Sometimes I get inspired to write something in this blog. However, it then never makes it into words because I lose inspiration as I start writing and then I stop. But I won’t let it get to me this time! I am determined to have it written before I change my mind and turn the other way.
So I went to my dentist who’ve I’ve gone to basically all my life today. They’re like aunts/uncles because they “know” (from your records at least) that they haven’t seen you in a long time, even though I may have an entirely different dentist than the last few times I’ve been back. And they kind of give you that disapproving yet teasing kind-of-look. Anyways, I was telling them about my dentist appointment in Hawaii because I was moving out there in January and how they used this hi-tech laser wand thing that checks the bone-density of each tooth. Depending on the level of bone density of the tooth, it will beep or not beep. So for 4 teeth, it beeped meaning there was evidence of bone decay, which means <<dun dun DUNNN>> “cavity.” And I told her I only got 2 cavities filled just because even after insurance it was expensive!
But my dentist Dr. Hua (this really fun Vietnamese-Chinese lady) was totally like ohhh noo! It’s all a trick. They think they have those fancy-schmacy new technology but the old version with x-ray checks of some of the back teeth and then cleanings are the best way. It’s more accurate. And I had to agree with her. She was saying all the technology just makes it so complicated but it’s not as accurate. And then I told her about how I did get a full panoramic X-ray of my teeth so it could show placement and all of that of my teeth and wisdom teeth. And she looked alarmed again saying, Ohhh. Make sure you only get that done every 5 years. You don’t want too many X-rays because it’s not good. But for simple tooth X-rays, those are good every 18 months. (Something like that.) But I realized the Hawaii dentist didn’t even warn me! Just because I was a new patient, I needed it was basically the procedure. He doesn’t even care about how the rays will affect me! Hmmph!
I asked also about wisdom teeth and whether people HAD to get them out. And my dentist was like, well, it depends. Because more people are getting their teeth corrected, some dentists fear that if wisdom teeth come in, it may crowd the rest of the teeth. But that doesn’t happen for every person. And if the wisdom teeth doesn’t come in at all, it’s just underneath the gum and it’s not an issue. For the ones that do come out, if you can reach it w/ ur toothbrush and clean it well and cavities aren’t an issue, then don’t bother getting them out. Some dentists are just afraid it can be an issue and suggest just removing them. And then she added, some dentists think that if they say you have beautiful teeth and there’s nothing wrong, they haven’t really done much. But if they say there’s lots of problems, they can be the hero to save the day and save your teeth. (Basically it’s an insecurity issue!) We had a good laugh.
I feel bad for wisdom teeth. They have gotten such a bad rep! They just get pulled out with no chance to just “be” who they are. Even before they may (or never will) be an issue, through people’s fear, they don’t even get a chance. Fear-inspired removal. It made me feel a lot better. I was getting a little worried that I would “have to” get my wisdom-teeth out but the expenses are so much for them. So it was relieving to hear that. Whew! Healthcare in this country, seriously. We must intercede for affordable healthcare for all people.
So all-in-all, I had a feeling the Hawaii dentist was just ripping off his patients because it was apparent he was doing really well, with the most hi-tech gadgets (not just dentistry) but other fanciness in his office. So the justice in me flaired up and I have to protect other patients from getting ripped off! That song “seek justice, love mercy, walk humbly with your God” came up in my head. First I had to forgive my dentist in my heart. Then I’m gonna be proactive and call my dentist up and get my X-rays from him! Then, let him know how unfair he was to his patients and challenge him. It’s just unfair. There’s so many poor people that live in Hawaii already. They don’t need to be overcharged by greedy dentists.
Heehee, my dentist also showered me with goodies for my trip back since I wont’ probably see them for a while. I love goodies from the dentist. 
