So what is it about going to the dentist that is really so bad? The thought of a drill or even worse a root canal? Nope. It’s they are all referral agents for their mates, I’m sure the dental profession is rigged with little cash for comments kick backs rife in the industry. Proof in case… After my last dental check-up I walked out with a script to get X-Rays and then a return appointment. Before I knew it I was booked in with a surgeon, an anaesthetist, the private hospital and oh a trip for my mum to come and look after me while I recovered from surgery to remove my wisdom teeth. Genuinely my wisdom teeth were hurting and there was crowding in my mouth but still I felt it was all too scripted. So fast-track a year and a bit and even after abysmal private health insurance refund (why do I bother?) and token new toothbrush and toothpaste I still feel like dentists are all out to get us.
If they can not find somewhere that needs a filling or a fisher seal the friendly dentist kicks into action… while you are at your most vulnerable (mouth gaped open and you are doing your best to remember to breathe while someone rummages around and calls out numbers “7 ok, 6 ok”) they strike! “So have you ever considered whitening your teeth”, or today’s doozy I can recommend you to a good orthodontist, “does that crowding bother you?” and because you effectively can’t speak all you can reply is a faint “no” which actually sounds more like “mmm” so either way your stuffed and you get the sales pitch for the next 10 minutes while the check-up continues. Then reality kicks in and you remember your teeth are actually quite straight and while there are no big gaps or major work needed you simply sign the payment slip and wait for them to call you for the next instalment 6 months later.
