I'm laying in the dental chair, mouth agape, bright lights overhead, listening to the Dr rattle off numbers that have something to do with my teeth. I'm a little concerned because the numbers just keep coming. I've gone to a dentist every 6 months for the past 25 years and try to take care of my teeth, and I've never had all the numbers like this before. Am I failing my teeth? Did I mess up and cause irreparable damage?
Finally, the Dr is finished. She puts down her instruments and explains to me in plain English the numbers are the depth of my gum pockets. The gums are healthy and I've done a good job. I breathe a sigh of relief and it's at this moment I realize that I have just had the most thorough dental exam of my life and this Dr truly cares about my dental health. She says the gum recession at my lower front teeth is not from improper brushing, but it's a functional problem that can be managed. She tells me how I can improve my dental routine at home. I now understand how to properly hold my toothbrush, even!
My only regret is that I did not find Bixby Family Dentistry sooner. I completely trust Dr. Harriman with my dental care. I can tell she cares about her job and makes time to communicate well, to better help her patients. I have found my new lifelong dentist!
