I think I've had three dentist poke in my mouth in my life time but one bad experience can get your tail in between your legs with the resolve of avoiding going to one like a plague!
In my opinion, a dentist should be like a pediatrics doctor and should take care of his patient like a child---much cajoling, explaining, and as much as possible with little or with no pain involved. Ok, ok---I'm a BIG BABY! But who would want to be someone with a big needle, pliers, and heavy hands to work on your tooth? As the golden rule says, "don't do unto others what you don't want others to do unto you". A dentist should know when a procedure would hurt and make sure the patient is made as comfortable as it can possibly be given the circumstances. Cleaning should be a fun appointment, right? It should because this is something that needs to be done twice a year; hence, the experience should be enjoyable enough (or painless) to want to come back for more.
One of my molars has been giving me problems lately (one of the few remaining ones I should add) and I was forced to get a dentist appointment this morning. At first I tried to yank it out myself but even though it was already hanging by a thread---it just wouldn't budge and my pain got worse! So off I went for my appointment with great apprehension.
When I was finally called in by the dentist my first dialogue was, "Be gentle with me, doc." I guess she took this to heart and was really baby-ing me (which was all I needed to feel at ease). It was painless! Even the anesthesia shot was not traumatic! I have never felt more relaxed during a tooth extraction before this! I was even shocked at myself when I obliged to have my other tooth (which has been recommended for extraction in my past five physical examinations) extracted. Unfortunately for me, the many years of dental neglect got me periodontitis!
Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease affecting the periodontium or the tissue that surround and support the teeth. This is caused the lack of oral care and lack of a regular dental cleaning. Guilty as charged! I guess it's a lack of oral education on my part as well. I'm a brusher and not a flosser not knowing that not all food debris can be taken off by brushing alone. For all I knew, flossing was for pulling off teeth! Well, all I can do for now is to feel regretful for shying away (or should I say fleeing from) the necessary dentist appointment all these years. "Walang nagsisisi sa una!" Hmmm...I'm sure I heard that somewhere before. A taste of my own medicine!
If you're from the Fairview area and with the same dentist perception I had before go to TOOTH MATTERS DENTAL CLINIC at Blk 21 Lot 22 Bristol St., Lagro Subdivision, Novaliches, Quezon City and I guarantee you a pleasant dental experience. The dentist who took care of me this morning was Dr. Margie Arellano but I heard good things about Dr. Ellen Belino-Catibog also. They only entertain by appointment only. For reservations call 9370177 or text 09175496197, 09183339528, or email them at tooth_matters@yahoo.com
Thank you Dr. Margie for the TLC and for the short lesson on periodontitis!
