This entry serves not only as a record of an intimidating experience but also as a warning to those who are new to dental clinics. Pick the right one!

Being an anti-dentist person, partly cuz I fear pain, my remarkably well-arranged teeth *smurk* had never been polished for over 10 years before last december. The cleaning done in december was due to extra cash from my salary but the experience was rather an unpleasant one as the dentist kept encouraging me to have my wisdom teeth removed. I said I'll consider... (in other words, no money...)

Early in June, a mail came. Pleasant I thought, to use greeting cards as reminders for regular dental check-ups. As I'm financially tight then, I decided to give this a miss. By the way, claims are only 50% with a cap of 60 sing dollars. But it seems this is not a very good term for me when I encounter a short and sharp pain everytime I clench my teeth recently.

I went back. After a few pickings and knockings with her tools, she spent less than 2 mins explaining that the pain could be due to a surging or even subsiding health problem and spent more than 5 mins explaining wisdom teeth are useless and should be removed. She polished my teeth (without my consent, but I was too paiseh to reject), while still eyeing on my wisdomS. Then prescribed anti-biotics and painkillers and charged me - not cheap!

After a few days, I was even more certain that things are not so simple. The pain was still there and specific. So I researched online, comparing signs and symptoms feeling that it's cavities. I gathered feedbacks from colleague and friends that that dentist is indeed unpro.

I visited another dentist today, whom after the visit I feel is more approachable and frank - I like her! She checked many rounds, at least 3! before concluding. I told her about the "wisdom" incident, she checked and said they are fine lor! Now, I felt silly recalling the first line I said when I enter: "I don't want to polish my teeth"

It's only a case of sensitive teeth. My teeth are rather worn out she said. She even explained with models making an effort to make me understand leh! this is what I call professional, treat my problem and not diversify unnecessarily!

Ouch, my pocket... -_-!

#2 Jul 08; 5:52pm#