Another prison story

New prisoners("fish") had a dental check which was nothing more than an accounting of missing teeth with using a dental mirror. All were afforded optional dental treatment. Many requested an examination including x-rays and instrument probing, fillings, cleaning, scalings, etc. There was a lot of dental trauma from fights, but nobody ever ratted, it was always "I fell down in the shower". Rats could be severely beaten by several men.

One inmate had a missing upper wisdom tooth. I took a 2nd x-ray centering on the corner of his eye. BINGO. The wisdom tooth, thimble sized, was under the cheek bone. I had to carefully remove it completely by feel.

The next day the inmate told the guard that he wanted to talk to me.

He had a BIG smile on his face and said, "Doc, I've had a stiff neck and shoulder for years, have had many manipulations and pills. My pains are GONE !!"

It was referred pain from that ectopic wisdom tooth that caused his suffering.