My Crowning Moment
After my first visit to Shades Creek Dental, Dr. MacBeth told me, “You need a crown.”
So, I was like, “I know, right?!”
Miss America dreams die hard, and I was looking forward to getting something sparkly!
[If you missed Part 1 of my experience with Shades Creek Dental, check it out here.)
Turns out he didn’t have that kind of crown in mind. Bummer.
I learned really quickly that my teeth were in rough shape. Like . . . “We need to do a lot of work,” rough. Ouch.
I’d been through a really stressful (years-long) season, and that stress (coupled with past dental trauma) made me put off finding a new dentist in Birmingham. Big mistake! It turns out that long-term stress can cause systemic health issues that can negatively affect multiple things in your body, including your teeth.
My Little PSA
Mamas, consider this my PSA! If you’re going through a particularly difficult season, know it can take a toll on those pearly whites. Stress can cause acute grinding issues, acidic erosion, and vitamin deficiencies. These all can make you more susceptible to cavities. Stress can affect your teeth in many negative ways, so be sure to keep regular appointments with your dentist!
The Bad News . . . and the Good News
The bad news? I had a long list of dental issues that needed attention. The good news? I found a dentist that could do it all in-house! And did I mention he could do it in only two appointments with the assistance of some of the kindest, most compassionate hygienists ever?!
The Really Good News
And the really good news? Shades Creek Dental offers discounts through their “Dental Savings Plan!” Thank goodness!
My first visit included a consultation and cleaning. My second visit addressed my other dental issues. I felt surprisingly calm and ready to get my (ceramic) crown. (Why, oh why, couldn’t it include rhinestones though?!)
Shanna took me back to one of the beautiful rooms in Shades Creek Dental and gave me a cozy blanket. Then Rhonda gave me a pep talk. Now it was time for my “happy gas!”
Nitrous Oxide Time
It’s always fun when you get to rock a glowing nose, right? I felt a bit like Rudolph’s girlfriend at this point. After a few minutes of nitrous oxide, I was happy and relaxed. I’d never used nitrous before coming to Shades Creek Dental, but I’m thrilled they offer it for all their dental procedures. It’s a low risk, low cost way to make a normally stressful experience much more bearable.
Instead of white knuckling it and fighting back tears (which is how I usually endure dental work), I remained calm. I love how they answered all my questions about the nitrous and worked with me to find a comfortable level.
Now the Numbing Gel
Once my “happy gas” had time to work, it was time for the numbing to start. I was pleasantly surprised to find they use numbing gel before shots to lessen some of the pain. To top it off, Shanna very sweetly rubbed my arm while I got my shots, which was so comforting!
Ready for My Close-up!
Next came the inter-oral camera to take a 3D image of the area the crown would go. I love that I didn’t have to bite anything or have any icky compounds in my mouth to create a mold. After a few cute beeps of their “magic wand” (that sounded a bit like a wind chime), Dr. MacBeth had all he needed to create my crown.
While Dr. MacBeth worked to drill and fill some cavities in other teeth, his incredible 3D printer was creating my crown. Forty-five minutes later, they brought back this cute little lavender crown to check the fit. (As much fun as I thought it might be to have a lavender tooth, they assured me it would be white when they were done!)
The Perfect Fit
I was amazed! I’ve heard so many horror stories from friends and family about ill-fitting temporary crowns that break, fall off, or are swallowed. Then the temporary crown has to be replaced a second time, while still waiting on their permanent crown. It was incredible to have a permanent crown created in a matter of minutes. It was a perfect fit!
In less than two hours, I had an old silver filling removed, multiple cavities filled, a cosmetic bonding repaired, and I’d been “crowned.” Dr. MacBeth even kept me entertained by singing some late ’90’s/early 2000’s music while he worked!
I am so thankful that after two short visits, I have three years of dental issues behind me. I’m grateful for a great dentist and his amazing staff that I trust and will use for years to come. My smile looks amazing, and it feels wonderful to know that these appointments are behind me.
If you’re looking for a place to get a crown (or just a wonderful dental office that will take great care of your teeth and of you), then give Shades Creek Dental a call today!
