Are You an Extreme Enough Cheapskate to Pull Your Own Tooth?
There are just some things in this world that we’re better off paying a professional to do rather than going the do-it-yourself route.
Tooth extraction has to be high up there on the list. But evidently not high enough for this couple…
In this recent episode of Extreme Cheapskates – a TV show on the cable network TLC – this couple opts for some DIY dentistry from the comfort of their own living room.
DIY Dentistry Essentials for Extreme Cheapskates
No tooth extraction dummy can incorrectly perform their job without first having and knowing how to use the correct tools. Without being able to deftly wield a hundred year old pair of pliers, any foray into DIY dentistry performed will most certainly go awry.
1. Benzocaine: as the astute patient in question points out, Benzocaine is a numbing agent that will be used to numb her gums so when her husband pulls her tooth, she won’t feel anything…
2. Barber’s tool bought at a yard sale: this instrument will be used to perform the extraction, a turn of the century (the 19th) pair of pliers to enable the less than qualified husband to remove the tooth in question.
3. A standard household vacuum: this can be of the stand-up or tow variety, in fact any vacuum will do just don’t make the mistake of using that industrial strength ShopVac.
4. A flexible drinking straw & duct tape: The flexi-straw gets inserted into the business end of the vacuum, of course to do the fine suction work the husband so eloquently points out as to “suck out the blood…and whatever…” The duct tape obviously wraps everything tight, “which makes a good seal.”
Now that the essentials are out-of-the-way, let’s examine the pre-operative preparatory work involved in performing an extreme cheapskate tooth extraction.
No autoclave in the house, do not fret – as a cola scrub with some aluminum foil should sterilize the barber’s tool and just in case, the “rubbing alcohol will complete the sterilization of these instruments.”
2 Reasons Why DIY Dentistry Doesn’t Make Cents
Saving money at the dentist starts with prevention:
1. Brushing our teeth for 2 minutes, 2 times a day & flossing at home.
2. Keeping up with regular dental visits – to a dentist!
As if we really needed another numbered list as to why we shouldn’t perform complicated medical procedures in the comfort of our own home?
It’s stupid – enough said. But in case stupidity doesn’t stop you, DIY tooth extractions can wind up costing more money to deal with the resulting improperly extracted tooth trauma and/or accompanying infection.
Just like neglect will lead to an unhealthy mouth, an unsightly smile, & a bigger pain in the wallet.
Just DON’T do it!
Duh Disclaimer: The methods shown in this video and/or discussed in this blog post can be dangerous. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical advice. If you are considering a DIY tooth extraction (we’re not talking baby teeth here), maybe you should get your head examined as well.
