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15.06.2013

Dental Memoir

Dentists. I have had a long history with you. You have helped me a lot, you have looked after me and my teeth. I have seen your work in few countries in the world and whenever I have used your services, my appreciation for you knowledge and precision increases. You know, people don't like you that much but you are still amazing doctors ready to deal with the whole spectrum of oral and dental problems. You bring relief and put beautiful smiles on people's faces. No matter how serious my condition has been,  I have experienced nothing but goodness from you. Root canals, wisdom teeth extractions, drillings, fillings- the list is long and you have always done a great job.

I had a dentist at university who had no mercy and refused to drug me saying 'No need, it'll be quick and painless. I'm done in 5, 4, 3...'and she lied to me each time. It always would take longer and always was painful. I hated it and dreaded every visit but in a way I also trusted her. During long hours spent in a dentist chair - I had lot of time to contemplate their work, equipment and phenomenon of dental care. Since then I have had my teeth treated in: Ukraine, Russia, Cambodia, Thailand and almost in Canada, though it was too expensive to experience.

2007, few days after I took off on my first Asia trip I ended up in a dental clinic in Kiev with root canal. The clinic, I remember was excellent, the equipment state-of-the art, the staff professional and very, very helpful. The treatment was done in couple of hours and I could go on with my travels. Later when I had this tooth x-rayed I was told that it was a masterpiece and I was very lucky to have met a really good doctor who did an excellent job.

 Before I took off to Toronto, I said goodbye to one of my wisdom teeth. It wasn't particularly pleasant procedure but certainly the unpleasantness was compensated by the doctor: funny, very, very delicate, and hellishly handsome, which always helps. Too bad that I didn't look and feel very attractive with my mouth wide open, bleeding and drooling all over. In no time, I was finished and ready to go with few stitches that dissolved in less than a week. No complications, no unnecessary pain - another artist among the dentists.

Yesterday when I entered the office escorted by a friend who came with me to hold my hand, I wasn't sure for a moment. The dentist looked fourteen, maybe fifteen and I was sure that I'm the first patient she's ever had and that would be her first tooth extraction ever. I wanted to run away but it was already to late, I was sat on the chair and the teasing begun. This way, and that way - the bloody thing didn't want to give way.  The doctor was delicate and very conscious of the fact that I was panicked, so in a sweet voice she comforted me and apologized each time she caused a bit of pain. So long it took, that there was a moment when I thought: oh, please, just bring a hammer. But the hammer wasn't among  the whole array of other equipment resembling this from the sculptor's studio: clasps, chisel looking tools, strange hooks and so I had to endure long minutes of extraction without the aid of the hammer.  And though the procedure wasn't pleasant and I don't want to be teased this way any time soon in my life, I must say that I met another wonderful doctor who turned unpleasant into bearable and even fun an experience. Soon I was sent off with a handful of painkillers and a tooth in my pocket.

Dentists, you know, people don't like you but you are amazing professionals.

No tooth ferries arrived.





 

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