new dentist phew phew phew

A few weeks ago, I got a "second opinion" on all the tooth stuff I'm facing in the next few months.

When I called the original dentist's (Dr. J) office to borrow my x-rays, it turned out that I had to talk to Dr. J before I could get my own x-rays. He got fairly defensive, assuming that I wanted a second opinion because I might be thinking that the procedures were unnecessary. Not at all. But then he gave me a lot more info than I've heard from him during regular appoinments, presumably so that I could relay it all to the second opinion guy.

The guy I consulted with (Dr. K) was actually recommended by my old cat, Juliet's, dentist. The cat dentist is a a patient there, and I figure that if she likes their work, it's pretty darned good. The consult was so very helpful. The dentist talked to me for a long time and also brought in a specialist who does implants and is on staff. The specialist also spent a long time talking to me.

I felt so much more at ease after the consultation that I asked this new guy to be my regular dentist and he said yes. I mean, from lack of information, I'd been imagining some pretty horrid things coming up. I immediately stopped having these awful images. And I stopped having insomnia over dental anxiety, too.

So today, I went to have the first crown prepped. I was there for about two hours, and my new doc just couldn't have been nicer. He kept talking to me, telling me what was going on. He let me know when he was half-way through, and actually, the drilling didn't seem to take that long. He seemed very thorough and careful, and told me I was doing great. I felt, well, not quite relaxed, but this was a much easier procedure than my last appointment.

His assistant, DJ, was a hoot. She was in the army for 22 years and had to assist in camouflaged tents with dirt floors. So I guess working in an office with four walls is kind of a luxury. She and Dr. K were goofing around and we were all giggling like maniacs. It started when he used his air tool to move a troll hanging off a mobile. Then we started brainstorming about fun flavors for some of the goo that was going in my mouth -- mimosa, bloody mary (except we couldn't call it that) and mint julep. OK, so it wasn't the most fun you can have on a Saturday night, BUT it went well.

And though I look forward to *not* being a frequent flyer, perhaps by Q3 or Q4 of 2008, I think I'll be fine with all that's coming up.

So now I have to officially "fire" Dr. J; I've drafted a note to him and will cancel my upcoming appointments. I also want to write to my hygienest there, she who has been so very kind to me.

More happened today, but I'll save that for another posting. (Note to those following behind the scenes -- YES!!).