My First Cavity

Earlier this month, I went to the dentist for my first cleaning in at least 4+ years. I had an emergency dental visit back in November, but other than that, I know that the last time I visited a dentist was to get my wisdom teeth pulled, and that happened in the fall of 2002. The dental assistance was very kind- she even went so far as to say "well, they aren't the worst I've ever seen", which made me feel good... there was probably some hobo who won a free cleaning a few years ago or something. Then Dr. Filipkowski (probably pronounced KRY-ZOO-SKEE) told me I had my first cavity.

I've been dreading this morning's appointment ever since that fateful day. All I knew was that I'd get a shot in my gum and my tooth would get drilled. Sounds like fun. (Some of you readers know firsthand just how good I am with needles. That bad heroin experience has tainted me...) I've been trying not to think about this mornings scheduled filling, and I intentionally showed up as close to on-time as I could, just to minimize time in the waiting room. I ended up being about 5 minutes late for my appointment, and within 3 minutes of arrival was in the chair of death. Thus far, things were going just as I had planned... I had no time to think about needles or drills or any other sharp pointy objects.

Without telling me what he was doing, the dentist started messing around inside my mouth, and I started to go numb. Then there was a break in the action, and I asked him what he just did. He said, "Well... I just gave you a shot, so you probably won't feel what happens next..." I had no idea... I felt no needle in my gums. Doctor Dude then began to drill and fill and within 20 minutes I was out the door and on the way home to play with The Tobe. Zero pain.

The plan is to not get any more cavities... my stupid days of going to the dentist once per decade are over. But if I do end up with the need for additional fillings, I won't be afraid of the dentist. What a relief. I'm such a wuss.