At the Dentist
Speaking | English scripts are provided below and you can understand the content easier. https://www.youtube.com/@UpgradeEnglish
1. From Toothache to Relief
Sam, you’re holding your jaw. Did something happen? You look like you’re in serious pain.
Yeah… it’s this awful toothache. It feels like a hammer pounding inside my mouth.
Oh dear. Is it one of the front teeth, or is the pain coming from the back?
Definitely the back. It’s one of my molars, and the ache is spreading up into my head.
Upper or lower jaw? Sometimes that makes a difference.
Upper. In the very back. I’m terrified it might be one of my wisdom teeth starting to push through.
Wisdom teeth! Those are troublemakers. When they don’t have enough room, they can cause intense pressure and swelling.
That’s exactly what I’m feeling. The pain is sharp, and it spreads into my jaw and even my temple. It’s unbearable.
That sounds like a classic wisdom tooth problem. Sometimes they grow sideways or get stuck under the gum. It can make chewing, talking, even swallowing feel painful.
That sounds terrifying. What if mine is stuck like that? I’ve heard people say it’s one of the worst dental pains you can experience.
The dentist will usually recommend removing it before it causes more serious damage.
Just hearing the word “removal” makes me panic. I can’t stand the thought of surgery in my mouth.
Dental surgery sounds frightening, but remember—they use anesthesia so you won’t feel pain. You might sense some pressure, but no sharp pain during the procedure.
Still, the recovery worries me. I’ve heard about swelling, stitches, and not being able to eat properly for days.
That’s true, recovery can be uncomfortable. But most people manage with painkillers, ice packs, and soft foods. The worst pain usually fades after two or three days, and then it’s just mild soreness.
I don’t know if I can handle even a few more hours of this. The pain feels like it’s pulsing through my whole head.
That makes sense. Tooth pain often radiates. It can spread into your jaw, ear, and even cause headaches.
Yes! My ear hurts too, and I thought it was an ear infection at first.
That’s a common mistake. The nerves in your teeth and ears are closely connected, so the pain can trick you.
But if it’s really my wisdom tooth, what if they have to cut into my gums? That sounds brutal.
But remember, you’ll be under anesthesia. You won’t feel the cutting at all.
That still sounds brutal. Just imagining it makes me shiver.
I know it sounds scary, but the procedure is very routine. Dentists perform wisdom tooth extractions every single day. They’ll stitch the gum neatly afterward, and it heals faster than you’d expect.
And then I’ll be stuck eating soup and yogurt for a week, right?
Yes. Soft foods like mashed potatoes, smoothies, and scrambled eggs will be your best friends. It’s temporary, and most people are back to normal meals within a week.
I guess I don’t have a choice. The pain is too much. I’ll make an appointment with the dentist.
2. Inside the Dentist’s Office
Hello, Sam. What seems to be the problem today?
Doctor, I have a terrible toothache. It’s been throbbing all day.
I see. Can you point to where it hurts?
I think it’s a molar, way in the back here.
How long have you been feeling this pain?
Yesterday it was just a dull ache. But this morning, it became sharp and unbearable.
Does it hurt when you eat or drink something hot or cold?
Yes, especially with cold water. It feels like an electric shock.
That sounds very uncomfortable. Don’t worry, we’ll figure out what’s going on.
Are you going to have to pull the tooth? Please tell me no.
It’s too early to know for sure, Sam. Let’s take a gentle look together. I’ll move slowly and explain each step so you feel comfortable.
Okay, but I’m nervous.
Could you open your mouth wide for me? Now just tilt your head a little to the left.
Okay.
Excellent, you’re doing really well. I’ll start gently with a mirror.
Wait! It hurts already!
Don’t worry. I haven’t touched the tooth yet. This is only a mirror to help me see better. Nothing sharp, nothing painful.
Please don’t use those pointed tools. They look scary.
I understand. Many patients feel anxious. But I’ll explain each step before I do anything, so there are no surprises.
Thank you. I just can’t stand the thought of pain.
I’ll need to use this small tool to gently examine your teeth. I promise I’ll be careful, and if you feel any discomfort, just raise your hand and I’ll stop immediately. Now, let’s see. Does it hurt when I touch here?
No, that’s fine.
How about now, when I touch this back molar?
Yes! That’s the one. It hurts terribly.
From what I see, this toothache might mean the nerve inside is irritated. In that case, a root canal could help. But don’t worry. It’s done under anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain. We simply clean out the infection and then protect the tooth with a crown so it stays strong.
A root canal? I’ve heard that’s the most painful dental procedure ever.
Actually, modern root canals are done under anesthesia. You won’t feel pain during the treatment. The goal is to clean out the infected tissue and save the tooth.
But what if it’s worse? Could it be my wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth can sometimes cause problems, especially if they’re impacted or infected. In those cases, we may recommend removing them to protect your overall dental health. Even if all four need to come out, the procedure is very routine, and we’ll make sure you’re comfortable and pain-free throughout.
That sounds terrifying. Surgery in my mouth? I don’t think I can handle that.
I understand your fear. The good news is that it’s only a small cavity. We can fill it quickly and comfortably today. I mentioned the other possibilities just so you’d understand how much easier this is compared to more serious treatments. You’ll be fine.
A cavity? So you’ll have to drill?
The drill may sound scary, but with anesthesia you won’t feel pain. It’s just a vibration.
Really? So I won’t feel anything sharp?
Exactly. I’ll numb the area completely. You’ll be comfortable, and the procedure will be quick.
But what if the anesthesia doesn’t work?
I’ll test carefully before starting. If you feel anything, we’ll adjust the anesthesia until you’re fully numb.
That makes me feel a little better.
Good. Remember, cavities are very common. Filling them prevents bigger problems later.
I guess it’s better than losing the tooth.
Absolutely. A simple filling will restore the tooth’s strength and stop the pain.
Doctor, I’m still nervous, but I trust you. Please do whatever you need to fix it.
These dialogues were generated with the assistance of Microsoft Copilot, an AI developed by Microsoft.