In an era where dental care is synonymous with comfort and technology, there’s a lingering nostalgia for the old school dentist – the one whose clinic smelled of antiseptic, and whose tools seemed more like instruments of torture than of healing. But was it all as bad as it’s often portrayed?
In our latest blog Dr Timothy Williams reminisces about The Old School Dentist and the effects it has on people in later life.
“When I was a child, I was put off from something that I didn’t realise would be so important until later in life. That something terrified me, brought on cold sweats just thinking about it and was responsible for many a sleepless night. It nagged away at me so much that when I really needed help, I was too afraid to ask.”
That something was The Old School Dentist, and the above anecdote is one that is recounted to us on many occasions.
Does it sound familiar to you too? Who remembers The Old School Dentist? Who can’t forget The Old School Dentist?! Chances are that if this is you, you are probably scared of visiting dental clinics, maybe even terrified.
So, let’s journey back to a time when dental visits were more about gritting your teeth than Netflix and numbing gel.
Want to discuss your dental needs? Get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.
The Waiting Room
Walking into the waiting room of an old school dentist was an experience in itself. Magazines from the previous decade, faded wallpaper, and a distinct lack of ambient music set the scene. The sound of drills echoed through thin walls, setting nerves on edge long before the appointment began.
The Dentist
The dentist himself (and it was usually a him) often fit the stereotype of the stern authority figure. Clad in a white coat, with a mask obscuring most of his face, he seemed more like a character from a horror movie than a healthcare provider. But beneath the gruff exterior lay years of experience and a dedication to his craft.
The Tools
Ah, the tools of the trade – sharp, shiny and utterly terrifying. From metal picks to clunky drills, each instrument served a specific (if slightly intimidating) purpose. Local anaesthetic was sparingly used, if at all, leaving patients to rely on sheer willpower to endure the appointment.
Want to discuss your dental needs? Get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.
The Procedures
Silver amalgam fillings, extractions and dentures, oh my! Dental procedures of yesteryear were not for the faint of heart. With limited anaesthesia and rudimentary techniques, a trip to the dentist often meant hours of discomfort and days of recovery.
“I used to be terrified of the dentist when I was little. I remember trying to run away once but getting caught, dragged back in and held down in the chair while the dentist put the mask on me. Think I had some teeth out. I was in a terrible state, bawling my eye’s out; I was only 6.”
The Aftermath
Emerging from the dentist’s chair felt like a victory – albeit a hard-won one. Swollen gums, poorly fitting false teeth, aching jaws, and a lingering metallic taste were the hallmarks of a successful appointment. And yet, there was a strange sense of pride in surviving the ordeal.
People with similar experiences, most of whom are probably above the age of 50 now, have carried this fear with them throughout their lives. For them, it is a form of post-traumatic stress disorder. And this is so sad because this huge cohort of people genuinely need to be looked after and treated with dignity and compassion. 50% of the UK population do not visit a dentist regularly, and fear and anxiety are amongst the primary reasons.
As a dental clinic who genuinely cares, we have spent our entire practising careers, spanning some 100 years between all our clinicians, looking after these same people and helping them to realise that their experiences of dentistry belong to yesteryear.
Want to discuss your dental needs? Get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.
Our anxious patients and dental phobics have become our friends and turned into raving fans, who are unafraid to discuss their issues, safe in the knowledge that they will be genuinely looked after, treated well with kindness and understanding, and within easy reach of lovely smiles and pain-free functioning teeth.
If this sounds like you then please do get in touch because we can definitely help. And we promise that you too will ‘feel the love’! We are only a phone call away.
At The Waterside Dental Clinic we’re always here to support you on your journey to a healthier mouth and a healthier, happier life.
We are currently welcoming new patients and offering ½ price initial consultations. We would love to welcome you to our clinic, book your consultation today.
