I am a cynic. A highly skeptical cynic.

There are two brands of people that I cannot trust upon first meeting. Dentists and mechanics. I imagine them ducking out of sight, rubbing their hands together, and thinking, "how can I schmarm my way out of all the money this ignorant fool has saved up for a downpayment?" Probably while laughing maniacally. It's only fitting.

I think it has something to do with the fact that both professions ALWAYS tell you EVERYTHING that is wrong. You go in for an oil change and walk out with a quote for $7000. You make an appointment for a regular cleaning and find yourself on the recipient end of a death sentence in the shape of the conditions of your gums.

Do you REALLY have a cavity? Or did the doc's kid just start taking piano lessons?

Disclaimer: I worked for a dentist for a long while. Loved him - still do. I found him a good, honest, generous man who was passionate about teeth. He made everyone else excited about teeth, too - insomuch that I'm very much planning to get my dental hygiene degree 'just for fun.' You know, when I have time. One of the main things I did for him was insurance claims - i.e. argue with insurance companies. I had to be very good at diagnostics and proving when dental work was neccessary.

I've become cocky about it. Now, when a dentist tells me we need work done, I want it proven to me. (Show me the x-ray, doc ....)

I guess that's what it all comes down to. I'm the Korihor of patients and customers. PROVE IT. I just hate being told there's something wrong with my car when it seems to be running just fine to me. *I* don't see a problem with it - yet they tell me there's thousands of dollars worth of problems. Riiiiiiiiiiiight.

And my already shaky confidence just received a big blow. Observe.

My Man recently broke off an old crown. (He grinds his teeth so badly it WOKE ME UP on our first night as Mr. and Mrs.) So when he went in yesterday to get it replaced, the dentist opens it up and found THIS:

Yup. That would be an instrument. Broken. Inside my husband's tooth. Oh my great goshin' goodness.

I pity the next doctor who wants to numb me up.