Nov 27, 2008

Giving Thanks

I went to the Dentist earlier this week, and let me assure you that if I was a dentist, a dental hygienist, a janitor at a dental office, or married to anyone in those professions, I am 100% sure I would be addicted to Nitrous Oxide. For a few years now I haven't even been able to get my teeth cleaned without the happy gas (they even gave me my own "happy mask" to keep in my glove compartment to use for future appointments). The first time they had me use it as an adult, I honestly thought I had died. After I realized I had not passed away, I remember thinking, I'm pretty sure I have kids, I wonder where they are? It was that good. Now I actually look forward to going to the dentist; I think of it as pretty much the best nap ever. This time, while doped up, I was mentally singing "Hurts So Good," and having some incredibly profound thoughts such as I like puppies. And then when I woke up I begged the hygienist to give me a canister to take home. No, I didn't do that, really. But I thought about it.

So this Thanksgiving I gave thanks for modern dental practices (along with other wondrous medical gifts such as epidurals and laser hair removal). I'm thankful for all those other good things too like family, friends, freedom... fondue, you know, the 4 F's. But I'm telling you, next time you go to the dentist, ask for the laughing gas. You'll be thanking me later.

8 comments:

Courtney said...

You crack me up. Happy Gas makes Matt sick, not happy.

THEY CALL ME DADDY said...

Really? Happy gas for a teeth cleaning? Haven't you had at least one kid Au natural?
I used to go to a dentist that made me feel like a junkie. She seemed to always find a reason to drill, and she always wanted her patients to have the gas. I have to admit though, other than the slightly nauseous feeling afterward, it was pretty nice.
The best I've had is Percocet. You feel as if you've relinquished control of your life to someone like Paula Dean. Everything that happens is cozy, warm and delicious.

Sara said...

That is funny... admissions of a nitrous oxide addict.

I've actually only tried it once about 10 years ago and I seem to remember being slightly relaxed, but not too relaxed because I had to hold my mouth wide open while they DRILLED RELENTLESSLY ON MY TEETH! Nothing very happy making there. And thus I demonstrate my absolute hatred for the dentist. Maybe I need to indulge myself in the gas a bit more.

I've never thought to hit them up for a cleaning... wow, you really are a junkie. :)

Neva said...

Okay, I've done the epidural thing, and I have no fear of the dentist so I've never had the gas, but you seriously have got to give me more info on the laser hair removal. Have you actually had it done? I swear, ever since I've hit 30 I have these recurring chin hairs that I would like to see gone forever. Tell me more!

Gabriela Hull said...

The first time I had nitrous I told my dentist, "Now I know why people do drugs." Luckily I had two root canals in two days and the entire night I was so giddy because I knew I'd be back again for more.

Kim said...

You make me laugh... Although I do wish I'd asked for the gas last time I had cavities filled. Sounds like it would have been nice (and a little fun too!)

p.s. My blog is going private in a few days. Would you like an invite? If so leave me a comment at http://kjohnson5.blogspot.com/2008/11/invites-list.html

Anonymous said...

I LOVE the gas at the dentist. I too use it for every visit, cleanings too!! I tend to get soooo dreamy on it. My dentist recently started using scented nitrous masks, and she gave me my own bubblegum scented mask to take home (and yeah, I do put it to my nose and sniff it from time to time.) How I wish I had a tank in my bedroom:) At the dentist office I fall in love with the ceiling lights as I drift off. How about you?

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