Just got back from the dentist

[Kiwibird]

I had to see a dentist today to have a cavity filled. It's been there for quite some time. I could feel it was getting bigger and would likely have started hurting soon. I haven't been to a dentist in YEARS seeing as I am meticulous about oral hygiene, very rarely have issues with my teeth and generally avoid doctors/dentists if at all possible. HOLY CRAP! I'm used to a little waiting area and you get shown back to the chair to wait for the dentist and that's about it. I wasn't even sure I was in a dentists office, they had a super fancy waiting room with a waterfall and indoor/outdoor seating. I didn't ask for one (or really care) but they gave a full tour of their "facility", on premise lab, 'sedation room', sterilization room (for the tools) and all kinds of totally random 'spa' crap I'd never imagine at a dentists (some kind of hot wax to dip your hands in, no thanks!). They had a TV for you to watch while the dentist was working (umm, how would I watch TV with 2 people hovering over my face with lights and a bunch of loud instruments in my mouth?). I wanted to go to a spa for a relaxing day, I would. I guess people must really expect some kind of 'special experience' at the dentists these days! Just thought I'd share my experience. Anyone else ever been to such a 'fancy' dentists office before?

 

[Kalel]

Yup! I've seen this before! I think nowadays with all the different options out there, everyone is trying to have a distinct brand or experience. I think that's the trend nowadays!

 

[Kiwibird]

Yup! I've seen this before! I think nowadays with all the different options out there, everyone is trying to have a distinct brand or experience. I think that's the trend nowadays!

You're probably right. I was just shocked because I've never really seen anything like it. I guess when I go in, I just want the dentist to do a good job and get it over with as quickly as possible. I don't tend to want to linger at a dentists office, even if it is really nice:20:

 

[thekarens]

I think it's because a lot off people (myself included) think dentists are the root of all evil. I avoid them like the plague. I had to have some work done this year and IMO a nicer office with a great dentist makes a world of difference. Anything this that helps me relax is a plus in my book.

 

[RavensGryf]

What a concept .. Let's combine the dental office with the luxury spa experience. People will WANT to come in LOL!

I just went to my "normal" dentists office. I feel like I was missing out now... kidding!

 

[Kiwibird]

What a concept .. Let's combine the dental office with the luxury spa experience. People will WANT to come in LOL!

I just went to my "normal" dentists office. I feel like I was missing out now... kidding!

I think you did miss out lol. You could have dipped your hands in hot wax while waiting for the novacaine to take effect (I couldn't believe that is something people would WANT to do). I have to wonder how much extra I paid for frills I did not want, need or care about:20: Though, the dentist did seem to do a good job, seeing as the cavity was in a very difficult to reach spot. He had to re-shape my tooth a little but managed to avoid me having to have a root canal. I don't care about the frills in the office, but one thing I am interested in is quality dental work and this dentist has all kinds of certifications above and beyond his degree (which is why I went there).

 

[Kiwibird]

I think it's because a lot off people (myself included) think dentists are the root of all evil. I avoid them like the plague. I had to have some work done this year and IMO a nicer office with a great dentist makes a world of difference. Anything this that helps me relax is a plus in my book.

Well, if you ever live in Portland, I now have a suggestion of a spa-like dentists office to refer you too I guess I've just never had a fear of the dentist since I've never had a dentist come close to killing me. I'm really distrusting of doctors though (I will keep my full opinion/rant about them to myself) and I'm not sure any amount of 'niceness' in a doctors office would ever entice me to see one again.

 

[thekarens]

I think it's because a lot off people (myself included) think dentists are the root of all evil. I avoid them like the plague. I had to have some work done this year and IMO a nicer office with a great dentist makes a world of difference. Anything this that helps me relax is a plus in my book.

Well, if you ever live in Portland, I now have a suggestion of a spa-like dentists office to refer you too I guess I've just never had a fear of the dentist since I've never had a dentist come close to killing me. I'm really distrusting of doctors though (I will keep my full opinion/rant about them to myself) and I'm not sure any amount of 'niceness' in a doctors office would ever entice me to see one again.

I'm just about the opposite. I have many dental horror stories from childhood. My blood pressure shoots through the roof as soon as I walk through the office door.

I'm not thrilled with doctors either, but I've got a cadre of them and some I like a lot and some I tolerate because I have to.

 

[ruffledfeathers]

I go every six months (because I 'have to') but I am pretty fearful of medical procedures. My dentist doesn't have any of that stuff but they have these super comfortable gel neck pillows and scented masks for the nitrous. I go for vanilla. And with nitrous I am still white knuckled. LOL If they offered spa package, I may go for it to calm my nerves.

 

[Dinosrawr]

I actually just had my wisdom teeth removed on Friday at my campus dentist, and they're very similar! Though the facilities are smaller, it's ridiculously fancy smancy in there.

I used to hate the dentist until I realized I'd lose all my teeth without them. At 15 my dentist warned me that if I didn't get work done I would legitimately need dentures, and I've had an excessive amount of teeth pulled because they grew in wrong, switched positions with other teeth while developing in my jaw, and because I would grow duplicate teeth as well. Every single one of my molars and premolars has fillings, even though I floss and brush like a demon... having weak enamel sucks! I wish I had good teeth like you, April! My boyfriend is like you, too. He's never had a cavity, and all four of his wisdom teeth grew in perfect. His teeth are also naturally straight. Talk about a dentist's nightmare, hahaha

 

[Scott]

I've been to the dentist a *lot* in the past 2 years for reconstructive work. So many visits in my youth were terribly painful because it "appeared" either the injectable anesthetic was insufficient or my pain tolerance was low. I walked out of one office when the dentist proclaimed "you SHOULD be numb by now!" Consequently I'd neglect routine work and would have to be dragged into the chair kicking and screaming, usually the consequence of pain!

My current dentist has a standard office and is excellent. He noticed via X-Ray that my nerves were deeper than normal and not sufficiently medicated using traditional injection sites and quantity. It takes longer for me to be comfortably numbed, but what a difference his care has made!

Bottom line IMHO: Dental work is as much art as science. Fancy trappings and novel gimmicks may be helpful, but there is NO substitute for the hand of skill and experience.