Not a fan of dentist offices...but I thank my lucky stars every six months, when I get my cleaning, I really have the greatest dentist.
I am a nightmare patient. When I was younger, I had an awful dental experience of which, I can't remember (I unconsciously blocked it out.) Ever since, I am a nervous nelly. It worsened recently out of the blue.
I am religious with my six month cleanings. Do I look forward to it? NO! I am lucky though, I rarely have problems with my teeth so my shaking, sweating and crying, only lasts a short time. Dr. Hardej is a saint. He always calms me and tries to make me feel at ease. His hygienists are also amazing. Melanie is, well, top of the class. I am a girl of few words, and again my dental visits are very stressful, so I am not big on small talk. She really can read my nervous body language and is so gentle and efficient I want no one other than her, polishing them up. Afterwards, my teeth are always so sparkly and feel great after her cleaning.
I was super nervous going into my last cleaning. Melanie was on maternity leave. I called to cancel my appointment until Melanie got back. The hilarious and plucky receptionist Roxanne, assured me the new hygienist, Veronica would cater to my nerves and needs!
As the day approached the office, I was so nervous. A new person touching my teeth? The last time that happened I had a panic attack. It's so weird because the minute I walk into Dr. H's office, I am cool as a cuc. Maybe its all the magazines, or the comfy chairs, the music? As I am ushered into the room, I feel as if I am walking to the electric chair. It is stupid and over-reactive, but that is how frightened I am.
In the long run, Veronica was excellent. I guess she felt the anxiety emitting from my being and said she'd make it as stress free as possible. And she did. Thank goodness. Of course it was X-ray time for me, and guess what, I HAVE A CAVITY! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
This sounded like Hell for me. Ultimate Hell. As the appointment was made and the business card was handed to me, I was put into a panic. I have had cavities filled before but it didn't matter. I was scared to the core.
So February, 21, 2013 - 6:45PM - T-minus 30 minutes to my breaking point....
6:50 - Yes my appointment is at 7:15. I need to arrive early. Its just me. I will wait hours, especially if I am nervous.
7:30PM - Sitting in the chair, scared as f***, trying to play it down...Dr. Hardej asked me if there was anything he could do to calm me? Looking into his eyes, as petrified and overly anxious, I just tried to dive into it and deal with it.
He is awesome, making me laugh, changing the tunes...awesome guy.
Time is lost after this point... Novocaine is administered. I feel myself trembling like a leaf. I really appreciate Dr. Hardej's patient care.
In the end, his clean work, eased my imaginary pain. read more