“Towards the end of a recent trip to Japan, I began to experience some mild toothache which I initially put down to the cold weather or some temporary sensitivity.  I thought this would subside but it worsened, to the extent that on my return I sought assistance from an NHS dentist close to my workplace.  As it was an emergency appointment, the dentist was only able to ‘patch me up’, but recommended that I should find and enrol with a regular dentist for a course of treatment.    

My initial examination at Granta Dental showed that my wisdom tooth was growing at an angle; had pushed against a neighbouring tooth, causing a hole; and needed to be extracted.  The root of the next tooth also needed treatment due to an infection. My choice was stark: have all three teeth removed under the NHS, possibly with a stay at Addenbrooke’s; or have two teeth treated and the wisdom tooth removed at Granta Dental.  Given that the NHS option would involve a wait for treatment by an unfamiliar dental surgeon and leave a large gap in my jaw, I opted for Granta Dental.  

One other factor also swayed my decision: for many years I have suffered from a gag reflex, usually triggered towards at the rear of my mouth.  This causes me great discomfort when having any dental work carried out.  Knowing my history Dr Harrison reassured me that she would keep all the members of her team informed every step of the way and that as much time as I required would be allowed for treatment.  She also discovered that my gag reflex could be subdued by placing the tiniest amount of salt on the tip of my tongue. If only I had known this earlier!

A week after my initial consultation, the root treatment began with Dr Firas Daoudi.  I am not sure whether it was listening to Classic FM or the use of the salt trick that got me through the three visits, but he managed to keep me placated enough to get through the work required.  I admit that there were a few uncomfortable moments and at times my throat felt like there was a gremlin in it struggling to get out, but through positive thinking and deep breathing I somehow managed to overcome the gag reflex.  Later, I was booked in to have my wisdom tooth removed by Mr Fraser and, apart from the moment when stitches were being inserted and I started to heave (I was at risk of having a needle stuck through my tongue if I was allowed to close my mouth!), it went surprisingly smoothly without the need for anaesthetic.

As the treatment progressed I began to learn how I could become more comfortable with my gag reflex. It did not disappear altogether, but I discovered that I had in a way become accustomed to it: rather than raising my hand to pause the treatment I would allow the gagging to continue, knowing that five seconds or so of discomfort was better than having to additionally endure the adjustment of dental equipment inside my mouth.  Having survived the previous phase, I became more confident that I could cope with the next stage of treatment.

Throughout my treatment the Granta Dental staff were patient and understanding, and by following their excellent advice I retained two teeth that are now problem-free and look great!  I won't pretend that I would like to undergo the whole ordeal again, but I now feel that although I have not eliminated my gag reflex entirely I am better able to control it. Pass me the salt!”