No Cavities!

[indysteel]

Both of my parents have gum disease, so I take I go to the dentist regularly myself because I don't want to go through what they went through. That's especially true now that I know that gum disease can cause heart disease. Plus, I'm in year number two of braces, so I'm currently getting cleanings every four months, rather than six. It would make little sense to get my teeth straightened and my bite fixed but neglect the actual health of my teeth and gums.

Luckily, I found a dentist about 13 years ago who is very sensitive to sensitive patients. She sat me down on my first appointment and talked about my anxieties and embarrassment (I was quite embarrassed about my crooked teeth). Both she and her employees couldn't be any nicer.

[Selkie]

I got over my fear of dentists by being very very upfront w/the dentist about my fear. That way, she knew to be gentle w/me. I was so afraid of novocaine shots when I was a teenager/young adult, I used to have cavities filled with NO novocaine.

If you already have a good dentist, take him to that person. If not, ask around for recommendations. My current dentist is just wonderful.

I've had a good bit of work done -- one root canal, four crowns, and several inlays (removed old fillings). The only thing that freaked me out was the shot in the roof of my mouth when I had the root canal.

With enough novocaine, he won't feel a thing.

[lunacycles]

Best of all---I didn't have to pay a cent. No copay. Nada.

Just like what would happen in most developed countries!! Sorry for the cynicism: I just watched "Sicko."

Congrats! I am in the same boat as the rest of the procrastinators, but am getting my rear in gear after watching my friend Nic who just spent thousands and thousands for laser gum surgery, then a root canal, after diligently brushing and flossing and having "perfect" teeth for 10 years but no dental visits!

[Selkie]

Just like what would happen in most developed countries!! Sorry for the cynicism: I just watched "Sicko."

I am lucky to now have the option of getting decent dental insurance. This is a supplemental plan, on top of my regular BC/BS and another plan for vision coverage (I pay three premiums every two weeks for this and it's not cheap because I opt for the plans that are designated "high" coverage).

For years, the Fed'l Govt did not offer decent dental plans to its employees - if at all, so I ended up paying for several crowns, inlays, and a root canal out of pocket.