Went to a new dentist last week. This was the first time he had to do extensive work on me. Needed 2 crowns, yikes! One little popcorn seed cracked two old fillings. No dental insurance.
It occured to me while he gave me the one measly novacaine shot to tell him that this would not be enough. I don't think that he believed me, and left me alone for about 30 minutes to talk with his assistant as we waited for the numbness to kick in.
The dental assistant walked out after a spell. Both came back to a fully alert patient who was speaking just as clearly as when they had left. I always enjoy being patronized, understating my drug tolerance abilities to new doctors, and watching the look of complete shock that they try to conceal from me. It really does not reassure me about pain control in today's healthcare system. Sometimes I just grin and bear it. I have to hand it to this new dentist though. He's more perceptive than most. He could see that I was lying when I told him that the drugs worked and I was ready for the drill. He overshot me with so much novacaine that only until today have I've been able to open my mouth to eat properly. He must have worried that I would pass out because he kept asking me if I was okay when I closed my eyes and pretended to be somewhere else.
I'm now a legend in that office. My drug tolerance levels have been duly noted on the charts. Can't wait for July 21st and they take the temporary crowns off and put the permanent ones on.
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