Dental Adventures

I'm now unsure about where I would opt to have any future dental procedures done...

Jean Paul had two teeth pulled yesterday (had so many teeth in his mouth that they didn't all fit!). Since I'm not easily grossed out at medical procedures (as long as it's not happening to ME!), I decided to ask if I could go in with him and watch the teeth being pulled. The dentist had no problem, so I went in.

I was happy to see the use of novicane that would be used in the US - an ointment followed by several injections in the area to be worked on. No problems there. That was about the time I started to smell the very strong and hunger-provoking smell of pizza from the restaurant next door, and realized that the dental room was actually open to the busy street outside... Hmmm...

When the novicane had set in (No general anethisia was used, dentists don't use that here), the dentist got to work. I'm pretty sure I've seen the exact same screwdriver in my dad's tool chest. At least this one didn't actually say "Stanley" on the handle, and it was pulled out of the sterilizing oven before use... The dentist dug around the offending tooth with the screwdriver, then pulled out some pliers. These didn't appear to be construction grade pliers, so perhaps they came from a medical supply store...

Yes, the dentist, with JP's eyes wide open, and in full conciousness, put his left hand on JP's forehead to hold him down, then used the other hand to put the pliers around the tooth and yank. Hard. And again. And again, until the tooth popped out with a rather loud noise that sounded like the top being pulled off a glass-bottle Coke. The second tooth didn't come out quite as easily. More novicane was applied, and more "head-holding-down" was done. I seriously almost asked if he wanted me to hold JP's forehead so he could use BOTH hands on the pliers. JP said the procedure really didn't hurt, there was just pressure on his jaw, and, well, his forehead too.

Imagine a photo of two large molars laying on a paper towel. I took that picture with JP's phone, but he forbade me from putting it on the internet.

I was put to sleep when my four wisdom teeth were pulled. Now I wonder how necesary that was, but I also doubt my ability to consiously keep my mouth open while someone is putting pliers and my dad's flat-head screwdriver in my mouth.

You should really check out the book God Save the Eggs, by International Teams missionaries Woody and Sue Roland. There's a REALLY great story in there about a dental experience in Bolivia in the late 1970's. And a lot of really great missionary stories for those interested!!