First Experience Getting a Filling To Chinese Mainland Surprisingly Different from Expectations
**My First Experience with Dental Treatment in Chinese Mainland: A Surprising Reality**
In recent years, many Hong Kong residents have been traveling to Chinese Mainland for dental care, whether its for teeth cleaning, fillings, or dental crowns. Curious about the services available, I decided to join this trend. With a minor crack in my tooth that I had been putting off for a while, I finally made the decision to head to Shenzhen for a dental filling. This first experience turned out to be quite different from what I had imagined.
Initially, I was a bit anxious. I had heard mixed stories from friends—some praised the professionalism and efficiency of Mainland dentists, while others mentioned differences in procedures compared to Hong Kong, which made me somewhat apprehensive. After taking the high-speed train and clearing customs, I arrived at the dental clinic I had booked. As I walked in, I was greeted by a bright and modern reception area, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, resembling a high-end medical center. The atmosphere was surprisingly free from the typical "disinfectant" smell I had anticipated.
The registration process was swift and seamless, thanks to their integrated system where scanning a QR code handled most of the paperwork. After a short wait of about five to ten minutes, the dentist invited me into the examination room. The room was equipped with advanced instruments, and the chair was exceptionally comfortable, complete with a large TV to help distract me.
The dentist began with a thorough examination, explaining the location of the crack and how it would be repaired. In Hong Kong, my previous dental visits included detailed explanations, but the Mainland dentist used numerous images and computer visuals, allowing me to see magnified images of my teeth and better understand the issue. Throughout the process, the dentist spoke gently, dispelling my initial concerns about being rushed, and even asked if I was afraid of pain.
As the filling procedure commenced, I noticed that the anesthesia technique was similar to Hong Kongs. However,
the Mainland dentist maintained constant communication, explaining each step and encouraging me to relax. In the past, dental visits would make me tense and sweaty, but this time, the continuous verbal and visual interaction made me feel at ease. The sound of the dental tools was quieter than I expected, possibly due to newer equipment.
At one point, I realized how different reality was from my imagination: I had worried about outdated equipment, unclean environments, and communication barriers, yet I found the entire process to be systematic and even experienced some thoughtful services not commonly found in Hong Kong. For instance, after the filling, the nurse checked my facial and dental condition, provided oral hygiene tips, and offered follow-up contact information for any post-treatment inquiries upon returning to Hong Kong.
Of course, individual experiences may vary depending on the clinics size and the dentists technique. Fortunately, the team I encountered changed my perception entirely. The process was not only smooth but also quicker than expected, allowing me to explore the city before heading back to Hong Kong.
Upon returning home, I shared my positive experience with my family, who were surprised by my enthusiastic description. Traveling to Chinese Mainland for dental care primarily involves adapting to the environment and trusting the dentist. Once you have a comfortable and safe experience, it becomes easier to consider it as a viable option. Previously, I viewed cross-border dental visits as inconvenient, but this experience made me realize that having more choices can bring unexpected convenience and satisfaction.
In summary, my dental treatment experience in Chinese Mainland was vastly different from my expectations: clean environment, advanced equipment, and attentive service. Not only did it resolve my dental issue, but it also shattered my previous stereotypes. If youre like me and still hesitant about trying it, consider researching and finding the right clinic, then experience it firsthand—you might discover its better than you imagined.