26/09/2024
A Lesson in Listening to Your Dentist: The Strange Case of a Stubborn Tooth
A couple of years ago, I had a rather unusual experience with one of my patients. For privacy reasons, I won’t reveal his name, but the story is something I feel compelled to share because it’s both eye-opening and a reminder about the seriousness of dental care.
It was a typical evening at my clinic. Around 6 PM, two men walked in, and one of them looked visibly exhausted. He was a daily wage worker, covered in dust and fatigue. He told me he had a terrible toothache and wanted the tooth removed immediately. His urgency was clear: "Just pull it out, doc," he said.
As always, I insisted on a proper examination. Upon checking, I found that his tooth was severely decayed and had an underlying infection in the gums. I explained to him that we couldn’t proceed with extraction right away due to the infection. I advised him to take antibiotics for two days to reduce the infection and then return for the procedure.
But he was adamant. "No, I want it done today," he pressed, looking even more exhausted. I could see the weariness in his eyes, the toll his day had taken on him. I gently convinced him: "You look tired and hungry. It's important you rest and eat well before undergoing this kind of procedure. Please take the antibiotics and come back in two days after you're well-prepared."
Reluctantly, he agreed.
Fast forward two days, and he returned. I asked him if he had followed my instructions—taken the antibiotics and eaten a proper meal before coming in. He confidently assured me he had, and added that today was his weekly day off, so he wasn’t too tired either. Trusting his words, I proceeded.
As I injected the anesthesia, I noticed something alarming. His face turned pale, and within moments, he started feeling dizzy and almost drifted into unconsciousness. Panic hit me, but I stayed calm. I shook him awake, trying to figure out what was happening.
Fortunately, my grandmother had made some ladoos, a sweet packed with energy, and I quickly gave him four of them with water. Slowly, he came back to his senses. I was relieved but also furious. "What happened? You told me you were fine!"
His response left me stunned. With a casual shrug, he admitted, "It was my fast today. I hadn’t eaten anything since morning, but I didn’t want to delay the extraction."
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing! "Why did you lie to me? You could’ve seriously hurt yourself!" But he remained unfazed. To my shock, he still wanted to go ahead with the extraction!
Of course, I refused. "There’s no way I’m doing this procedure today. Your health comes first. Go home, eat a proper meal, and take care of yourself."
I called his friend from the waiting room and told him to take him home immediately and ensure he had a hearty dinner. As they left, I couldn’t help but think how casually some people treat their own health, even when it’s something as important as dental care.
Moral of the Story: Follow Your Dentist’s Advice!
This story is not just an anecdote—it’s a lesson. When your dentist advises you to take antibiotics and eat before an extraction, please take it seriously. Fasting, skipping meals, or neglecting instructions can put your health at serious risk during treatment. Your safety is our top priority, but it’s a two-way street—you need to do your part as well.
Stay safe, and remember: a healthy body leads to a healthy smile
