My last visit to the dentist four months ago turned out to be dramatic.
The new X-ray machine found five cavities hidden at the base of various teeth and some signs of gum disease.
Two weeks and $3,000 later, I studied my new instructions – a new prescription tooth-strengthening toothpaste, a powerful water-blowing gum brush, a box of flossers, and some anti-plaque medicine to rub on my troubled gums.
Today was my first return to Dr. Merryman’s office, and the reviews on my mouth were great.
No gum disease, the teeth were, in fact, strong, the gum was not receding, and there was no sign of further decay anywhere. Jessica, my quite excellent dental hygienist, was full of praise.
She said I had worked hard – this is true – and done a great job, and I laughed and asked if I could get a gold sticker to take home and show to Maria. There was a bit of plaque to clear out and nothing else but praise and a gentle rinsing.
As I was leading C.D.A. receptionist, Ingrid checked me out, and I jokingly complained about not getting a sticker. Without blinking, she asked if I would like my own special balloon, the kind they give to children after dental work.
I didn’t hesitate either. Sure, I said, and she ran off to find Dr. (Jacob) Merryman, and the two returned in minutes with my balloon. Stay still, I said; I have to take a picture of this.
Maria was impressed when she saw my balloon – I did phone her in advance to brag about it. – which now graces the dining room table.
It almost blew out of the car when I rolled the windows down for Zinnia.
Zinnia came with me and was a huge hit; the staff gave her a cracker since they didn’t have treats (promises to have some next time).
When I got into the chair, she went from cubicle to cubicle to greet everyone and then came in and went to sleep by my feet. She’s completely at home in the dental office now.
Dr. Merryman is the best dentist I have ever known and has the best sense of humor.
He works painlessly and laughs heartily. And he is also an ardent ukulele player. We plan to jam the next time I come to check my teeth.
We do a lot of laughing together, and I don’t recall laughing much in the dentist’s offices. Or having so much fun
I am also grateful to him and his excellent staff for spotting the trouble in my mouth and showing me how to make it healthy again. The staff is uniformly cheerful and helpful. And boy, do they love dogs.
I find that I really love people who love what they do. They are especially blessed.
I dare not show up there without Zinnia.
And where else in the world would I get my own red balloon reward?