Ciara Kelly: I’ve had a phobia of dentists from the age of four — I’ve even bitten one! But recently I’ve had an ache that could not be ignored

Is there any clearer example of how childhood trauma affects and stays with you than the ubiquitous, crippling fear of the dentist that people over a certain age feel? I am aware that there are far greater childhood traumas — with far deeper effects — but the dentist thing is clear cut. People over 40 with a toothache will do almost anything to put off going. And when they finally do, it’s with their innards curdling.

I’ve been in that position for the past few weeks. A tooth has been niggling at me. *Cries* And not any old tooth — a tooth with a past.



This guy’s previously had a root canal and a crown, so nothing here is going to be easy. The pain has been coming and going which, of course, allowed me to ignore it for short spells. But this week, the bell finally tolled.

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