Dentaland

I have an irrational fear of going to the dentist. I don't like the grinding sound, I don't like the poking, and I sure don't like the shots. Yeah, you could also say I have an irrational fear of shots.

Last summer in Kentucky I went to the dentist to get my teeth cleaned. I chose the place based on a "free cleaning" postcard that Chip's parents had gotten in the mail from a newly opened dental office. I did not have any pain or sensitivity. I just wanted a good cleaning while we were in the states. When I went to the appointment, surprise, surprise!! I had nine cavities. Nine. This seemed extremely odd to me. I brush my teeth every day, I don't drink pop very often, and I had been to the dentist the summer before and had no problem. At each tooth between $200 and $300 a filling, I just got the three worst ones filled. Thank you Spring Arbor University HSA (Health Savings Account) for covering the cost of those. My plan for the other six teeth was to go to a dentist in Thailand during our organization's conference--much, much cheaper than America and much, much cleaner than China.

So today* was the big day. I scheduled the appointments about a month ago by e-mail. They recommended two appointments since I needed so much work done. So I have been dreading this day for about a month. Chip had been feeling feverish and coldish for the past couple of days, but he woke up this particular morning feeling far worse. Without better options, we decided to head to a Thai hospital. While I genuinely felt bad for Chip, I had to admit I was a little frustrated. This was the day I needed him to be strong for me, but instead he was weak and sluggish.

The doctors ran multiple tests and we waited for results. Poor Chip. Meanwhile, I kept my eye on the clock making sure I did not miss my long anticipated dentist appointment. My only peace of mind was that I knew they had laughing gas. That would get me through. (And, of course, lots of people praying at home).

The biggest blessing of the day was that my dear friend, Ruthie, was at the same hospital getting her teeth cleaned by a dentist there and getting her daughter's immunizations. Ruthie is a friend from college who was in our wedding and has served in China since 2005 with our same organization. Ruthie, seeing Chip in despair, offered to go with nervous me to the dentist so Chip could go home and rest. She left her crying, recently immunized daughter with her husband and accompanied me to Dentaland, a place recommended by one of our classmates.

When I sat down in the dentist chair I begged the dentist to try to do all six teeth on one day so I would not have to go through the misery twice (and pay for laughing gas twice). She said no, that there would not be enough time today. I started crying and hyperventilating at the thought. Ruthie quickly came in from the waiting room. This response is normal for me. No matter how hard I try to be rational, I get really worked up at the dentist. My experience with dentists in the states is confusion, then frustration, but this Thai dentist was sweet, patient, and calming. She and Ruthie helped me relax.

She said she would just start by checking my mouth. She thoroughly examined my teeth once. Then again. She had my report from Kentucky in one hand and her eyes on my teeth. "You only have one small cavity," she said. I breathed a sigh of relief. She handed me a mirror and helped me to see. She asked if I had pain or sensitivity. I said I did not. She said, "You have a bad dentist in America." The prices were on the report. She could not believe the cost. She said, "You can fly from China to Thailand for the cost to fix one tooth in America. You should come here every year." I assured her that I would.

Before she started her work, I told her I needed laughing gas. She said that would not be necessary. She promised to numb the area well with gel before giving me the shot. I trusted her. I hardly felt anything.

Me covered with a Hello Kitty blanket at Dentaland
Photo compliments of Ruthie

The good news is my teeth are filled and it did not cost near as much as we planned allowing us to cover the cost of Chip's hospital bill and medications. He is feeling much better, by the way.

Do I think the dentist in Kentucky (who I will leave unnamed) is a quack? Well, let's just say I won't be going back there. I would far rather give the praise to the Father for His healing. My dad said my 93 year old Grandmother Gail had been praying for this dentist appointment for weeks.

To check out the Dentaland website, click on the title.

*Written on 1/30/2012 with delayed posting.