Mar 2024
If you have a fear of going to the dentist or you are just looking for a dentist, I want to recommend Dr. Bhende and staff at EcoDental in Hickory.
In no way, was I asked to make this post. I want to share something with you.
Some years back I had two fillings on one side done with a dentist in Lenoir. I tried to open up my mouth really wide so he could get in there and do what he needed to do without me restricting him. If youve ever had a filling done, you know that they tell you to bite down on the ink/colored thing so they can form your bite with the tooth across from the one they are filling. "Bite down", the dentist said........ I was so shocked, shocked because..... No matter how "hard" I tried, my mouth would not close. This was the first time I had ever heard of this happening and I didnt even know it was a possibility.
The dentist prescribed muscle relaxers, tried to massage my jaw, etc. but to no avail.
My mouth was about an inch open for 18 hours.
A newfound fear was unlocked. A fear I never really had before. Going to the dentist.
I was sent to an emergency oral surgeon early the following day, where thankfully he wanted to "try" something before doing (honestly I dont know what and cringe to even think about it)- (I felt like he was David, and I was the lion David wrestled) - After all of that, my mouth unlocked.
So needless to say, this fear of the dentist was something that had a grip on me. It caused a lot of problems for me.
Then, when I felt enough was enough, I spoke to my cousin Michelle, the best dental hygienist there is. I voiced my concerns, she was so compassionate and let me know everything would be ok and that Dr. Bhende would take excellent care of me.
Not for a second was she wrong.
They did an examination and mapped out a treatment plan. Even then Dr. Bhende told me how to unlock my jaw if it ever locked up (this isnt something that randomly happens to me-Lord help those that it does happen to :( )
Ive had a couple of appointments with Dr. Bhende, and today really impressed me (as if I havent been impressed already).
He has such a calm demeanor, and deep compassion and passion for what he does, and those he serves.
He understands where I am coming from, he doesnt make me feel rushed, as if Im just another patient he needs to collect money from. He listens, and he asks constantly how you are holding up.
Today, even while using a bite block, once again, I was told that I could take a rest, and my mouth wouldn't shut. "Here we go again!!!!!!!!! 😲😭😭😭" I thought to myself-flashbacks of what I had been through in the past popping up. I wasnt freaking out the way I could have lol, iykyk, but he mustve saw the concern on my face. He put his hand on my shoulder and said something along the lines of "Dont worry". He sat me up, and within 5 seconds or so, he had me unlocked. So gently, he had me unlocked.
Even after all of that, I had confidence that I was in good hands and we proceeded to finish out the appointment.
So all of that to say this, dont hesitate any longer if you are needing to get work done. Dont allow yourself to get worse and worse until you are forced to do something about it. Once you get over the nerves of it all, you will be so glad that you did. ♡
