Expensive, but good.
-…read moreSo, it's been a few years since I went to a Dentist. My old dentist retired. I loved that guy. Last time I went, it was a few years ago, and he said my teeth were good. I only had the one cavity, which he had taken care of years before, and it was doing well. Fast-forward to today, when I decide to go to one because it's been awhile. Come to find out, I need a crown on that old tooth with the cavity, as well as several other teeth with small cavities. That put me in a panic; I don't have many redeeming qualities but good teeth was one. I even had an orthodontist spend time looking at my teeth because, as he said "No one has teeth like this anymore - they're in such good shape!". Probably the only real compliment I've ever been given!
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Crowns, fillings, scrapings. I didn't want to do it. But I figured, let's get this done. I'm not getting any younger.
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My first visit was impressive, and completely covered by insurance. It's like star trek these days at the dentist; instant x-rays, high-def close-up photos (scary!).
My second visit was to get like half of my mouth scraped, or whatever. I think it was to get at tartar below the gumline. And to have that crown put on. Now, I was terrified of the needle(s). Last time I had that done, was when I was a kid to have a tooth pulled. Sort of scared me for life. But, I will say they do a good job here. They numb you up with lidocane gel on your gums. And yes, the needles sucked but - not as bad as I made it out to be in my head. And the doctor was excellent - excellent needle work - I notice that in doctor offices. I had to keep getting shot up with Novocaine because I could feel what they were doing. They check in with you a lot, which is nice.
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I have to go back to have the other half scraped, and the permanent crown put on. I have two criticisms;
1) I was shocked at my bill for the second (and third) visit. They tell you that you need work done, but it's not like there are options. It's just "we need to do this" and them boom, you're out $600. Going to the dentist is like having work done on your car; you aren't quite sure what you need, and you can't do it yourself, so you have to trust them. My teeth do feel good, and their crown work was great.
2) They don't tell you everything they're doing in your mouth. They don't say "I need to stick you with this needle 4 times", they just do it. They don't tell you they are scraping your teeth with this crazy drill and it will take 10 minutes. It's not painful, just super uncomfortable. I learned my lesson, though, and will be more diligent about taking care of my teeth!
