Tag Archives: dental fear

Sedation Dentistry

Dentist or Oral Surgeon for Denture Surgery

I have always had a fear of the dentist. This really kept me from getting my teeth taken care of. I generally only ended up going in when there was a dental emergency. I know that wasn’t the best way to handle things, but what is done is done. I am now to the point that I need dentures. Most of my teeth are either missing, broken, or decayed. In that case, should I go to an oral surgeon or a dentist to have the remainder of my teeth extracted?

Bruce

Dear Bruce,

Image of dentures

I would go to a dentist who can do both the tooth extractions and the dentures. Most general dentists do pre-denture surgery. It is not a difficult thing to do. I would call to several offices and ask them what the dentist’s normal procedure is. Do not hint to them what you are looking for, just ask about their denture procedure.

Because you struggle with dental anxiety, I am going to suggest that you see a dentist who offers oral conscious sedation. This is sometimes called sleep dentistry because most patients are so relaxed they just sleep through the entire procedure. This will ensure you do not have to have any fear or pain during your procedure.

The reason for using a dentist instead of oral surgeon is to get the best fit possible for your denture. An oral surgeon won’t be as familiar with designing and fitting dentures, as a result they don’t know the things that can be done during the extractions to make this work better.

You should be aware that even the best fitting dentures will reduce your chewing capacity by 50%. There are also long-term consequences, including shrinking of the jawbone. Dental implants can help with both of these issues and I recommend discussing this with your dentist before making any final decisions on your treatment plan.

This blog is brought to you by Gilbert Dentist Dr. Matt Roper.

Sedation Dentistry

How Can I Get My Dentist to be More Gentle?

Hello,

I’ve been seeing my dentist for a few years now, and I’m happy with him, but he is the worst at giving shots. My last dentist gave me shots and they didn’t hurt this badly. I had to get numbed to get a cavity filled, and worked up the courage to ask him to be more gentle. He brushed off my concerns, saying that shots are supposed to hurt. The shots he gives are unbearable. I need another filling, and I’m dreading going back to this dentist. Is there anything I can do?

Jirard in Los Angeles

 

Hi Jirard,

The truth is, numbing a patient with minimal discomfort takes skill, time, and patience. If your dentist leaves the numbing gel on for some time, or delivers the injection slowly, this will lessen the discomfort. This gives your body time to adjust to the numbing agent. Injecting it quickly can cause the skin to stretch from too much liquid, and can increase pain.

Your dentist is placing the numbing agent as close to the affected area as possible, but trying to avoid the nerve. Everyone’s bodies are different, so it’s possible he came too close to your nerve, or even hit it. Hitting a nerve sends a shockwave of pain through your mouth.

You did the right thing by speaking up. However, your dentist not only dismissed your concerns, he refused to try. This is a major red flag, and shows he lacks in bedside manner.

There is something you can do to minimize pain. Make sure you are hydrated, as this can make getting numb easier. Also, feeling anxiety before numbing can cause a counter effect, where it’s harder to get numb. You can try relaxing techniques before going to the dentist, or ask for nitrous oxide to relax in place of the shot.

Since you are dreading going back to this particular dentist, it may be time to look for a sedation dentist in your area. Sedation dentists focus on gentle dentistry, which can reduce dental anxiety and pain. It may be worthwhile to find a dentist that listens to your needs.

This blog post is brought to you by Gilbert gentle dentist, Dr. Matthew Roper, of Vista Dorada Dental.

 

 

Sedation Dentistry

Can I Still Get Dental Sedation If I Take Anxiety Meds?

I’m on two medications. One for depression and one for anxiety. I want to get sedation when I have my dental procedure done but I’m worried they won’t let me. Can you tell me what sedation medications they use so I can make sure it’s fine with my medication? I’m afraid if I tell them about the meds they’ll send me away.

Lisa W.

Dear Lisa,

Dental Sedation

The problem with your request is two-fold. One, every dentist uses different sedation medication so there would be no way to know whether or you’d be checking the right medication. Second, your dosages make a difference as to how much the dentist can give you. I know you’re worried about being sent packing, but that won’t happen.

Dentists who deal with anxious patients are used to patients on multiple medications. The only thing you’ll need to do is schedule a consultation with your dentist so he or she can make sure whatever they use will work well with what you’re taking.

If what they use would interfere they will either change what they use or make arrangements with another dentist who prefers the other medicine to work with you.

Dental anxiety is common and you shouldn’t feel embarrassed by it, but what you’re doing is brave. You’re facing your fears to get the treatment you need. That puts you ahead of many patients who can’t do that and then end up with a dental emergency.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Matt Roper.

Dental Emergency

Is it OK to take a Xanax before seeing an emergency dentist?

I’m afraid of the dentist, but I have a pretty severe toothache. I haven’t been to a dentist in years because of the fear. I know I need to go in, but I get sweaty just thinking about it. I do have some Xanax pills. Could I take one of those before going in to settle my mind and emotions?

Melana L. – Michigan

Melana,

You’re not alone in your fear of the dentist, so don’t feel bad about that. I’m glad you realize that it is time to go in. It’s better to be proactive before this gets worse. If you have a tooth infection, it WILL spread.

While the xanax will relax you, it will limit what your emergency dentist can give you and could effect how he treats you. I have a different suggestion that will allow you to get the care you need, while being relaxed, without having to self medicate.

I’d go to an emergency dentist that also does oral conscious sedation. It will completely relax you and give you a pain free appointment.

You will, however, need someone to drive you to and from the appointment, as you’ll be a little too loopy to drive yourself.

I hope this puts you at ease. This blog is brought to you by Dr. Matt Roper.

Sedation Dentistry

Scared of Sedation Because of News Stories

I finally talked myself into going to the dentist by using sedation (It will be my first time in sixteen years) and now I keep seeing all these news stories about patients being sexually assaulted.  Now I’m afraid to go.

Cyndy M. – New Jersey

Cyndy,

I understand you’re frightened. These type of stories are very scary.  Though it may not mean much to you now, I will tell you that these type cases are very rare. Most dentists ( and their staff) went into the field in orderto help people. They have no interest in doing harm.

Sedation is a great way to get your dental care done, pain free, especially  if you have dental anxiety. Generally, dentists have someone else in the room with them during sedation for their own protection. That way they can’t be accused of anything.

However, one thing you can do to put your mind at ease is to bring a friend.  Talk to the dentist about your concern. They’ll likely be able to accomdate your friend to be there with you.

This blog is brought to you by Gilbert Dentist Dr. Matt Roper.

Sedation Dentistry

Can children use sedation dentistry

My son had a bad experience at the dentist’s office last appointment. He’s not too thrilled about going back. Is it safe to use sedation dentistry on children?

Morgan – Las Vegas

Morgan,

Yes, it is generally safe to use sedation dentistry on children, as long as they don’t have any allergies to the medication used.  Your dentist can go over all of that with you to make sure your child is a good candidate.

It’s great you’re being proactive about your son’s experiences.  Fortunately, sedation dentistry can completely change the way people respond to going to the dentist.

A few good appointments and you’re son will start looking forward to his teeth cleanings.

This blog is brought to you Gilbert Dentist Dr. Matt Roper.

Sedation Dentistry

Can I get all my teeth pulled?

I absolutely hate going to the dentist. Like HATE it. Every time I go in, he causes me more pain than I was in when I got there. Do you think the dentist will just take out all my teeth and give me dentures? I think it will solve a lot of problems.

Elizabeth M. – Tennessee

Elizabeth,

You may find a dentist willing to do that, but I don’t think it will solve your dental problems. Instead you will find every day difficult, instead of just dental visits.   Even the best dentures drop your chewing efficiency to about twenty percent.

Plus, they are uncomfortable and will eventually start to slip and slide because your jawbone decreases the longer you wear them.  Your other option would be to spend thousands and thousands of dollars getting dental implants. That will solve many of the above mentioned problems, but they’re still not the same as having your own teeth. Plus, it will require surgery and months of healing.

There is a simple solution to your problem. Have you considered sedation dentistry?  That will enable you to get your teeth worked on in a pain free way. It will also allow your dentist to do more work in one sitting. It will let you catch up on any dental work you’ve neglected out of fear.

This blog is brought to you by Gilbert Dentist Dr. Matt Roper.

Sedation Dentistry

The BEST way to go to the dentist

Here is a letter a colleague of mine received. I can’t think of a better endorsement for sedation dentistry anywhere.

For years I have avoided the dentist (sorry about that), but not anymore. I have found the best way to go to the dentist. If you have any other chicken patients maybe you can tell them my story and they will find the help I did.

Dear Fellow Dental Chicken,

I understand how you feel. Whenever I thought about going to the dentist my whole body would tense up.  Who wants to pay for that kind of pain? The problem was I was starting to be in pain all the time.  I was getting cavities. Those cavities turned into tooth infections.

Even with the infection, I was still finding excuses to avoid the dentist. One evening, when I was in an abundance of pain, my friend Terri told me that if I didn’t take care of my tooth infection that it could spread. In a worst case scenario, it can even spread to my brain!

I don’t have to tell you that she put me in a little bit of a panic.  She told me about sedation dentistry and my life hasn’t been the same since.  I took a pill before my appointment. It relaxed me completely. To be honest, it relaxed me so much I don’t remember a whole lot about the dental appointment.  What I do know is that my infection is gone and I felt NO pain during my appointment.  Since then, I’ve been back twice to take care of all that dental work I have neglected over these years.

I hope this helps.

This blog has been brought to you by Gilbert Dentist Dr. Matt Roper.

Sedation Dentistry

Tooth pain versus dental fear

I’m in a lot of pain, but I have a horrible fear of being in a dental chair. I can’t decide which is worse. How do I find a dentist who doesn’t cause pain?

Drew B.- San Antonio

Drew,

You are not alone in your dental fear.  A large number of Americans share your feelings. There is a way you can get your tooth ache dealt with and stay out of pain in the dental chair.

What you need is a sedation dentist. There are different levels of sedation. It sounds like your fear needs something stronger than nitrous oxide. Call around and see who will do at least oral conscious sedation.

This is a pill you take shortly before your appointment. You’ll need someone to drive you to and from the appointment, because you’ll be pretty groggy. What you won’t feel, is pain.

This blog is brought to you by Gilbert Dentist Dr. Matt Roper.

Sedation Dentistry

Recovering addict needing dental treatment

I am recovering from an opiate addiction and I am currently on methadone maintenance. I really need to get into a dentist as soon as possible since my teeth are in very bad shape. I have extensive dental work that is required. The last dentist I visited wouldn’t give me any pain medication once they learned I was on methadone. I encouraged him to contact the clinic I attend so they could grant permission. My doctor and counselor would have been more than willing to discuss this. In the past I’ve dealt with serious dental anxiety too. Can you recommend a way that I can proceed in attempting to get a dentist to help me. I desperately want to be out of pain.

-Vince from Oregon

Vince,

Unfortunately many dentists and doctors alike are afraid of the Drug Enforcement Administration. Sometimes it is easier for a dentist to refuse treatment than deal with potential issues that may come out of prescribing pain medication. Some dentists tell about times where they got in hot water with the DEA just because they exercised compassion. Sadly, the patient is the one that suffers as this happens more often.

A good starting point in finding a compassionate dentist would be to find one that practices sedation dentistry or sleep dentistry. Be upfront about your situation and your request for post-operative pain medication. Many dentists are empathetic and genuinely want to help people. Keep looking. You will find someone that can help.

This post was provided by Gilbert dentist Vista Dorada Dental.