It was one of those numerous times when I have wondered, ‘Where is my camera when I need it?” It was also a “That reminds me” moment. Back in 1964, I remember a dental experience that lingers vividly in my “unique experiences.” I was clinging to the rudimentary dental chair of Dr. Chandra as he balanced himself on his right foot and peddled confidently with his left foot to keep the drill whirring on a cavity deep in my mouth. Dr. Chandra and his little, street-side office in Shillong (NE India) is long gone but I believe the filling still functions in my back molar.
Last June, in Regina, Dr. Kent Goldade installed braces on Autumn’s wandering teeth. He declared the process to be a two-year project. A year ago I had contacted an orthodontist here and tested her abilities by allowing her to clean my teeth. I am sure autumn is now thinking, “That was really brave, Grandpa. But it doesn’t hold a candle to what you have put me through!” Today was Autumn’s third visit to Dr. Lalrintluangi. It was really the first major adjustment—three wires inserted and tightened—ouchy, tonight!
About three-quarters of the way through the ordeal, the lights brightened up wonderfully. Then … darkness for the next 30 minutes. The doctor lit a candle and had me hold it, but I guess I wasn’t certified for that task. She informed me that, if we weren’t in a big hurry, that we would have to wait. So, I left autumn resting in the dentist’s chair went to a nearby to shop of groceries. When I return 20 minutes later, the assistant had two candles burning brightly on a tray and the orthodontist was busy at her assignment. Fortunately, the electricity returned for the last ten minutes of the 90-minute ordeal. So Dr. Laltluangi got to make sure every clip and brace and wire was where she wanted it.
Fortunately, it was Autumn and not her Grandmother or Andrew. Last week, I was with Autumn in the little dentist’s office. Andrew and his Grandmother were waiting on a bench just outside the door. Andrew’s curiosity could not be contained. He had to sneak in for a peak. The assistant made small conversation with him and then asked him about his teeth. (Last month, I had to take him to another dentist to remove a baby tooth). Now he has another baby tooth that has almost said good-bye to him. So, I suggested that the orthodontist take a quick look at that tooth. Andrew bolted for the door and down the steps—curiosity cancelled!
Contrary-wise, Autumn never whimpers. The only thing she asked for was a bottle of coke on the way home. Brave girl, Autumn.
Last June, in Regina, Dr. Kent Goldade installed braces on Autumn’s wandering teeth. He declared the process to be a two-year project. A year ago I had contacted an orthodontist here and tested her abilities by allowing her to clean my teeth. I am sure autumn is now thinking, “That was really brave, Grandpa. But it doesn’t hold a candle to what you have put me through!” Today was Autumn’s third visit to Dr. Lalrintluangi. It was really the first major adjustment—three wires inserted and tightened—ouchy, tonight!
About three-quarters of the way through the ordeal, the lights brightened up wonderfully. Then … darkness for the next 30 minutes. The doctor lit a candle and had me hold it, but I guess I wasn’t certified for that task. She informed me that, if we weren’t in a big hurry, that we would have to wait. So, I left autumn resting in the dentist’s chair went to a nearby to shop of groceries. When I return 20 minutes later, the assistant had two candles burning brightly on a tray and the orthodontist was busy at her assignment. Fortunately, the electricity returned for the last ten minutes of the 90-minute ordeal. So Dr. Laltluangi got to make sure every clip and brace and wire was where she wanted it.
Fortunately, it was Autumn and not her Grandmother or Andrew. Last week, I was with Autumn in the little dentist’s office. Andrew and his Grandmother were waiting on a bench just outside the door. Andrew’s curiosity could not be contained. He had to sneak in for a peak. The assistant made small conversation with him and then asked him about his teeth. (Last month, I had to take him to another dentist to remove a baby tooth). Now he has another baby tooth that has almost said good-bye to him. So, I suggested that the orthodontist take a quick look at that tooth. Andrew bolted for the door and down the steps—curiosity cancelled!
Contrary-wise, Autumn never whimpers. The only thing she asked for was a bottle of coke on the way home. Brave girl, Autumn.
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