Ep 5. Tooth or Consequences

In "Tooth or Consequences," the second season's fifth episode of Sanford and Son, Fred Sanford is experiencing some intense tooth pain. After having a dentist look at his tooth, the dentist tells Fred that he needs a filling or he will have to have the tooth pulled. Fred, frightened of the drill and the filling, decides to forgo the filling and instead tries to take matters into his own hands. He heads to the local pharmacy to try to buy some numbing agent, but is denied by the pharmacist.

Meanwhile, Fred's son Lamont is having some dental issues of his own. He's been experiencing toothaches and has made an appointment with a new dentist named Dr. Caldwell. Fred is hesitant to trust the dentist and even more so when he learns that Dr. Caldwell is white. In the early 1970s when the show was airing, this was still a time of racial tension and many were suspicious of others from different racial backgrounds.

Fred and Lamont both end up at Dr. Caldwell's office, with Fred playing the role of "overprotective father." As Dr. Caldwell begins examining Lamont's teeth, Fred's anxiety grows. When the dentist says he needs to perform a root canal, Fred becomes convinced that Dr. Caldwell is trying to "take advantage of them" and make unnecessary repairs to their teeth.

In a humorous scene, Fred tries to disrupt the dental procedure and even tries to pull Lamont out of the dental chair. Ultimately, it's revealed that Fred neglected his own dental health for too long and ends up having to have a tooth pulled. Lamont, however, leaves the office with clean and healthy teeth.

Throughout "Tooth or Consequences," there are several moments of comedic relief as Fred's stubbornness and paranoia keep him from seeking proper medical treatment. In the end, both Fred and Lamont learn the importance of taking care of their teeth and seeking help from medical professionals when necessary.

The episode is a reflection of the show's overall theme of family bonding. Despite Fred's initial distrust of Dr. Caldwell, Lamont's dental appointment brings the father and son together. This is a common thread throughout the series as the two men work together to run their junk business and navigate life in South Central Los Angeles.

Overall, "Tooth or Consequences" offers a lighthearted and humorous take on the importance of dental health. Despite some outdated cultural references, the episode still holds up as a classic example of the sitcom genre and the comedic talents of its stars, including Redd Foxx and Demond Wilson.