Is it OK to drink wine before going to the dentist?

March 31, 2015

Filed under: Cater to Cowards — Tags: dental fear, nitrous oxide, Oklahoma City Cater to Cowards, Oklahoma City Dentist, wine before dental care — okcitydentist @ 5:25 pm

I’m a total coward when it comes to the dentist. It’s been a while since I’ve been and now I’ve got a pretty severe toothache. I know I need to go and get it taken care of, but dentists make me seriously nervous. Is it okay if I drink a glass of wine before I go in? Wine relaxes me.

Stacey A. – Little Rock, AR

Stacey,

You’re not the only one who is uncomfortable with dentists, so don’t feel bad. While it would be perfectly fine to have a glass of wine before you go to the dentist to shore up your courage, it could interfere with some of the things the dentist needs to do so make sure you let him know.

There is another option. There are other options. There are dentists who enjoy working with fearful patients. Some including Dr. Swearingen advertise that they “cater to cowards“. They have methods or ways of making your dental appointment less fearful. If you’re worried about pain, most dentists work with nitrous oxide. That will help relax you and enable the dentist to do any work he needs to do. That will probably be more effective than wine.

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

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Pediatric dentist banned us from the clinic

March 14, 2015

Filed under: Dental Emergency — Tags: Oklahoma City Dentist, Oklahoma City Pediatric Dentist, pediatric dentists and autistic children — okcitydentist @ 9:22 pm

I have an autistic child. She sometimes has an issue where something sets her off and she sits down and screams. If you try to touch her during these episodes it just makes her worse. You just need to let her alone and she gets past it. Unfortunately, my pediatric clinic doesn’t agree and he’s asked us never to come back again. I am beside myself because it is the only pediatric clinic in our small town. Do you have any recommendations for how I can change his mind?

Stacy L.- Minnesotta

Stacy,

I’m sorry for the trauma your daughter is going through and for the stress you must feel in her caregiving. Some practitioners are still unfamiliar with autistic children and their needs. Many people aren’t aware that children don’t have to see a pediatric dentist. There are general dentists who love treating children. That should put your mind at ease regarding not having another pediatric clinic in your area.

I suggest you call around in your area. Explain the situation. I’m sure you’ll find a dentist who is sympathetic to your situation and is willing to work with you. I might even see if a dentist is willing to schedule your appointments first thing, so your daughter can be brought straight back to the operatory without having to wait. It will help alleviate some of the pressure on you.

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

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