My trick is to stay up the night before in a blind panic then sleep through whatever procedure I need thanks to exhaustion. Which may be stupid but generally works for me.

I guess the scariest dental experience I had was getting two root canals in one day. However, they weren’t as bad as I though they’d be. I currently have dental insurance, but I still have bad teeth, thanks to a genetic predisposition to periodontal disease and other teeth problems. And I have to switch to a worse form of insurance because it’s more affordable, so I support healthcare reform too.

As for dentist music, I would personally listen to A.F.I. or Linkin Park, but I’m not sure if you like those bands.

Kim

And I’m glad to know I’m in good company…I’m gearing up to make a first dentist appointment in *mumblemumble* years soon too.

Hope tomorrow is…not as bad as you’re expecting.

Agh!

If it’s of any consulation…

I, too, had been without insurance for quite some time while I was trying my hand at being a starving artist. I’ve had insurance for four years now and while that’s more than ample time to schedule an appointment it somehow seemed easier to just put it off. I totally get it.

As a result of that procrastination, I, too, had that same procedure a couple of months ago. Half way through the first appointment the hygienist totally geeked out on me, “Look at this big chunk that came off!” I didn’t think it was possible to feel more disgusted than I already did, but showing me the black chunk on the end of her index finger sure did the trick. (Yep – black. I have no idea what crevace that came from but ew!) That was followed by a brief sense of relief when I thought, “Well, at least I know I’m in good hands because clearly, she’s totally into her job.”

It’s nice that you have an idea of what to expect. I wish they had explained this procedure to me in greater detail prior to the first appointment. There’s nothing like being surprised by a prepped tray of dentistry instruments that include two huge needles full of novacane. “What are those for, are they really necessary for this procedure?” I asked. She reassured me that I would be better off numb. She was right.

Although I was ready for a really big nap when it was over, the procedure was not unpleasant and I had little to no recovery time. The second appointment went better. Once I went back for the third appointment, which was a follow up to the entire procedure, she polished them up and Edward Cullen sparkly is absolutely the right description for how they felt and looked.

I wish I had some music suggestions for you. But I will say, you can try the iPod but keep in mind that you’ll be hearing that noise from basically inside your body, practically right next to your inner ear. Just saying.

Good luck!

Kim