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Marijuana for Dental Anxiety

March 30, 2016

Filed under: Cater to Cowards — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — okcitydentist @ 1:51 pm

Is it OK to go to the dentist after smoking marijuana or will it mess things up? Dentists make me nervous. I think it’s not big deal, but my wife wants me to check.

Lewis – Oregon

Lewis,

You should thank your wife. There can be serious health risks if certain medications are used together. One of those is marijuana and epinephrine, which is a common ingredient in some local anesthetics. If your dentist doesn’t know that you’ve ingested marijuana, then you could end up with heart problems. If he knows, it’s possible to give you and anesthetic that doesn’t contain epinephrine. There are also pain meds that won’t interact well with marijuana usage.

The key is communication. Make certain your dentist knows EVERYTHING you’re taking, including over-the-counter medications, because you never know how it will effect your dental care.

There is another option if you’re uncomfortable with dental work…or dentists. Have you considered sedation dentistry? This can give you pain free appointments, without the complications of trying to self medicate. Talk to your dentist about it ahead of time. He or she will likely work with you. If not, you can always find a different dentist who is willing to.

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

Why doesn’t my anesthetic work?

January 23, 2016

Filed under: Cater to Cowards — Tags: , , , , , , , , — okcitydentist @ 12:00 pm

I can’t figure out why my local anesthetic doesn’t work. Whenever my dentist tries to numb me, it just doesn’t work. Is there something wrong with me?

Jodi A. – Atlanta

Jodi,

It’s not that there is anything wrong with you per se, it is more likely that you have dental fear. As a result of fear, your metabolism kicks into high gear and eats up the anesthetic.

What you’ll have to do is deal with the fear in order to give the anesthetic the chance to work. I’m not saying see a therapist. There are things your dentist can do to help you. I would look for a dentist who caters to patients with dental fear.

He or she can give you nitrous oxide. It takes the edge off of the procedure for you, which helps relax you. When you’re relaxed, you local will work more efficiently.

You may also want to look for a dentist who uses “the wand”. It gives pain free shots, especially if your fear kicks into high because of the needle.

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

We can be done for a complete dental coward

November 28, 2015

Filed under: Cater to Cowards — Tags: , , , , , — okcitydentist @ 5:37 pm

I hate dentists. No offense, but you guys seem to get into dentistry because it was between that and torturing puppies for a living. This option was legal.  So….you’ve got that going for you. Unfortunately, I think I need to go to one. My gums are sore. So…what can someone who is terrified of sadists do to make the appointment easier?

Brooke S. – Brooklyn

Brooke,

I don’t even want to know what your childhood dentist was like.  It’s sounds like you’ve had nothing but bad experiences.  Let me assure you, not all dentists contemplated killing puppies for a living. I promise.  Most actually got into the field because they like helping people.

My saying that will not take away your dental anxiety though.  My suggestion would be to see a dentist who caters to fearful patients. They are aware that some of those patients have been through a traumatic experience and have ways to make your appointment completely pain free.

Please don’t put this off. It’s possible you have gum disease. If left untreated, you can lose your teeth.

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

Keep passing out at the dentists

January 31, 2015

Filed under: Cater to Cowards — Tags: , , — okcitydentist @ 9:32 pm

The last few times I had to have a dental procedure, I have ended up passing out. When it comes to needles, I am a coward. Is there any option for anesthetic that doesn’t include needles?

Chris B.- Fayetteville, AR

Chris,

You’re not the only one who feels that way about needles. Lucky for you there are dentists who cater to “cowards”, even needle cowards.  You have a couple of options to help you stay upright at your dental appointments. The first is something called the wand. You can learn about that on our cater to cowards page. It gives pain free injections.

Your second option is some form of sedation dentistry. It can be anything from the mild form, such as nitrous oxide already to the deeper form of IV sedation.

Speak with your dentist about these options and you can decide which you feel will be the best fit for you.

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

Can I take a valium before my dental appointment?

November 29, 2014

Filed under: Cater to Cowards — Tags: , , , , — okcitydentist @ 1:55 pm

I have severe anxiety issues and haven’t been to the dentist in years. My anxiety is dental based, but it affects me going to the dentist. Is it possible to take valium before going to the dentist or is that a no-no. I’m tired of neglecting my oral hygiene.

Stephanie H. – Wisconsin

Stephanie,

It is perfectly fine for you to take your valium before your dental appointment. In fact, sedation dentistry does something similar. It’s intended to relax you so you can have a pleasant dental experience.

Be sure you explain to your dentist what you’ve taken. This way he can be sure not to give you anything that will interfere with your medicine.

If you feel you need something stronger, talk to your dentist.  Usually a sedation dentist or a “cater to cowards” dentist will have other options in sedation. Some even have IV sedation.

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

 

My dentist makes me sweat

September 24, 2014

Filed under: Cater to Cowards — Tags: , , , , , , , — 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

 

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.

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