#18 - Don't Like My Dental Visit

Off to the Dentist

Today I came home from my dental appointment with my usual prize. Yay.
​I hope I didn't come home with Covid. 

Today wasn't my first dental appointment during the pandemic. But it was my first time going, since Don's heart surgery. I know that Don's immune system is compromised, so I debated whether I should even go. But we've both gotten our boosters and breakthrough cases aren't common. AND I have teeth that MUST be cleaned twice a year, or I go nuts.

Twilight Zone

I don't mind going to the dentist. I see the same hygienist and dentist that I've seen for 20 years. They were the ones who cared for my children's teeth and carefully dealt with my mom, who was a complicated patient with Alzheimer's. The staff feels like family. I knew they would even offer a little support, when I told them Don had just gone through open heart surgery. 

But when I stepped into the office, I didn't feel the usual warmth. It seemed like I'd stepped back in time... pre-covid time. I was greeted by a smiling staff and none of them wore masks. The patients in the waiting room were mask free. We live in an area where 75 percent of the people are back to wearing masks in stores. Why would a medical facility suddenly ease up on masking, when the pandemic continues?

Suddenly I was invited back to have my teeth cleaned, by a hygienist I've never met. She wore no mask as she introduced herself. I asked if my hygienist was sick and she said, "No, she's here."  No more explanation.

I sat down and removed my mask. "I'm being extra cautious." I rambled awkwardly. "My husband just had heart surgery and he's more vulnerable." Why was I explaining my mask? Why didn't I just ask her if she was vaccinated or if all staff had been vaccinated? I'm the paying client, I could ask.

I sat back in my chair and looked up at the TV and spotted HGTV. Ugh. "Do you mind changing the channel?" I asked. That's been Don's go-to TV for healing, these 2 weeks. I needed a change.

The new hygienist put on a pink paper mask and worked away, without talking. I was happy with that. I closed my eyes and felt her bad aim with the ultrasonic tool. Ouch. She kept forgetting to use the tube, that sucks the saliva. Gag.  And the polishing tool shot liquid down my shirt.  Ugh.

I felt perplexed that my dental experience had me totally on edge. It was  like I was in a dream or on Candid Camera. Why no masks? Where did my hygienist go? And where was my dentist? Suddenly I was given my goodie bag and I was ushered to the front desk.

"I'm supposed to see the dentist." I tried to explain that my dental plan included seeing the dentist each time. Then I stopped explaining. I was happy to exit without seeing another person.

My dental visit was odd. But how much was just me? I remember feeling on edge the first time I visited the dentist after my cancer diagnosis. It felt horrible to mark the Cancer box, when I updated my records. The dental office then, felt kind of like it did today. Different. It doesn't have to be your very own health changes that put you on edge. I guess I've been more uneasy from Don's recovery, than I realized.