Question
You are advised to write between 350 and 500 words on the following topic:
A visit to the dentist.
Model Essay
The anticipation of a visit to the dentist often stirs a mix of anxiety and dread. This particular visit was no different. As I walked through the glass doors of the dental clinic, the sterile smell of antiseptic filled my nostrils, and the faint hum of dental instruments buzzed in the background. I approached the receptionist, who greeted me with a warm smile that did little to soothe my nerves.
“Please have a seat, and the dentist will be with you shortly,” she said.
I found a seat in the waiting area, which was adorned with potted plants and stacks of outdated magazines. Despite the cozy decor, a palpable sense of apprehension hung in the air. Other patients sat around me, each engrossed in their own thoughts, possibly contemplating the impending dental procedures. The walls were painted a calming shade of blue, but even that couldn’t mask the underlying tension.
The door to the examination rooms opened, and a nurse called my name. I stood up, my legs feeling slightly wobbly, and followed her down a corridor. The hallway was lined with framed pictures of smiling patients, presumably satisfied with their dental care. The nurse led me into a small room where the dentist’s chair sat in the center, surrounded by an array of shiny tools and machinery.
“Please take a seat,” the nurse instructed, as she adjusted the chair and prepared the necessary instruments.
I sat down, and the chair reclined backward, leaving me staring at a bright light overhead. The dentist, Dr. Wilson, soon entered the room. He was a tall man with kind eyes and a gentle demeanor that immediately put me slightly more at ease.
“Hello there! How are we feeling today?” he asked, donning a pair of gloves and a mask.
“Nervous,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.
“That’s perfectly normal,” he reassured me. “We’ll take good care of you. Let’s have a look.”
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He leaned over, peering into my mouth with a small mirror and a probing tool. The bright light illuminated my teeth, and I could feel the cool metal instruments as he checked each tooth meticulously. He narrated what he was doing, which somehow made the process less intimidating.
“Just a small cavity on one of your molars. We’ll need to fill that today,” he explained, showing me the tiny dark spot on an X-ray.
My heart rate quickened at the thought of the drill, but Dr. Wilson maintained his calm, professional demeanor. He explained each step of the procedure, which helped to alleviate some of my fears. The nurse handed me a pair of protective glasses, and Dr. Wilson began the procedure.
First came the numbing gel, followed by the injection of local anesthetic. The initial sting of the needle was brief, and soon my mouth began to feel numb. He tested the area to ensure I was fully numb before starting the drilling. The sound of the drill was unnerving, but I focused on the soothing music playing softly in the background.
Minutes felt like hours, but before I knew it, the drilling was over, and Dr. Wilson was filling the cavity. The final part involved smoothing out the filling and checking my bite to ensure everything was perfect.
“All done,” Dr. Wilson announced with a reassuring smile. “You did great!”
I sat up, feeling a wave of relief wash over me. The nurse handed me a cup of water to rinse my mouth. The numbness lingered, but the worst was over.
As I walked out of the clinic, the sun felt warmer, the air fresher. The dreaded visit to the dentist had not only been bearable but had also left me with a sense of accomplishment. I realized that facing fears, no matter how small, could lead to an unexpected boost in confidence.
Word Count: 636