Will A Dentist Ask To See My Marijuana Prescription?

May 31, 2016

Filed under: Cater to Cowards — Tags: dental anxiety, local anesthetic, Marijuana at dental appointment, medical marijuana, nitrous oxide, Oklahoma City Cater to Cowards dentist, Oklahoma City Dentist, prescription marijuana — okcitydentist @ 6:41 pm

I have dental anxiety. I was thinking if I could just smoke a joint before my appointment, it would relax me enough to get through the appointment. I live in a state will legal medical marijuana. If I told him I had a prescription would he ask to see it and turn me in if I don’t actually have a prescription?

Name Withheld

Dear Anonymous,

You’re not the first patient to ask about the use of marijuana before a dental appointment. I’m going to suggest something completely different, especially since you don’t actually have a prescription. Why risk it?

There is something your dentist can do to relax you during your appointment without any risk of illegal behavior. Have you ever heard of nitrous oxide?

Nitrous oxide is sometimes called laughing gas. It will relax you all while allowing you to be alert during your appointment. It has the added benefit of helping any local anesthetic of being more effective.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Don Swearingen.

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Is it normal for a baby’s teeth to have white spots?

May 17, 2016

Filed under: Pediatric Dentist — Tags: decalcification, dental sealings, fluoride treatments, Oklahoma City Dentist, Oklahoma City Pediatric Dentist, oral hygiene in toddlers, solid food, toddler teeth, white spots on teeth — okcitydentist @ 9:26 am

I have a 12 month old. He has his bottom and top teeth. We do a little brushing and he’s just starting on some mild solid food. What worries me is he has white spots on his teeth. I thought that was a sign of decalcification. If we’re brushing, why would he have decalcification this soon?

Trish T. – Washington

Trish,

You’re right that the white spots are a sign of decalcification. It’s concerning on a child so young, especially when you say you’ve already started his oral hygiene. That’s a good thing that you have, because likely things would be worse if you hadn’t.

There may be an issue with the way your son’s teeth are developing. Don’t panic. It can usually be handled if dealt with sooner rather than later. It’s likely your pediatric dentist will recommend extra fluoride treatments as well as some sealings as your son’s molars develop.

Just be sure to be seen. It won’t be a full visit, such as an adult gets. It’s a quick young child’s appointment. There’s even a special billing code for it so you’re not charged too much.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Don Swearingen.

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