'The DSM' Editorial - Issue 97 Dentist

On the journey back from the UK Anna had been working her way through a family pack of Skittles when she yelped, as a large section of one of her back teeth broke off (the offending tooth had been threatening to jump ship for quite a while). It was time for our first visit to a French dentist...being a supportive husband I went with her. 

The nearest dentist we were able to register with was in Loudun, which is quite a way from where we live. To lighten the mood I offered to stop off for a packet of Skittles, but received a withering look. 

Anna told me that Loudun is the dental capital of western France having three surgeries she could have gone with. We had heard stories about French dentsits, but the practice was very modern and all the staff welcoming. After ten minutes in the waiting room she perked up when the dentist appeared, a young man with film star good looks.

Anna had google translated some key phrases ‘my tooth fell out’, ‘it is very painful’, ‘how much will this cost?’ but left the piece of paper at home. After being offered constructive surgery or extracting the stump that was left, she went for the latter. I don’t know if it was just this practice or France in general, but there was no dental technician to hold the sucky tube and offer up the pink liquid at the end. Half an hour later Anna reappeared and managed a smile, at which a ball of cotton wool fell out of her mouth. 

Whatever travails you are going through this month, we hope they come and go. Maybe a cup of tea and our May issue of the magazine will bring you some solace. 





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