I had to find a new dentist.
My former dentist was a good guy who had a small family practice, and never charged over what insurance covered. We had been going to him for years, and his father before him. But he fell on hard times, ended up losing his licence and suddenly retired. That was last August. We found out just before Christmas, through the news media.
I developed a troublesome tooth, so I had to find a new dentist. We went on line to search for one nearby that took our insurance. We found a nearby clinic with several dentists, and I booked an appointment. There were two cancellations before I ever got in the door. I had my exam and sort of met Dr. To. He never actually introduced himself to me, but went over my ex-rays and showed me the deep cavity, plus another and a chip to fix and the need for two crowns. Actually all were legitimate. Appointments were made and I signed my name to commit to paying the bill. Thank goodness for insurance. I only pay for 50% of the crowns, and the rest is covered. The bad tooth has been drilled and prepped for the crown and I have a temporary crown.
The problem is this is obviously an assembly line dentistry. I found out my dentist's name from reading my statement. When I saw him again I said "Dr. To ( Too)?', and was corrected "Dr. Toe". Any information I wanted, I had to ask. He handed me off way too soon to an assistant. Now I have a tooth awaiting a crown that has a mild, steady ache, and a good "Zing" when cold hits it. Are we going to cap a tooth ache? Somehow I have to get a chance to talk to him soon. I go in for a cleaning Friday. Wish me luck in being somewhat disruptive of their clockwork order.
Then there's this.
And there's another one in the back. This photo was taken from our patio.
Do they have permits to go that high? I would start bringing in some trees to block for privacy. Our Dentist also changed and has dropped a number of staff to be more streamlined. At least they are smart enough to introduce themselves and take some time, but it is no longer the super friendly place it used to be. My crown was barely covered. It cost me over 1K !!!
ReplyDeleteDid you not get a chance to have a say? Here if a house is going to block sunshine, the homeowner affected has a say. I love new development but that looks so unfair to you! X Chy
ReplyDeleteI have seen the same dentist for over 40 years and I know he will be retiring soon. I dread finding a new one because I know so many young dentists work just like the one you found. Sorry about the new houses going up so close to you. I hope the blocking of the sun won't be bad enough to hurt all your gardening.
ReplyDeleteSorry about your dentist problem. And sorry too about the mega houses going up around you. The house next to us is being torn down this week and a new house will be built. I have no doubt it will be a very big one and it will block all sunshine from the west of us. Already tall trees surround us on the east and south sides. As you say, we don't have to like it.
ReplyDeleteI don't like the changes I see. I had a humungous 5th wheel parked beside me . It took the sun away from my garden.
ReplyDeleteMy goodness those are tall homes. Are they like that throughout the neighborhood? Doesn’t,seem right. I bet you need a root canal, I doubt they will put a crown over a sore tooth, toothaches are just the worst pain. Hope it gets resolved soon.
ReplyDeleteOh, dear, Linda. That seems like a big change! I am surprised a zoning board/planning commission would allow permits for such a change to the neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Far Side. You shouldn't have a crown on a tooth that needs a root canal. And those two houses are really dismaying in the change to your neighborhood. Not to mention losing the sunlight! Grrr!
ReplyDeleteyep change and growth happens and no longer is it the good old days or views.
ReplyDeleteYikes! Your experience at the dentist sounds dreadful. Fortunately, the young fellow who bought the practice of my former dentist is very personable and does just about everything himself. The mega houses blocking the sun and allowing the inhabitants to look into your garden are dreadful. Time for a tall hedge at the top of your wall.
ReplyDeleteI feel for you, Linda! I hope that new construction won't effect your yard's drainage. When we lived in MO, our neighbors put a swimming pool, raising a site for it. Next rain season, our basement was flooded. Hopefully, that retaining wall will prevent any changes in your yard's drainage.
ReplyDeleteI also hope that the sun rays will find their way to your garden.
It is a bummer to change dentists. I had to when mine quit for health reasons. Not sure I would like the assembly line you seem to have with the new clinic. Good luck and hope they can make it right soon.
ReplyDeleteThe new house makes one shudder. Your view is gone but theirs will be great as they get to enjoy all your hard work with your beautiful garden.
An aching tooth is simply awful. I've sure had my share of them. Hope the new dentist will take time to listen to you. I'm so sorry about that tall house being built so close. Hope less sun won't affect your beautiful gardens. Things never stay the same. We've got unwanted changes taking place way out here in the country too. A young guy with lots of partying friends has decided to move into mobile home down in the woods past our property. They are probably a mile away but must drive past our house, on our little dirt road, to get there, and I don't like seeing them! Not much we can do. Hope your tooth will stop hurting.
ReplyDeleteOh my! I hope the best with your teeth - going to the dentist is my least favorite activity but a very important one.
ReplyDeleteAnd the houses behind you - MONSTERS!!! So rude and invasive. I fight here in Honolulu against those monster houses that have been popping up in our old neighborhoods without regard to the ambience and lifestyle of the rest of us. Most of them are built with falsehoods of occupancy, and overpouring of 100% concrete and no trees, gardens, or lawns.
Most of them are done by foreigners - mainland Chinese - who see the potential of putting short term renters into apartment rooms disguised as a big house. Their bottom line is money and profit, as much as they can get away with. It isn't that they are bad people. They just don't realize how disruptive they are because they do not know better, or if they do, they don't care.
Change nowadays is so painful for me. And so, I fight by going to our city and county hearings, calling my councilman and inquiring at whatever departments are in charge of permitting and building.
I truly feel your pain and admire your attitude of adapting.
I feel your pain in regards to your tooth. Don't let them cap that tooth. You shouldn't feel anything if the root canal is done properly. I had to have one redrilled and paid for it too. ugh... I hate the new houses for you. How awful to have them so close and large.
ReplyDeletePerhaps Linda you can do your new dentist a favor by helping with Dr. patient meaningful conversation
ReplyDelete.With the cost of dental care it seems he could take a few minutes to get to know you and have concern that your needs are being met. As for the houses so big they have no yard, maybe you could rent out yard time in your lovely garden😎. It would be interesting to invite the zoning folks to your yard to see how things are. No worry about carbon footprint here? I think money talks...
They're called monster houses in Hawaii. I always keep my fingers crossed when I go to see the dentist.
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