Although it feels like my jaw and hardened glands are slowly returning to 
normal, I'm taking Duncan Crow's and Marshall's advise  for magnetic pulsing 
(happily) on board and won't be having the tooth extracted straight away.  
Anyone on this forum in Australia who would be able to refer me on to a Beck's 
magnetic Pulser supplier here in Oz?  My searches sofar draw a total blank.

I know that past experiences with dentists can remain very vivid, and may scare 
the living daylights out of others who hear this.  Had also a few rather 
painful experiences  decades ago.  However, sooner or later we seem to have a 
need to find a dentist to have some work done, no matter how well we look after 
our pearlies, and past fear may make you delay your visit(s).  

I had oral surgery early November to remove a botched root canal (of which the 
top had already broken off when another dentist tried his hand on it 12 months 
earlier, started looking for other dentist then). 
Taking out the root and cleaning cavitation took all of 1 hour, including 
stitches.  Had no pain whatsoever, absolutely none.  The only pain was the 
needle...ouch.  Afterwards I used CS, salty water and h202 in turns for 
rinsing, and it healed up in 4 days. Had a second botched root canal extracted 
early December.  Duration of surgery was also 1 hour, with 6 stitches and 
length of incision about 2 inches along gum and on top.  The pain after 2nd 
surgery made up for the lack of it during the first surgery but  followed same 
routine with CS,salty water  and h202 once home. The  healing took a little bit 
longer but after 10 days all was fine. Had no need to take any pain killers  on 
either occasion.

I guess what I'm trying to say is: Don't put off oral surgery because of past 
experiences. Do your homework! Things have changed.
Firstly: techniques have improved over the years and treatment can be done with 
far less 'hacking'; second: it's important to find a good dentist, look for a 
holistic dentist who prefers  to not  use the standard chemicals for 
anesthetics. Who is willing to listen to your fears, who will discuss what 
types of anesthetics  to use, discusses allergies.
Oral surgery, from what I understand requires additional skills from 'just 
pulling a tooth'.  I rang the dentist who, 15 years ago, replaced all my 
amalgam fillings and this surgery referred me on to specialist oral surgeon for 
pulling these rootcanaled molars. Since this surgery promoted root canals as 
well, I had to search further for one that wouldn't do root canals. (I'm not a 
fan of root canals anymore and a dentist who is pro root canals are off my 
list).
Dr. Jerry Mittelman, a retired dentist, would happily provide references to 
holistic dentists in the States.  I believe he can be contacted via the 
[email protected] or [email protected]. It is via those lists 
that I was able to locate a holistic dentist in South Australia.

Hanneke ~ Australia