(An update from Dale Gummin)
Somebody might find this story interesting. We get a real kick out of taking some of our girls to the dentist each year – usually for the very first time. Sometimes we take a group of 4-5 at a time for convenience sake. They all need to go sooner or later as they’ve never had dental care previously, and it can get quite serious. It’s hard to hide a smile when you see them in the chair with white knuckles and the others trying to get as close a look as possible without tripping over the dentist. Fortunately, our dentist is very patient and puts up with it. However, when they all stand there moaning with one hand over their mouth that’s about all the dentist can take and he kicks them out of the room. Then they go and sit in the waiting room holding their mouths. No, not because it hurts. They haven’t had their turn in the chair yet. It’s all anticipation!
So, why the “white knuckles”? Well, it’s common practice to not give a shot of Novocaine before drilling? Many dentists still think that those pain killers are really bad for you and possibly could become addicting. How do I know? I’ve had several complete root canals, about 5 to be exact. None of these were done with any sort of comfort medicine for pain. I too know all about “white knuckles”.
The trip back home is usually pretty quiet and some of them are not too happy with their companions as they laugh at each other if they cry. Anyway, they get over it all in about an hour or so and it’s back to the normal fun and light heartedness we love to see. That is, until the next time they need to go. We’ve even had to chase them around the dentist office. No joke!
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