I went to a new dentist on Monday for my regularly scheduled cleaning who I really liked, but who emphatically stated that I need to see a periodontist. I certainly wasn't blindsided because I've had gum surgery three times since 1972, but I still wasn't happy about it. I went this afternoon and also really liked this guy. I do need fairly minor surgery, which I scheduled in two weeks. He had openings before that, but they just didn't fit into my busy social schedule. First things first, I always say.