The Dentist

In this episode - The Dentist . . .

Ok, let's just fess up and be honest - you hate going to the dentist! Why? Here's what happens. You wake up the day of your appointment with thoughts of "Oh NO, today is the day!" Your stomach starts to churn; your nerves are on edge; what are they putting me through today? With trepidation, you bravely move forward.

To calm yourself, you tend to your daily routine: breakfast, shave, shower, brush your teeth, floss, and rinse. Then you hop into the car, make the drive, and check-in at the reception desk. Unknowingly your blood pressure starts to rise. You're called into the examination room and slide into the dental chair. Then your mind starts racing.

Here's the reality - we all have horrible memories that cause you to start squirming in the chair. Try to eliminate those bad experiences; those memories become the forefront of your thoughts. The one that stands out for me was circa 1962, in Dr. Sandercock's office in Abington, Illinois. Our family dentist needed to drill out a cavity; he assured me, "No needles, he could do this without Novocain. Close your eyes, open wide," the drill starts to whine - then POW! He hits the nerve. My entire body lurched in the chair.

"Did you plug me into an electric outlet!?"

After that, I don't remember anything the dentist said or what he did. I just wanted out of there! Can you relate?

Subsequently, every time I enter a dentist's office, smell the unique smells and hear the whine of a dentist's drill, my entire body tenses up, just waiting to be plugged in. Like you and your experience, that memory (pain) is burned into my psyche.

Rest assured, this podcast is not about the pain inflicted by a terrible dentist but what happens when you find a competent one. It takes time to find your dentist. After trying out a few, I was lucky to find the dentist I now visit faithfully. Not to relive the drill experience but for preventative maintenance, cleanings, and check-ups.

I'll admit, recently, we had a 25-year-old crown replaced, and I didn't feel a thing! And I'm here to sell you - because it starts with a skilled, friendly dental hygienist. Don't underestimate the value of such a qualified, reassuring individual. Mine is a Gem! And as you can see from the photo, practices safe habits.

Do I still get nervous sitting in the dental chair? I sure do! I'm afraid that horrible experience will always be with me. But practicing the daily habits my hygienist prescribes has kept me from experiencing the sting of that drill for many years now.

And if you're good, you receive a treat - not candy, but a new toothbrush with a travel-sized tube of toothpaste, floss dispenser, Chapstick, and a big smile from her.

I'm Patrick Ball; thanks for listening. See you in the next episode.

Comments

The Who Was - Series

In this episode, the Who Was? - Series . . . With over 250 titles, Penguin Random House Books Who Was? - Series tells the incredible stories of trailblazers, legends, innovators, and creators. Are you a bibliophile, an individual who loves and frequently reads books (a bookworm)? What is it that compels you to pick up a book? Is it the cover, is it the title, how about an interest in a specialized subject, or just - perhaps it's a whim? One of my ultimate goals with these podcasts is to reach a young audience. I've found that reading children's books is a gratifying and educational experience. Yes, even grown-ups can understand difficult concepts. To my surprise, both children and adults seem to appreciate the experience. With education such a hot topic in the news right now, we need to be reminded that whether it's going to school, visiting a museum, or online learning, the goal of education (both young and old) is to nurture an interest in learning. William Butler Ye

Big Apple, Big Charge

In this episode – Big Apple, Big Charge . . . Welcome back to On the Fly, your weekly dose of quirky observations and unexpected trends. Today, we're fresh off a trip to the Scaffolding/Plywood jungle, where we witnessed a phenomenon that will make you rethink your relationship with the humble wall socket. That's right, we're talking about New York City, and it's . . . wait for it — Free, ubiquitous electric outlets! New York constantly buzzes with traffic, jackhammers, honking horns, and helicopters. But what struck me most was the sheer volume of people glued to their devices while commuting and navigating the streets with hundreds of construction obstacles. It's like everyone's “plugged into” some invisible grid—phones, tablets, watches, headphones, earbuds, e-bikes—you name it. And that's where things get interesting. But, unlike our quiet suburban life, free outlets in NYC aren't exactly abundant. So, how do these New Yorkers keep their gadgets

What Time Is It

In this episode – What Time Is It . . . In the era before smartphones, let’s say we’re on a telephone call, and you ask me, “What time is it?” As a five-year-old, my reply is, "The big hand is on the two (2) and the little hand on the eight (8).” You would then say, "Alright, it's ten minutes after eight o’clock or eight-ten, right?" This is how we learned to tell time as children–remember? Well, what happened . . . During dinner last week in Westfield, NJ, a retired high school teacher told our group, “Did you know that children today cannot read the time on a traditional watch with an analog face?” “Why not?” we asked. “Because of smartphones and the proliferation of digital clocks.” “Wow! That’s hard to believe.” Welcome to this week's episode of "On the Fly." Today, we'll compare classic mechanical watches to modern quartz watches and explore an unexpected social shift. To begin with, let me take you back a few days. I’m a traditionalist and pre

It Runs on Steam

In this episode – It Runs on Steam . . . If you’ve seen Back to The Future III, you may remember Doc Brown's line, “It Runs on Steam !” Recently, I visited my good friend Billy in Westfield, New Jersey. Among his many other hobbies, Billy is a steam engine enthusiast. He proudly fired up his miniature steam engine and confidently explained its workings, which got me thinking . . . (Sound effect of Billy's steam engine whistle) Have you ever considered how environmentally friendly a steam engine powered by renewable energy could be? There would be no need for gasoline, batteries, diesel fuel, or Uranium-234. Imagine an engine powered by water—yes, water. I can hear the naysayers: "But . . .” Welcome back to On the Fly, where we dive into one of history's most fascinating inventions. Today, we're firing up a revolution – the Industrial Revolution, that is – with the mighty steam engine! For centuries, people relied on muscle, wind, and waterpower to get things do

On The Fly

Search This Blog