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I can’t do needles

July 29, 2014

Filed under: Cater to Cowards — Tags: , , , — okcitydentist @ 9:04 pm

I pass out whenever I see a needle. Can you think of anything that could help me. My dentist thinks the needle is all I need because it will numb me, but I can’t get past the idea of the needle itself. I know, I’m a coward, but I don’t know what to do.

Jennie L. – Wisconsin

Jennie,

You are not the only one who has trouble with needles. I even know some dentists who can’t stand them. But, you don’t have to worry. There are dentists who specifically cater to cowards.

Each of them has a different way of treating fearful patients. Some use the wand, for pain free injections. Some use sedation dentistry, such as nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, or IV sedation.

If you current dentist isn’t compassionate about your very legitimate fears, then I would look for a different dentist.

This blog is brought to you by Oklahoma City Dentist Dr. Don Swearingen.

What in the world is a pulpotomy?

July 16, 2014

Filed under: Pediatric Dentist — Tags: , , , — okcitydentist @ 9:45 pm

My dentist said my daughter needed a pulpotomy, but our appointment was out of time before he could explain what it was. He said he’d talk me through it as he did it. Can you tell me what in the world it is? I don’t relish going in there blind.

Stacey Anne L. – Pittsburg

Stacey Anne,

You’re a much nicer patient than I would be. My dentist would definitely explain something to me before I’d even agree on another appointment for a procedure. In fact, your dentist has an ethical obligation to explain all your options, so I consider his callousness in telling you that he’s out of time and he’ll just explain it to you as he goes in excuseable, especially for a pedicatric dentist.

Now that my rant is over, I’ll explain the procedure. Basically, a pulpotomy is like a root canal procedure for children.

It’s done on an infected baby tooth to kill the infection. Most of the pulp of the baby tooth is removed, down to the roots, and the tissue inside the roots is daubed with a disinfectant, such as formocresol. The tooth is then sealed and usually covered with a stainless steel crown.

It is usually done only on baby molars, because they need to stay in place until your daughter is about 10 to 12 years old in order to hold the space for the permanent premolars.

I hope this helps put your mind at ease. If you have any more questions, please let me know. This blog is brought to you Oklahoma City Dentist Dr. Don Swearingen.