An unusual court case in Ireland has proven that emergency dentistry should only be carried out by professionals.
James Reddin, 47, from Meenaladdy was arrested this month after the Gardai had to be called to his home, the Donegal Democrat reports.
He had called for an ambulance up to 30 times, but each time a crew arrived, he refused to be seen.
When Garda Denise Casserly eventually arrived, she found Mr Reddin had been attempting to perform emergency dentistry on himself with pliers.
"We eventually got him to Glenties Garda Station and called a doctor, who told us he believed Mr Reddin had extracted a number of his own teeth that day," she commented.
The court heard the defendant had been under the influence of alcohol on the day in question.
Tooth extraction should never be attempted at home, as this could do significant harm.
Cosmetic Dentistry Guide points out that a qualified dentist will apply local anaesthetic to prevent pain, as well as using an elevator to avoid damage to the surrounding socket.
