A few weeks ago, I went to the dentist for the first time in five years. For two reasons. One, I haven't had dental insurance in three years; two, I am petrified of dentists. I don't like things in my mouth, for reasons I would rather not go into. Also, when I was 12 yrs old, I had a bad experience under "goofy gas." I was given way too much and I will never forget it.
So for my first visit I borrowed a Xanax from my sister-in-law. She told me to be sure to "only take half." I took one half before we left the apartment. Thirty minutes later, it wasn't kicking in, probably from nerves, so I took the other half. When I went inside and my phobia was relayed to the dentist, I was given gas for the x-rays and cleaning. Such a baby, I know. I swear, I didn't even feel the gas ever kick in, either. My gums were so angry by the end, the doctor told me I had to come back in a few weeks to have a light cleaning after the swelling went down, to make sure they hadn't missed something. My partner drove me home, wide awake. About an hour later, I fell asleep on the couch and didn't wake up for hours.
Yesterday I went back for my follow-up. I had to drive myself this time, so no Xanax and no goofy gas. It was a miserable experience but I did it! It felt good to get it over with, to know that something I had been dreading for so long was over. I am going to try my best to force myself to go back in four months so that the buildup never gets that bad again. Another good report: I have no cavities. Two teeth on the bottom front have some bone loss, so I have to work extra hard the next four months to help build them back up.
