Into the System-- Tooth Cleaning

I arrived for my 2:00 tooth cleaning appointment at 1:50. I was the only one in the waiting room.
I waited for 15-20 minutes and then was asked to come into the clinic. My hygienist escorted me to an examining chair and then spent 7-10 minutes studying my chart and previous x-rays.

Then she prepared her equipment, allowing me to notice her unwrapping sanitized or new cleaning instruments.
I appreciated that, as I fret about catching something in a clinic or hospital.

She efficiently went right to work cleaning my neglected teeth.
In the past, every time I got my teeth cleaned, I bled. I always felt a little tender afterwards, too. And my jaw would be very tired from keeping it open for long periods.

This time was different. The hygienist expertly took off the plaque build-up and kept the rinse under control. I didn't bleed at all, even though she was thorough.
I lost track of time, but it flew.

Never in my life has time flown while in a dentist's chair.

Due to my astonishment at the wonderful clean feeling in my mouth after an almost pleasant interlude, the hygienist explained that in public care, she only cleans teeth. Meaning, I supposed, that she can concentrate on that alone.

She said she had worked in private practice, and there, she and the rest of the staff "did the dentist's work for him."
Being in many dentists office, even tiny ones, with no staff smaller than three, I related to that.

I loved the care. It was head and shoulders above what I've found in private practice.

My next appointment is January 7, for a filling.
I'm almost looking forward to it.