I head down to the heated parking garage to start the car and take off for my dental appointment. Â When the car glides over the automatic door opener, the door slowly rises and I am instantly blinded by the sun.
Between the sun and the white snow, a person almost needs sunglasses to get around in the winter.
My brain is slowly adjusting to living in Minnesota. Â I recognize this on the 1/2 mile drive as I look down to see myself wearing a thin pair of leggings, a t-shirt with a not-so thick sweater over it, clogs and my “it’s warm outside” coat. Â Not too bright I tell myself. Â It’s in the 20’s.
Ahhh … but in Minnesota, the 20’s is warm. Â I feel myself starting to puff up as I take in the thought of becoming a Minnesotan so quickly. Â In mid-March it will be 4 months since I moved here.
As I pull into the parking lot, I feel anxious. Â I reassure myself that it will be okay. Â I’ve been to this dentist before for my 8 month cleaning. Â The experts say we should go to the dentist every 6 months for a cleaning but I’ve decided that I’m my own expert.
A fitting for a new crown and a re-check of a tooth that’s been aching is what’s in store for me. Â When I enter, the office manager is beaming. Â This is the friendliest dental office I have been to. Â I check in and sit down. Â Looking around, I see that they have a play area for the children.
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Dr Michael Fuller, DDS office |
I pick up a magazine and thumb through it. Â They’re late and I’m anxious. Â I got here too early. Â And I don’t like dental offices. Â I’m looking for the article on “being thin in 10 days” or something to that effect. Â I keep glancing at the door. Â The door will open and they’ll soon call my name.
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Dr. Michael Fuller, DDS, Woodbury, Mn office |
It’s time. Â I get up and seat myself in the dental chair. Â The assistant is so pleasant. Â I’ve never been to a more friendly dental office. Â Dr. Fuller comes in as cheerful as the day is sunny. Â He tries to work a TV remote but has no luck. Â The assistant helps him and it works fine for her. Â The chair tilts back and I’m lying now looking up at a mirror.
So, this is what I’ll look like in a pine box I tell myself. What a morbid thought! But the thought continues until Dr. Fuller gets my attention. Â “Look at the TV” he says and “open your mouth.” Â He gently puts a long silver looking tube in my mouth. Â It’s a camera. Â Hey! Â My teeth are on TV. Â Â Ugghhh!!! Â That’s the inside of my mouth!
Dr. Fuller explains what teeth he will be working on and why. Â Now it’s time for the work to begin. Â I wish, I tell Dr. Fuller, that they made drills that didn’t make noise.
As I’m lying back, I groan. Â “Are you okay?” Â Dr. Fuller asks. Â Uh huh. Â What more can one say when they have a drill in their mouth. Â As Dr. Fuller continues to drill to get my tooth ready for a crown, he hears me constantly moaning and says “she’s still alive, we can continue.”
“Oh,” Dr. Fuller says, I need a _________. Â My mind comes back to life. Â Oh? Â What does that mean? Â My eyes open and Dr. Fuller explains that I have a cavity that is right at the tip of the nerve and he’ll have to put a “liner” in to entice the tooth to grow back further. Â Sounds easy enough. Â Dr. Fuller continues his work drilling and pulling at my mouth. Â I didn’t know it could stretch so far.
The drilling stops, the mold for the crown is made, a cavity is filled and I am now ready to leave. Â I can barely feel the left side of my mouth but I am thankful it’s over. Â “See you in two weeks and two days” I’m told. Â I pay my “share” of the dental cost as I leave. Â This is one dental office I can recommend
Dr. Michael Fuller, DDS
7650 Currell Blvd, Suite 200
Woodbury, Mn  55125
651.730.9266
Once outside, I bask in the Minnesota sunshine. Â My steps are light as I feel the warmth of the day on my face and think “it’s warm out here.”
Yes, I am becoming a Minnesotan.
