mind the gap
Hello, My name is Julia Sifers and it has been 4 years since my last dentist appointment.
No, I wasn't addicted to going to the dentist, but I was good at it. I would walk in, knowing my teeth were perfectly clean and well flossed. I had multiple dentists over the years because we moved a lot with my dad being a Marine. And though I never really ever wanted to go, I was confident that the dentist would be pleased with my care. Of course I had my rebellious phase where I hated brushing my teeth and got my fair share of cavities... but overall my teeth were straight, clean and a-okay.
I have this weird approach to going to the dentist, each visit is like a test. If I have no cavities, little scrapping and hear that my teeth are in good shape, I get an "A." However, if they find cavities or make my gums bleed or mention a few areas I need to work on, my grade slips into a C or D. I am entirely too hard on myself in this area (as Nik is always reminding me) but its just how I mentally approached the dentist. Always. For as long as I can remember.
It has been over 4 years since the last time I sat in a dental chair. Mostly because when I turned 23 I was no longer on my parents insurance, and working odd jobs without insurance just covered my bills so going to the dentist, unless I needed to, was just not in the cards. Marrying Nik tacked me on his insurance (BONUS!) and right as I was going to make an appointment... we found out I was pregnant with Wes... x-rays aren't possible when you are preggers...
So fast-forward to present day. Wes is now 5 month old. We are living near a dentist that Nik went to as a child. I am feeling a little sensitivity in some of my teeth. My brother (Patrick) said I needed to make an appointment. Nik said make an appointment. Nik's mother said to make an appointment.
Pressure is on.
"But I haven't been in 4 years... I know I'll get a D, or worse...fail?!"
So Nik throws a curve ball at me. "Make the appointment on Monday or you fail at the dentist already." Ooo. Wait, what? Pre-failing?
It was just enough to push me over the edge, not wanting to fail before I even started. And knowing I needed to just get it over with. I made my appointment.
For the 3 days before my appointment I brushed 3 times a day. I flossed intentionally. I got a new toothbrush and new 'powerful' toothpaste. My mouth was feeling like I had been to the dentist already... I tried to convince Nik of this. But he wasn't budging. (my rock.)
Nik had a little time in the morning, and was able to drive me to my appointment, knowing I would make an excuse not to go if left on my own.
It was a dark and stormy morning... no seriously, it was raining like crazy. I mentioned to Nik, on our way there, how appropriate the weather was as I slouched in the car, pouting. We pull into the parking lot, and at this point the rain is pouring so I have to run into the office to stay dry. (Ha, even the weather was working against me.)
We walk in, and it doesn't smell like dentist. It doesn't even look like a dentist's office. More like a living room with a reception desk. This annoys me. what?! I can't LIKE the way they decorate. I have to hate it. So I decide to make fun of the new reporters tie to stay in my less than perky mood. My name is called waaay to quickly and a sweet lady walks me into my eval room, where I have to sit in the dental chair.
....it gets pretty boring from there on out. Except for the fact that I didn't have any cavities. :)
I learned some stuff that morning....I was reminded of how much Nik loves me, dealing with his pouting wife and reasuring me it was all going to be okay, and making time to take me there and literally "hold my hand." I was reminded that there are good people out there, with nice offices, who care about you and not just making money, even Dentists. And not that I could forget this, but every one there reminded me of how stinking cute Wes is and what a blessing I have in him.
And even though its ridiculously silly, points deducted for bad behavior and needing to make another appointment, but all in all, I felt like I got by that day with a solid B+ which isn't too shabby for that 4 year gap.
No, I wasn't addicted to going to the dentist, but I was good at it. I would walk in, knowing my teeth were perfectly clean and well flossed. I had multiple dentists over the years because we moved a lot with my dad being a Marine. And though I never really ever wanted to go, I was confident that the dentist would be pleased with my care. Of course I had my rebellious phase where I hated brushing my teeth and got my fair share of cavities... but overall my teeth were straight, clean and a-okay.
I have this weird approach to going to the dentist, each visit is like a test. If I have no cavities, little scrapping and hear that my teeth are in good shape, I get an "A." However, if they find cavities or make my gums bleed or mention a few areas I need to work on, my grade slips into a C or D. I am entirely too hard on myself in this area (as Nik is always reminding me) but its just how I mentally approached the dentist. Always. For as long as I can remember.
It has been over 4 years since the last time I sat in a dental chair. Mostly because when I turned 23 I was no longer on my parents insurance, and working odd jobs without insurance just covered my bills so going to the dentist, unless I needed to, was just not in the cards. Marrying Nik tacked me on his insurance (BONUS!) and right as I was going to make an appointment... we found out I was pregnant with Wes... x-rays aren't possible when you are preggers...
So fast-forward to present day. Wes is now 5 month old. We are living near a dentist that Nik went to as a child. I am feeling a little sensitivity in some of my teeth. My brother (Patrick) said I needed to make an appointment. Nik said make an appointment. Nik's mother said to make an appointment.
Pressure is on.
"But I haven't been in 4 years... I know I'll get a D, or worse...fail?!"
So Nik throws a curve ball at me. "Make the appointment on Monday or you fail at the dentist already." Ooo. Wait, what? Pre-failing?
It was just enough to push me over the edge, not wanting to fail before I even started. And knowing I needed to just get it over with. I made my appointment.
For the 3 days before my appointment I brushed 3 times a day. I flossed intentionally. I got a new toothbrush and new 'powerful' toothpaste. My mouth was feeling like I had been to the dentist already... I tried to convince Nik of this. But he wasn't budging. (my rock.)
Nik had a little time in the morning, and was able to drive me to my appointment, knowing I would make an excuse not to go if left on my own.
It was a dark and stormy morning... no seriously, it was raining like crazy. I mentioned to Nik, on our way there, how appropriate the weather was as I slouched in the car, pouting. We pull into the parking lot, and at this point the rain is pouring so I have to run into the office to stay dry. (Ha, even the weather was working against me.)
We walk in, and it doesn't smell like dentist. It doesn't even look like a dentist's office. More like a living room with a reception desk. This annoys me. what?! I can't LIKE the way they decorate. I have to hate it. So I decide to make fun of the new reporters tie to stay in my less than perky mood. My name is called waaay to quickly and a sweet lady walks me into my eval room, where I have to sit in the dental chair.
....it gets pretty boring from there on out. Except for the fact that I didn't have any cavities. :)
I learned some stuff that morning....I was reminded of how much Nik loves me, dealing with his pouting wife and reasuring me it was all going to be okay, and making time to take me there and literally "hold my hand." I was reminded that there are good people out there, with nice offices, who care about you and not just making money, even Dentists. And not that I could forget this, but every one there reminded me of how stinking cute Wes is and what a blessing I have in him.
And even though its ridiculously silly, points deducted for bad behavior and needing to make another appointment, but all in all, I felt like I got by that day with a solid B+ which isn't too shabby for that 4 year gap.
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