The Dentist

Today was a sadly monumental "first": I went to the dentist and found out I have my first cavity. :( Here we go: the beginning of the end. It's all down hill from here. My teeth will all decay and fall out and I'll have to get dentures. It's rough getting old.

Actually, it was two firsts because it was also my first time going to an adult dentist. I realize I stopped being a kid a good while ago, but it was just easier to keep going to my pediatrician dentist. Now that I'm married (and moved), I guess it was time to grow up. I kind of missed the multi-colored chairs, but I have to admit - the grownup chairs were a lot more comfortable.

Mr. Hygienist spent the first half of the cleaning trying to convince me that I would be a great candidate for cosmetic dentistry - teeth whitening or more straightening or something ("You should really consider it? Do you think you'd be interested?") Um, noooo. He pointed out a small indentation in one tooth ("Have you noticed that? I'm sure you have. We could get that fixed too.") I had no idea what he was talking about. He may spend his days staring at people's teeth, but I sure don't. I found the whole idea far, far out of my realm of "things I would consider necessary or profitable" but had a hard time convincing him that I really didn't care if I had a celebrity smile.

Then I mentioned something about returning to China and the conversation mercifully shifted. I find it interesting to bring up China just to see the reaction when people hear something out of the norm. I instantly transform from a normal, boring person to an interesting, adventurous person, and I don't mind that. Mr. Hygienist talked about how cool that was and how different China must be in an "I can't really relate to you anymore" kind of voice. The voice you use when you talk to someone doing something you have never ever considered doing, didn't know existed, or find incredibly strange. That suddenly distant, slightly admiring, definitely perplexed sort of voice. For half a second, I think he even forgot about that little indentation in my tooth.

The second passed and we were back full swing into America mode, with Mr. Hygienist trying to sell me on a new electric toothbrush. ("What kind of toothbrush do you use: manual or electric? Manual? Still? Haven't made the switch yet?") Apparently manual toothbrushes are a thing of the past, on their way to join the cassette tapes. Who knew... ("You should try it out. I really think you'll love it.") I didn't bother explaining that I usually spend an average of a dollar on my toothbrushes. I definitely didn't go into the China voltage difference. I just accepted the free toothbrush (Free toothbrush! I just saved a dollar!) and headed out to the receptionist.

I couldn't schedule an appointment in six months since I'll be in China then. I think that was a bit disconcerting for the receptionist. No closure, I guess. ("Well, when are you coming back from your trip? Next year?!? Oh, well...You're right. I guess we can't schedule anything.") I did make an appointment to get that filling done next week. (A filling. Should I be nervous? My poor grown up decaying teeth...)

A couple of hours later the receptionist called to confirm my appointment for next week. I'm sorry, wasn't I just in your office? Didn't I make the appointment mere hours ago? No, I haven't forgotten yet. Fine, I'll confirm. You can check me off your list and life can continue as we know it, but it still doesn't make sense to me. I never realized dental visits were so...American. Which is particularly ironic since this dentist--he's Chinese.