I'm TERRIFIED of dentists. To this date, I still remember a visit in elementary school, where a dentist forcefully pulled out my molar. So when I got a cavity, I did what any insurance-less 20-somethings would do, I left it alone and ignored it. I kept on ignoring it as once a small cavity got bigger and darker, and ultimately became a hole staring at me every time I brushed or flossed. Foolishly, I told myself, "hey, I could still chew on the other side, I can endure some tooth sensitivity, but seriously I can't go to a dentist." Until one day, I finally lost it. I'm talking about crying-in-public-because-of-pain, lost it. After some intense Googling/Yelping/ZocDocing I found Dental Devotion. Unfortunately, it appeared to be completely booked online, so I gave a call. After describing my condition, the receptionist was able to squeeze me in the very NEXT DAY with Dr. Mo.
First Appointment: I walked in the office, and within minutes was called back. I sat down on the chair - still terrified - and waited for a scary looking dentist. Instead, Dr. Mo walked in! She asked what was going on, listened attentively (she actually listened, not just a few nods followed by "let's take a look"), and even apologized that I was feeling so much pain! She was so compassionate, and I for the first time, I felt relaxed. Unfortunately, I had waited for too long and had to get a root canal so I needed a second appointment :(
Second Appointment: They were able to schedule me the very next week. Thank goodness, since even with the medicine, I was in so much pain. Again, as soon as I checked in, I was promptly called in. Dr. Mo was once again amazing. She asked if I wanted to watch some Netflix to distract myself, and she even gave me noise-cancelling headphones to block out the drilling sound. Unfortunately, my condition was too severe, and I had to be referred to an endodontist. But even then, Dr. Mo took time to refer me to the specialist who accepted my insurance plan. How thoughtful and considerate is that?!
Third Appointment: The endodontist was fine, she was nowhere as nice and compassionate as Dr. Mo, but got the job done. When I came back to Dental Devotion for the crown, I was seen by Dr. Urtega this time. Honestly, that put me in a few seconds of panic, since I was comfortable with Dr. Mo, and was scared to see anyone else. But Dr. Urtega was just as wonderful as Dr. Mo! He put a temporary crown on, so I could eat and function as normal human while waiting for the real crown.
Fourth Appointment: The crown finally came in. I was in/out within 15 minutes, but even in that 15 minutes, Dr. Urtega was so kind.
My cavity situation evolved into a long, wild saga, but like all stories, it had a happy ending. I was able to overcome my fears of dentist and found a life-long doctor-patient relationship. So if you're like me, terrified of dentists and in need of bringing a stuffed animal with you to the appointment, don't be scared. Dr. Mo and Dr. Urtega are so sweet and caring, and they'll take a wonderful care of you.
TLDR: If you're terrified of dentists, go see Dr. Mo or Dr. Urtega. Not only are they amazing at what they do, they're also comforting and kind. read more