Friday, July 21, 2006

Zen dentistry

While being tortured prepared for my ill-fitting temporary crown the other day, I had a sudden moment of astonishing clarity and realization. I developed a brilliantly insightful theory concerning the substantial benefits of being a Buddhist when you're at the dentist.

Unfortunately when they turned off the Nitrous Oxide I forgot what it was.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

In Sue Hubbell's book A Country Year, she speaks of finally understanding the proper way to send dogs through the mail as she was coming out of the anesthetic for the delivery of her son. She couldn't understand why the nurses around here were not interested in the wonderful revelation she had for them.

Rachel said...

Very funny!! I have never had the
Nitrous Oxide before. Perhaps I should next time!!

R.Powers said...

I had the same epiphany as the Nebutal cocktail wore off during a root canal years ago.

Jenn said...

I get those as I fall asleep. Sigh. Always too good to be true, or to stay.

Anonymous said...

C'est la première fois que je tombe sur un blog américain... C'est fou ce qu'il ressemble aux blogs français. En tout cas, bravo pour la photo de la "cicade" (cigale en français peut-être ?).

robin andrea said...

I stopped letting the dentist use nitrous oxide when I was a teenager. I remember saying some things out loud in rather colorful language while in the dentist chair. I couldn't stop myself from saying it either. I swore off the stuff right then, and never looked back.

Anonymous said...

Nitrous Oxide sounds like a miracle product. Can't wait for my next dental appointment..

R.Powers said...

My high school Francais teacher would be proud, I undestood Grenouille's comment.

That does it, I'm getting that total immersion Francais CD set at SAM's.

abiento!

Rurality said...

Oh I love the funny gas. Without it, I tense my jaw entirely too much and I'm much more sore later. It's definitely worth the extra $25 or so I have to pay for it.

Je peux lire Français un peu, mais ne pas l'écrire très bien! Oui, cicada = cigale.

(I probably made 10 mistakes in that sentence. Long time no study French!)

Anonymous said...

An old acquaintance enjoyed telling the story about his old family dentist, when he was growing up, who'd slap on the NO mask and say - wanna go on a space trip?

I have to admit that except for the time imposition (and my face getting tired of smiling - what is it with these happy hygienists - what drugs do they take?) I kind of enjoy the semi-annual dentist visit. Of course, I never have anything wrong, just cleaning, and I always ask for the hyper-abrasive ultrasonic cleaner. Yow!

Joel Mielke said...

"There was never yet philosopher that could endure the toothache patiently"

I had a dentist who administered nitrous oxide for teeth cleaning. My teeth were quite clean back then.

Rhodent said...

LOL... Sadly, I've never had the pleasure!

Rurality said...

Yeah my old dentist used to say, "Are you ready to be a happy person?" I loved that guy! He was the best dentist of all time. Sadly, he died and I have not been able to find anyone nearly as good.

I do recommend the Nitrous Oxide for anyone having dental work done... it definitely makes you very calm. And it wears off pretty quick.