In my position as Endodontic Officer for the North Wales Community Service, I get a number of referrals that, frankly, many of my colleagues would reject. I recall discussing one of my referrals with Mark Hunter. At one point during our chat he said “Heavens, Steve – you don’t half get em!”

I am asked by the local hospitals to root treat retained roots that are barely above gingival level. I do them because I have, being salaried, no financial interest in the work. I can concentrate on the job no matter how long it takes. These patients are usually from oncology and are on IV bisphosphonate. They are often special needs as well and can arrive in wheelchairs.

I once spent about 8 appointments trying to save an upper first molar. It was a retreat and in very poor shape, a borderline case that most of my colleagues would have rejected. It had two perforations and numerous ledges. Why did I persevere?

Because the patient was a young lady from an abusive relationship. Because of this she was anorexic. With the help of social services she had broken away from the man who had beaten her. Before she left he had punched her breaking the molar tooth. She was desperate for me to save it. It was her way of defying her past, of finally ridding herself of this terrible man. To her, the saving of the tooth he had broken was a symbol of her freedom.

I managed to save it. There was not much coronal tissue remaining but one of my colleagues in the Community placed an onlay and the patient still has her defiance of the man who beat her. She is now going from strength to strength and putting her life back together. I hope my saving the tooth went some small way towards her recuperation.

One of the many reasons I am so glad I attended the simplyendo 10 Day Course. Steve. Tutor. simplyendo