I had the most delicious cup of coffee I have had since my college years! And it was served in the most unlikely of places... the dentist's office!!! After dropping Sofia off at her school, I went into the city for my 11:00 am appointment with my favorite dentist I've had thus far in my life, Dr. Sanghmitra. She's a very pleasant Indian woman with a short haircut and keen fashion sense (today she was wearing skinny jeans and black backless heels!). Most of her patients are foreigners... Americans, Brits, Aussies, and some Europeans as well. I have yet to bump into an Indian patient of hers but I think she does have some. She has a multi specialty dental office, which I am all too thankful for!!! Back in Chicago I would have to visit 2 or 3 different dentists depending on what I needed to get done.. this woman does it ALL!!! And she's really good at what she does.
Anyways, when I was in the States I delayed going to the dentist because I knew I had a lot of different work that needed to be done on my teeth, and if you are at all familiar with the American dental health care system, you will understand immediately my looooooong delay in visiting the dentist. So, now that I am in India... one of the perks of course is the excellent dental care for a fraction of what it would cost me in the States (and that's WITH insurance!). Since I've been here I've already had all 5 of my cavity fillings filled and replaced, a crown FINALLY capped on one of my teeth, and I have scheduled an appointment this Saturday to extract my wisdom teeth. All of this done by ONE good dentist! Hallelujah!!! AND!!! I made the appointment for this Saturday.... get this.... TODAY! hahahahaha :) Can you just feel my enthusiasm?!
I asked my dentist why it is that I have cavities in almost all my teeth... I mean I brush my teeth and, although I don't do it as much as I probably should, I floss too. She told me that she could tell from some chipping on my front teeth that I'm what they call a "night grinder". And no, this doesn't refer to any kind of promiscuous dancing at a night club. I grind my teeth at night while I'm sleeping! I could only half believe it. When I was younger I could hear my brother grinding his teeth as he slept in 'till late morning... the sound can only be described as a kind of bone crushing, scratch your nails on a chalkboard kind of sound. It was horrifying, and I was sure he was breaking all his teeth. I never thought that I could be doing the same thing in MY sleep! Geez!
So, in my dentist's all-knowing wisdom, she made a teeth guard for me so when I sleep even if I tried to grind... I couldn't. Can I hear another "amen"?! By the time I get back to the States, or wherever we end up, I will only be needing to see a dentist for a once in a while check-up and cleaning... (sigh of relief!) Although honestly I will be sad to leave Dr. Sanghmitra... I've grown some attachment to her, especially since she served me a heavenly cup of coffee at today's visit (made with hot milk and sugar with a sprinkle of cocoa on top!) as I waited for her to finish making my teeth guard.
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3 comments:
You're a great writer, Faranak! You make it so interesting - even a visit to the dentists office! I wanted to read more! : )
Hey! So I totally know what you mean. i have a lot of problems with my teeth too (A LOT). And I deal with the US dental care system a little too much lol.
So that is great you were able to find someone good that can help you.
And the coffee is a total plus. I wonder why it was so good :).
I know what you mean in terms that One Dentist knows how to do everything. When I tried to explained that to my American Dentist, he could not understand that in Mexico we don't have specific "Dentist" for root canals. I am so glad that you are getting to experience those good services in other countries.
Alina*
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