I totally relate to that—my dentist starts listing options and suddenly I’m just nodding, hoping I’ll remember half of it later. I try bringing a little notepad, but even then, sometimes I forget to write stuff down because I’m distracted by the weird suction thing or just nerves. Honestly, sometimes I ask them to write down the important details for me... no shame in needing a “dental translation” after the fact. It’s wild how easy it is to zone out when you’re in that chair.
Honestly, sometimes I ask them to write down the important details for me... no shame in needing a “dental translation” after the fact.
That’s honestly the smartest move. I actually started recording voice memos on my phone (with permission, of course), because I’d walk out with my head spinning. The dental lingo just doesn’t stick when you’re half-numb and anxious. I wish more people would push for clear, simple explanations—dentistry shouldn’t feel like decoding a foreign language.
I totally get what you mean about dental lingo being overwhelming, especially when you’re already on edge in the chair. I’ve had to redo a crown before, and honestly, I left the first appointment with no clue what was actually happening. Asking for explanations in plain English (and repeating back what I think I heard) helps me a ton. Sometimes I even write down my own little “cheat sheet” of terms to bring with me. It’s not weird at all to need extra clarity—if anything, it’s just being careful with your health.
Man, I hear you on the confusion and stress. I had to get a filling redone last year and the whole “dental speak” thing threw me off. I kept thinking, “Wait, is this gonna cost more? Do I really need it?” I’m always watching my budget, so I make them break down what’s necessary and what’s just “nice to have.” Sometimes I feel a little annoying asking for plain English, but honestly, it’s my mouth (and my wallet), so why not?
I like your idea of a cheat sheet. I usually jot questions on my phone before going in—otherwise I forget everything the second I sit in that chair. And yeah, double-checking what they say helps a lot. Once, the dentist said “occlusal adjustment” and I just stared blankly until she explained it was just smoothing out a rough spot. Way less scary than it sounded.
It’s definitely not weird to want things explained or to take notes. If anything, it saves headaches (and maybe some cash) down the line.
Sometimes I feel a little annoying asking for plain English, but honestly, it’s my mouth (and my wallet), so why not?
Totally get that. I always ask them to explain stuff like I'm five—no shame. The last time I needed a crown fixed, I made them show me the bill line by line. Might’ve looked cheap, but hey, dental work isn’t exactly pocket change. And yeah, those terms... “occlusal adjustment” sounds like car maintenance, not teeth.
