Here's the story...
And, what I remember most about the experience is not the pain but rather the stories. It almost makes me want to go back for more.
This wasn't a routine cleaning or ordinary dental check-up. No. You see, I had a lot of gum recession around one of my teeth, and needed a gum graft before it got even worse and I'd need a root canal.
Truth be told, it was undoubtedly all my own undoing. I was probably attacking my gums the same way I do everything in life... wielding my abrasive toothbrush with everything I've got.
The dentist got right to work, first with a little anesthetic, and then a story. And then another story. And then another story.
He told me about the origin of the tradition of June weddings. He explained why we say, 'It's raining cats and dogs'. I also learned about 'throwing the baby out with the bathwater'.
Then he told me the story of how he went head over handlebars when he was riding his motorcycle. Three times.
Of course, he also gave me a few top-ups of the anesthetic, and he taught me the 'painting' technique for brushing. And on the way out, his assistant handed me the invoice.
OK, so maybe it didn't have the happiest of endings, but four weeks later my gums are in great shape.
And, what I remember most about the experience is not the pain but rather the stories. It almost makes me want to go back for more. (More stories, to be clear, not more dental work.)
I also learned something about myself; that maybe, not everything in life needs to be approached with such force, and that maybe, just maybe, I can be a little gentler on myself.
Well, sometimes.
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