If you’re like me, making an appointment at the dentist’s office is no easy task. It can be stressful for folks who don’t go as often as they maybe should. Heck, it’s hard enough to get me to even make a simple appointment with my doctor. But after my last visit for some endodontic services, I believe my fear of the dentist might finally be gone.
Ever since I was a kid, it was a challenge getting me to the dentist. Stories about sharp drills shoved into my mouth definitely didn’t make things any easier for my mom. She pleaded and tried to tell me everything would be fine, and she was right, but I wouldn’t budge until I finally had to. I’d go, it would be inconvenient but mostly painless, but my little brain would forget that the next time a dentist’s appointment would come around, and I’d be scared all over again.
This habit carried on into adulthood, forcing me to deal with some issues in my mouth that I didn’t want to admit were happening. Specifically, an issue with the soft tissue inside my teeth. I looked it up, and it appeared I needed endodontic services from a dentist. I was not happy.
I looked up the nearest cheap dentist to my apartment and ended up taking a trip in a few weeks later for some endodontic services. The attendant at the front desk was incredibly nice, offering my water before my appointment. I declined out of nerves. Just a few minutes later, I was escorted back to my examination room. I passed rooms of old folks receiving what I assume are dental implants, poster-sized ads explaining the benefits of cosmetic dental veneers, and one child who reminded me of myself as a kid.
I think that’s what knocked me out of my daze. I realized I wasn’t a kid anymore, and my fear of the dentist was rooted in my childhood, not the present. I’ve been through a hell of a lot worse than a trip to the dentist, so I made my peace with it, had my procedure done, and everything was completely fine.
My fear of the dentist is gone, and all it took was one little visit. I’ll be back, twice-yearly now. Teeth cleaning and hopefully not too many fillings appear to be in my future.
Thanks for reading! Do you have any dental visit stories you want to share? Let us see ‘em down below in the comments, and have a nice day!