Recently my mind has been full of this and that. I know, it’s cryptic but stay with me as this story unfolds .
Gold.
Last October, I had a dentist appointment where I knew what would be taking place. I have a huge phobia relating to dentists which goes way back into my childhood. For me to attend a dentist now, I have to take medication which takes hours to get out of my system. Worst of all is, I become zombie-like.
Back in the mid-1970s, half of one front tooth of mine became half-gold. It was removed during this visit.
Wondering.
Whilst in the dentist chair as I listened to my music, my mind disappeared into the past.
It is all part of how I deal with dentist visits. For some reason, I found myself wondering about the experiences my ancestors would have had when having dental treatment. It also got me to thinking about doctors and hospitals and what may or may not have been experienced by my ancestors.
Questions.
As we all do, there were more questions than answers. What was the equipment like? What were the health and safety processes and were they followed? I am very aware of the high infant mortality rates. I was, as usual, wanting to know more. Now, like everything we research, we go down the rabbit hole!
Research.
Here we go… Where did I go to find out about all of this? Remember our best friend “Google”.
Well, with additional assistance provided by AI it gave me, like a summary, for the use of a better word, displaying the possible websites for further details or information. What did I ask in the search? I focused on three questions, all relating to the late 1800s in Australia. I looked at a dentist, a doctor and going into hospital.
Findings.
Dentist – about visiting a dentist, the AI summary stated it was rudimentary and uncomfortable, mostly due to non-existent anaesthesia, basic processes and use of manual tools.
If any extractions were involved, dental forceps were used! The procedures were carried out in an area equipped with an old-fashioned dental chair and manual equipment being used. Those who lived in rural areas were greatly disadvantaged as patients relied on “amateurs” for dental care.
Legislation was eventually introduced to regulate the profession.
Doctor – visiting a doctor was highly dependent on one’s social class, location and was often a private affair. House calls were made, especially in rural areas where they may have travelled long distances on horseback. Fees and treatment were vastly different to today. Usually you saw a GP, as specialists were only beginning to emerge but usually only in cities.
Hospital – finally, I asked about hospital surgery and the AI summary states it was a frightening experience, mostly due to the high risk of infection and fear of death as surgical hygiene and anaesthesia were still developing! Hospitals struggled with cleanliness and sterilisation.
The infrastructure was often inadequate and there was frequent overcrowding. With surgery, it’s difficult to comprehend being restrained during the procedures. One can only imagine, it would have been on the barbaric side and focused on speed rather than precision so as to minimize pain and blood loss.
Choice.
I know what I would have chosen and I’m glad I live in this day and age of advancement. My dental procedure would not have gone well for me. I just cannot get my head around what my ancestors may have endured if they had to see a dentist, a doctor or worst of all, having to be hospitalised for surgery. It explains so much why people died so young.
What would your choice be?
Acknowledgements:
All photographs except the first were created by ComfyUI using the text in the writing. The first photograph are edits of other photographs (personal collection) depicting the gold in the tooth, the gold filling removed and the end product, new tooth creation…
Ancestor Family 
What was your choice? The old or the new? It is good to see so many visitors to the channel. Please come along and say hello. It would be appreciated…
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