KNYSNA NEWS - Imagine pain and a disfiguring dental problem being an inescapable part of your daily life. Imagine the apprehension or plain, blind terror of coming to school knowing you’re to be seen by a dentist. You don’t know anyone who’s been to a dentist for anything other than to have teeth extracted.
You’re escorted to a dentist who wears a medical gown and a hygiene mask, and has an unfamiliar accent. He has a dental assistant who looks and sounds similar. One of the local assistants tries to reassure you, but there’s just too much happening all around the hall for you to take in anything.
Scary stuff, but pain-free
A gel is applied to your mouth to numb the area where there will be an injection. Then the injection – it still hurts, but perhaps only because you expect that it should. Drilling, suction, instruments passed backwards and forwards, pressure of two fillings being applied.
Two molars saved, no longer the potential for the loss of those teeth or an infection. And then you have to sit still for a long time, keeping your mouth open while the broken front tooth is attended to.
No pain, but many instruments and different procedures taking place – you have no idea what’s being done.
The cosmetic/reconstructive dentist working on the broken tooth is highly skilled and highly regarded in his home in the USA. He chose to give up vacation time, and fly at his own expense with his wife (who was assisting him) to Knysna. From Monday 16 April to Thursday 19 April where he worked through the day, from about 08:30 to 17:00. Many learners from Concordia High, Concordia Primary and Tembelitsha Primary passed through his skilled hands.
Concordia Rotary Interact students helping out with the project.
Saving teeth
The young lass mentioned above was given a mirror to look at herself when the procedure was over. The look of utter amazement, turning to sheer joy, was unforgettable. She burst into tears, and then couldn’t stop smiling. This dentist needed no other reward.
One of the few adults who could be attended to had a severe abscess. She had been to the hospital several times, where the cheek was cleaned and she was given painkillers.
Another visiting dentist, also from the USA, found the abscess causing the problem. It was unfortunately necessary to extract the tooth, but after that, the root canal and surrounding area could be cleaned. After a visit the next day it was clear that this problem had now been solved, the young woman is now pain-free, and the dentist felt deeply rewarded. Her letter of thanks, in broken English, was sincere and moving.
Actions speak loud
This gives a glimpse of the work of two of the total of seven dentists. All seven worked with dedication and care for four solid days – exemplifying the fact that actions speak more loudly than words. There was (still is) a huge need. There has been a committed response – many teeth have been saved, many healthier, happier children are able to smile at the mirror.
Many older learners, members of Concordia Interact (the schools’ Rotary arm) worked hard too, teaching younger learners all about the importance of brushing teeth, avoiding sugar, and other aspects of dental health.
Equipment brought out by the dentists and used on the learners.
They willingly held hands and spoke reassuringly to apprehensive patients – the visitors were very impressed by their empathy and commitment.
It was an incredible privilege for the Rotary Club of Knysna to have had the opportunity to be involved as a small cog in the big wheel of the Knysna Rotadent Project.
We would like to thank Concordia High School and all their staff for the help offered during this week and the use of their hall. To all the dentists and assistants who came out form the USA and the Rotary Club of Dundee members who helped to arrange the event, thank you.
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