My dentist makes me sweat

September 24, 2014

Filed under: Cater to Cowards — Tags: dental anxiety, fearful of the dentist, iv sedation, nitrous oxide, Oklahoma City Cater to Cowards dentist, Oklahoma City Dentist, oral conscious sedation, sedation dentistry — okcitydentist @ 8:47 pm

I have a real problem and I don’t know what to do about it. Every time I go to the dentist, I break out in a cold sweat. The last time, I actually left before my appointment started, making up an excuse of a family emergency. I don’t know why this is happening.

Ezra B. – Mississippi

Ezra,

You’re suffering from dental anxiety. it is fairly common. I wouldn’t despair yet. There are many dentists who cater to fearful patients. They generally have a better chairside manner than most, are more gentle, and practice some form of sedation dentistry.

You may just need something to relax you, such as nitrous oxide. However, if your fear is stronger, you might need something stronger, like oral concious sedation or IV sedation.

If your current dentist isn’t good with fearful patients, I would look around for another dentist. There are plenty out there who take great pride in helping people in your situation.

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

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Do I have to go to a pediatric dentist?

September 6, 2014

Filed under: Pediatric Dentist — Tags: general dentist versus pediatric dentist, Oklahoma City Dentist, Oklahoma City Pediatric Dentist — okcitydentist @ 3:50 pm

I have a minor problem. The only pediatric dentist within 50 miles is my ex boyfriend. I’m having my first child in a month. Does my child need a pediatric dentist or will a general dentist be sufficient? Does this question make me a terrible mother before I even start?

Elise L. – Montana

Elise,

Let me assure you that your question does not make you a bad mom. If you didn’t care enough to ask the question and just took him to whereever you were comfortable, then I might wonder.

A general dentist is well qualified to treat children. However, not all of them like to. You’ll want to look for a dentist who enjoys pediatric dentistry. You can generally tell a couple of ways. 1. You could ask. 2. They’ll have a page on their website about pediatric dentistry.

However, you’ll want someone who is comfortable seeing children at a young age. If they say they’ll see children as young as two or three, then you can know they’re comfortable with children. If they want to wait until they are 8 or 9, then I would look for a different dentist…obviously.

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

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