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German Dental Visit
Finally, I can mark this one off the list of things to experience in Germany: a visit to a German dental office. It certainly wasn’t on the top of my wanna-do list, however considering it had been over a year since the last visit, it was high time to assess the further damage my sugar-addicted youth caused me.
Alex and I both went into the exam room together and I sat in the chair first. On first sight I noticed that the equipment is about 25 years older than those in offices I had been to in Florida. This dentist office is most likely frequented by the publicly insured considering a nursing home, lots of foreigners, and a men’s homeless shelter are within minutes walking distance.
The dentist walked in brought out a firm handshake and was just a super friendly guy who spoke quickly and asked me immediately, ‘how are your teeth’? I tried to explain that I have a sensitivity when I run dental floss between two of my molars. He asked how often I use dental floss. I could honestly say that I’ve used it almost every night since I’ve lived in Germany.(e.g., no job = no money for dental work, flossing is cheaper).
Soon after I tried to explain my affinity to getting cavities, Herr Dentist turned McGuyver before rushing to take x-rays (they are called Röntgenbilder, named after the guy who discovered the radiation, Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen). First, he sprayed my tooth with freak’n cold air from a can, like the ones you use to clean the keyboard. Damn that was not fun. Next, he struck my teeth with the end of the metal mirror. That didn’t hurt too much, just shocking that these methods are used. So they took a ‘Röntgenbild’ and the dentist tested my gums (no gloves, no eye guard) with dental floss but they didn’t bleed.
Then he said after looking at the picture that it was hard to tell what is the problem, seems like there could be an infection in the root area but not between the two teeth I was complaining about, but ones with composite fillings. *Sigh* It would result in extensive work and if I wasn’t experiencing pain while eating foods or drinking cold liquids then I could wait a little more unless I notice it getting worse. No drilling, hm, okay :hmm1:
Then the dental assistant removed the plaque with an electric wand. She was gentle, maybe too gentle. I’m used to the heavy duty hand chisel tool that feels like they’re mining for precious gems in my mouth. My public insurance covers the removal of plaque and an examination by the dentist. That’s it. If I wanted the special wash and shine I have to pay 50 Euro extra. Hey that seems reasonable.
Until I actually had it done and looked up the details of the treatment on the internet. If it cost 50 Euro chances are the teeth cleaning isn’t from a professional hygienist rather from someone who took a weekend course on how to smear polish on teeth. A dental hygienist cleaning cost about 100-150 Euro per hour in Munich and there are only about 8 dental hygienist in all of Munich. I guess dentist can’t afford to keep a hygienist.
In 6 months, Alex and I decided we will visit a professional dental hygienist and get a more thorough cleaning. I was spared this time, but next visit might be drill time. Read more
