Friday, December 28, 2007

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.

Saturday, December 1, 2007

Into the System #2

By Wednesday the 28th, no one had called back to make an appointment for my fillings and cleanings to be done prior to my oral surgery. I had expected as much.
I called the dental clinic, and after explaining the circumstances, was able to get an appointment on Dec 17 for cleaning. I was able to get another appointment for one of the fillings on Jan 9. I'll probably have to make another appointment for the second filling. I was also informed that my oral surgery probably wouldn't be scheduled until March or April. And my cost for the fillings would be $71 each.
Since the dentist had told me to start taking anti-biotics to prepare for my dental work, I suspected he didn't mean for me to take them for weeks or months. I asked that he clarify the instructions, since my appointments were over a month away.
The dentist tried calling me two times, but I wasn't able to answer my phone. I called back the next day, and the dentist promptly got on the phone and answered all my questions and concerns. Getting an actual doctor on the phone was a novel experience. I was impressed.
The American public pays premiums for quick work and fancy offices. I don't mind waiting for the low cost option.
Just so you know, if I was in need of immediate work, I have the option of going to their immediate care clinic and being seen that day, similar to an emergency room situation.
The system is slow and inefficient, but it's working.