The Absent Uncle: ‘Toothy’ thoughts on dentistry

By: 
D.C. Schultz, Guest Columnist

I had a tooth extracted yesterday. In the past it would have been referred to as “pulled”. It was fractured (cracked) and according to two dentists, needed to be removed to eliminate the possibility of infection deep in the root/bone area. I was amazed at the technology used to see the problem and develop the diagnosis, as I had no discomfort or any clue of the problem.

My point in bringing this subject up is a personal one. Possibly those also “long in tooth” (pun intended) will share my trepidation. In any case, I invite you to read on.

The diagnosis was made in mid-December; because of the holidays, some previously scheduled activities and the doctor’s schedule, the extraction was put off until yesterday.

Slowly, but surely over the past couple of weeks, as the appointment came closer, the feeling of dread and fear grew. Why, you ask? It is simple: My early years and my experiences with the dentist.  

In my elementary school years, we had a pink card that had to be submitted to school showing your annual visit to a dentist. I dreaded that card. It meant a visit to an office with a distinctive smell, an uncomfortable seat, a man draped all over you wielding a tool (drill) driven by a complicated set of belts and pulleys that resulted in an acrid smell and taste when it was applied to my tooth to eliminate a cavity (and I had plenty of them).  

Novacaine? Not hardly – probably too expensive and in any case, unnecessary from mom’s point of view.

Fast forward, I was in the Navy, was experiencing pain from my bottom left wisdom tooth that was trying to force its way up. Unfortunately, as with most people, there was not enough room for the tooth to emerge and was impacting the tooth already there and functioning just fine.

Enter the Navy dentist. Wisdom tooth has to come out. Are you ready? OMG – a visit to hell over the next two hours where he used every tool in his arsenal including hammers, screw drivers, and chisels from the trunk of his car. (Just exaggerating on those tools – I think)  

OK, back to current events. My young dentist yesterday was cool, calm, confident, and so reassuring. He worried about my pain, took extra time to make sure I was comfortable, and in the end completed the job in about an hour. 

Today, I have been following instructions to stay away from certain foods. I am experiencing no pain and am so thankful for progress, for technology, and a really good dentist. 

All that fear and trepidation, such a waste of time.

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