I like my dentist. He is a friendly middle aged Yankees fan who has a bustling practice in North Portland. Dr. Dentist hires personable, professional staff who are quick with a laugh and pleasantly attractive. Going to the dentist in my adulthood hasn’t proven to be the nightmare it was during my childhood. Before I turned 18 years old I had 8 fillings, 5 adult teeth extracted, four years of orthodontics and one gum graft surgery. I have been gassed, Novacained and x-rayed to the point where I believe it has caused some damage that will be symptomatic when I approach 60. To be sure that my childhood experiences where not to be repeated, I have waterpicked, flossed, brushed and bleached my teeth to be cavity free for nearly twenty years.My teeth gleam in my diligence to avoid the needle. The needle in my gum needle. I hate needles. My dental appointment at 7am was to replace those childhood fillings that were now starting to be want of repair. I smoked a joint on the way in. Continue reading →