Of Dentists And Hell
Dentophobia - an extreme or irrational fear of dental work
I very, very much dislike going to the dentist, but surely that does not make me phobic. Really, wouldn't mental illness be more closely connected with any individual who in some way enjoys going to the dentist? Actually I like my dentist. She has a sweet voice even as she pulverizes my molars and gums with her miniature jackhammer and bloodletting lancet. She is an attractive lady, and I like looking into her hazel eyes, until I am awakened by the sharp pain of razor wire being run between my teeth.
Religiously I visit this person at least twice per year. Today was that day. I insist upon no small talk; I am not there for chitchat, but for necessary anxiety and torture. And I insist upon careful personal examination and query about every move she makes.
Let me see those x-rays, please.
What are you doing with that instrument?
Define toothbrush abrasion.
What do you mean by wuss?I believe in Hell, although I'm not sure the specifics of the place. I remember an old Twilight Zone episode. A rough and scary biker has a tragic accident, and awakens in a strange place. At first he is relieved to find he is not immersed in burning flames. He looks around the non-descript room and encounters an old man and old lady. They simply sit and rock. And then one- I'm not sure which- walks over to an old phonograph and puts on a whiny country-western album. He and she then sit and rock enjoyably to the beat. The biker considers incredulously what is happening and recognizes there is an endless stack of such music. He is destined for this room, companionship, and music for all eternity. The episode ends with him clutching his face, screaming in terror. Indeed, he has arrived in Hell.
Also I remember the old movie starring Dustin Hoffman, The Marathon Man. Particularly I recall his torture episode at the hands of a sadistic dentist. These memories, and my experience today, make me want to be a very, very good boy.
11.28.08 (11:43 am) [
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posted by:
bawdy (
reply)
post date:
11.28.08 (11:50 am)
It was Marathon Man, not The Running Man, and my childhood dentist was sadistic like that. He would never fail to strike nerves while drilling. I never knew the joys of freezing until my current dentist, who is very good, and I no longer dread dentists.
posted by:
PastorDave (
reply)
post date:
11.28.08 (3:42 pm)
Reply to: bawdy
Correction noted and applied.
Those childhood dentists make lasting impressions. I had a molar extracted when about 8 years of age. I still vividly remember the pliars, his strained efforts, and the beads of sweat upon his forehead. And the pain, of course.
posted by:
auntconi (
reply)
post date:
11.29.08 (12:06 am)
Those of us of a certain age remember horrible dental details, probably because we didn't go to the dentist until we had "a problem."
When I married and moved across state I found that when I would go back to visit my family I would schedule dental visits at the same time, as I was not looking forward to finding a new dental team. When I was expecting my son the dentist suggested I find a more convenient dentist for future use.
One of the ladies in my church circle told me about a dentist in our small town that her family went to and she said he was very nice and thought I would not mind the change. It was an easy transfer as the dental team consisted of the dentist, his wife was the hygenist, and all went well. When my son was ready to be introduced to the dentist is was an easy transition.
I didn't want my child to experience the fear of a dentist that I had. He was introduced to the dental office as a friendly visit, and then for an easy cleaning so he never had that fear and apprehension that I had. Having a nice dental team helps considerably, also.
Today it is normal practice to introduce youngsters to a dental office before there is a problem and it seems to be helping from what I have noticed.
Make sure you floss…
posted by:
pineapples (
reply)
post date:
11.29.08 (8:22 am)
i feel your pain.. i hate going... i do my once a yr deal ... if i feel like it.. haha... but as far as hell... its a perception people have that its suppose to burning flames... hell is what you make it... in that episode hell for the bike was the music and the people.. Hell is a concept... in relation to Hinduism.. being on earth is actually hell as we believe in reincarnation and being freed from the cycle..
