The Dentist

[Dr Lobster*]

fortunately, i've never needed much dental work done, i'm on the wrong side of 30 and at present have 1 filling.

this filling recently broke when as i was eating bombay mix and i had to have it repaired yesterday.

now, i don't think the sensation of having a filling is that bad, not pleasant by any means, but bearable.

but, scale and polish on the other hand... i feels like the dentist is about to rip my gums out at any time. i hate it. i don't need it done all that often, but when i do i dread it.

what are you experiences of the dentist?

[marksi]

Agreed, I had a tooth removed once and it was less painful than it usually is having them cleaned every 6 months.

I've considered taking painkillers an hour before I go... would that work?!

[Nick Harvey]

I've considered taking painkillers an hour before I go.

Dentist's receptionists are carefully trained to detect this trick. They immediately re-arrange all the appointments so you're kept waiting and go in three minutes after the drugs wear off.

[Gavin Scott]

Scale and polish is unbearable for me, so I have injections to numb me up. Drastic, but I can't do it any other way.

The dentist has to do the whole palaver himself because of the amount of anaesthetic topping up throughout - rather than the hygienist, who I assume does the scale and polish for most patients.

If you can cope with the jabs better than the torturous scaling process then I'd recommend it.

[Nick Harvey]

I think, on balance, I just about preferred the scaling and polishing to the jabbing. Once the jabs were complete, all was well, but I never liked the long needle and what seemed to be the eexxttrreemmllyy ssllooww injection of the anaesthetic via same.

Problem all solved now though; the teeth come out to be cleaned.

[WillPS]

Not been to the Dentist in about 15 years. Terrible, I know... but still.

I brush twice a day, my teeth are fairly white and I rarely have any pain.

[Gavin Scott]

Not been to the Dentist in about 15 years. Terrible, I know... but still.

I brush twice a day, my teeth are fairly white and I rarely have any pain.

While there's no pain - that would definitely be the time to have a check up. Little fillings and such and quite easy until your mouth starts to throb.