Dave Viner's Weblog

cavities

Last week, I had my routine dental cleaning, and we discovered a cavity. And today, I had my cavity filled. The procedure wasn't too bad. In fact, it only took about 1 hour, including wait time. I've had a fair number of cavities in the past, mostly because I'm not very good about actually flossing my teeth on any regular basis. But, going through today's procedure and thinking back on my others, I had some observations for dentists that I'd like to mention.

First, Dr. Sanderson, my dentist, offered me headphones to listen to the radio while they worked. I love this. No, it doesn't drown out the loud drilling sound inside my head, but at least the noise wasn't deafening and I had something else to focus on. So, I suggest that all dentists take up this easy concept. The radio I used was probably $10 at any Radio Shack. A simple AM/FM job with an analog dial. Nothing fancy, but easily made my experience much more enjoyable.

Second, dentists should really think about the air flow in their offices. Particularly when drilling. The acrid smell of burning enamel really makes it hard to enjoy the experience. I have great confidence that Dr. Sanderson was doing the right thing and is supremely competent in her craft. However, when I smell something akin to those portable tar machines (the kind used to cover roofs), and that smell is coming out of my mouth... well, let's just say, that's not really a user-friendly moment. I don't know what one could do about it... but I really wish someone in the dental field would consider it. Maybe some air suction attached to the drill?

Third, in addition to the issue of the smell, dental assistants (sorry, i don't know the real name for the helpers in these procedures) should really focus on suctioning out the saliva. I mean, if you're taking something like a Dremel to my teeth, nothing short of geysers of saliva is my natural response. Since the dentist doesn't want that to interfere, get in there and get it out. Sure, someone was helping today by suctioning, but not nearly enough. And again, from a user-friendly point of view, nearly choking on my own saliva is a bad experience. And if it's not possible to suction out the saliva on a regular basis, take little breaks to remove the drill from my mouth and tell me to swallow. I'm completely willing to be commanded at that moment. But fighting the urge to swallow for fear of causing the drill to go somewhere it shouldn't... not very user-friendly.

Fourth, I know that I'm supposed to keep my tongue away from the drilling. In fact, I *want* to keep my tongue away lest I end up with a small hole in my tongue. However, there's a problem. Half of my tongue is completely numb. So, just tell me where to put my tongue and I'll do my best to keep it out of the way. My approach today was to touch the tip of my tongue to the cheek opposite the side being drilled. I don't know if this helped or not, but it was the best I could manage. But, I'm sure that the doctor could just tell me how and where to put my tongue to keep it safely aside. And I'd be more than happy to give it my all keeping my tongue aside.

After reading this, you may think I don't like my dentist. But nothing could be further from the truth. I've had several dentists in my life, and Dr. Sanderson is the best. Many if not all of the suggestions apply to every dentist I've ever seen. If you live in or around LA and need a good dentist, check out Helen Sanderson. She is awesome.