"Broken" tooth fixed, Bleeding gums cured, Pulled 2 back teeth with care, Friendly staff, Peaceful office.
I'm writing these key words in case others search for info that I wanted. I hadn't been to the dentist in 20 years, then suddenly had extreme pain in my back tooth, and my front tooth looked cracked so I was very worried.
For comparison, I went to 2 places for consultation. In Ontario (other place), I got xrays and they said I needed 2 wisdom teeth pulled (when only one hurt). But they didn't show me the results so I was in doubt (their giant tv was not on). And they wanted to pull both on the same day! (which I later learned why it is bad.)
So I also got xrays at Mountain dental (which I found out about from the Upland Farmers Market):
They had the tv on and showed me the results. I saw both teeth had cavities so I believed them. Also their office is more peaceful, less people (since they make reservations), and they played music for me while waiting for the meds to kick in.
They made an appointment and only tried to pull 1 tooth (which was better for recovery so that I could chew with the opposite side, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to chew for a few days if both sides had teeth pulled).
I also went in because my front tooth looked cracked. But it was tartar buildup that was so bad it formed a gray layer and cracked. They cleaned my teeth while on pain killers, so I was able to be awake but it was painless (my biggest concern). And they were patient when I raised my hand to pause, so that I could swallow.
After the cleaning (and recovery), my teeth were revealed to be whole (not broken), and my gums which had bled for 10 years were cured. Now my breath is fresher and teeth cleaner.
Also for anyone wondering if wisdom teeth need to be pulled: for me yes because mine grew in crooked, which made them harder to clean between, which lead to the infection/pain. (Many people these days lack the mouth room for the full set of teeth, so they may grow in crooked.)
Before the op, I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to crunch chips anymore (but I can).
My bottom wisdom teeth were already removed. And I asked if they remove both top wisdom-teeth, then when I bite down on chips would it press against my gums and hurt? They said no because there isn't a lower tooth to press against. And they were correct: after my recovery I am able to chew quickly and don't notice the missing back wisdom tooth. And my teeth are easier to clean/reach.
Thanks to everyone who helped me recover.
I've since been there 4 times for maintenance cleaning (which helps prevent pain in my sensitive gums - from plague buildup that I can't reach with normal brushing). read more