Went in for my third check-up today after getting my jaw surgery done, and it got me thinking...these follow-up visits are kinda like episodes of some quirky sitcom. Like today, I walk in and there's this new receptionist who looks super confused about everything. She asks me twice if I'm there for a teeth cleaning, even though I'm clearly swollen and mumbling through wires lol. Then the nurse comes out, sees me and goes "oh right, you're the wired-shut guy!" Great nickname to have.
And then there's my surgeon, who's always super chill and calm about everything—even when I'm panicking that my bite feels off or something weird is happening. Today he casually mentions halfway through checking my x-rays that he's got tickets to some concert tonight and wonders aloud if traffic will be bad...um hello, can we focus on my face for a sec? 
Anyway, it feels like each visit has its own little storyline or something funny going on. Curious if anyone else has had these kind of random experiences at their appointments or noticed how strangely sitcom-like medical visits can be sometimes...
Haha, totally relate to this. My dentist once spent half my appointment debating pizza toppings with his assistant while I'm sitting there mouth wide open, drooling everywhere.
"um hello, can we focus on my face for a sec?"
Exactly my thoughts every time...
Haha, this reminds me of the time I took my daughter to get braces fitted. The orthodontist and his assistant got into this really intense conversation about their favorite Netflix shows. I'm sitting there, watching my kid squirm uncomfortably with those cheek retractors in, eyes wide open like "Mom, help me out here..." Meanwhile, they're debating whether Stranger Things peaked in season 1 or 3. At one point, I actually cleared my throat loudly—didn't help much, they just glanced over and kept going.
"um hello, can we focus on my face for a sec?"
Exactly! I mean, I get it—everyone needs a distraction at work—but maybe save the binge-watch debates for lunch break? On the bright side, my daughter said afterward that it made the appointment feel shorter, so I guess there's that...
Haha, I totally get your point about distractions, but honestly, sometimes those casual convos can actually help ease anxiety—especially for kids. My niece was super nervous about getting braces, and when the orthodontist started chatting about Marvel movies with his assistant, she relaxed noticeably. Maybe it's not ideal professionalism-wise, but if it helps patients feel less tense, I'm kinda all for it...
Haha, I totally get your point about distractions, but honestly, sometimes those casual convos can actually help ease anxiety—especially for kids. My niece was super nervous about getting braces,...
I can see how casual conversations might ease anxiety for some, but personally, as someone preparing for my first jaw consultation next week, I'd prefer the doctor to remain fully focused during the appointment. Small talk might distract me more than help.
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