time the torture, including a night brace that could make Mother Teresa cry and made setting your hair (days before curling irons, etc.) impossible (the boys still somehow overlooked me) continued until 2 days before I left for college when the orthodontist tried to convince me he was still not completely done. He may not have been but I was. I wore my retainer at night until I got married 4 years later and then it mysteriously disappeared.
And yes, both my daughters had braces, too.
Yikes, sorry to hear you've had so many hard dental visits. I've been quite lucky with my teeth but I did have one cavity that was larger than the dentist thought and I didn't have enough local anesthetic. Hearing the drill is one thing. Feeling it is another! Luckily she fixed it quickly but I still cringe every time I hear a drill now! Hope all went well today! -Sydney
You're going to think I'm a weirdo, but I actually enjoy going to the dentist. I love the way my teeth feel when I get out of there. I had a super lovable dentist growing up... and he was the only person who touched my teeth up until I moved away from home. I did have my wisdom teeth removed and it was horrible... but it didn't leave too much of an impression for me to hate my regular office visits. =)
Andrea, you're not a weirdo at all, there are a few people who don't mind the dentist at all. I am striving to be one of them. :)
I have a great dentist and I don't mind driving 40 miles to see him. He is understanding and painless. Well worth the trip. And thanks, it did good well at the appt.
On you baby teeth?? That is crazy. And then you had to go through it again? Totally miserable experience.
If the root canal goes well, the experience can be positive. It is when it does not go as expected....
Yikes Eric! I definitely would have had more Novocaine! And Nitrous. You were much braver than I!
I wouldn't say brave, as much as I would say impatient and frustrated Lisa. It was already the second set of extractions and I just wanted to be done with the whole process. Hope you're feeling good after a day to rest and got a good night's sleep!
I remember having my wisdom teeth pulled when I was in High School. All 4 were impacted so they gave me some valium before surgery, all I remember was waiting outside the operating room and feeling very relaxed! :)
I hope you're feeling better today Lisa! I felt so sorry for you yesterday....
I don't think very many people like going to the dentist. I haven't had bad experiences, but still would pretty much rather dig a 6 foot ditch with a shovel than go to the dentist. Mom wanted me to be a dentist - they make good money she said....should have listened!
Thumbs up on the valium!
Much better today! Extra Novacaine was needed.
I am with ya on the ditch digging Marie!
You have quite a resume of unpleasant dental visits. However, there is no other way to ensure optimal dental health than to have regular check-ups. How did your root canal procedure go? I hope it was tolerable at best.
Thank you for sharing this, I'll be sure to get my teeth checked.
You'll have to get one of these when you grow up, unless you've taken good care of your teeth.
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