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Do Dentists Even Care If Patients Are Scared?

July 26, 2017

Filed under: Cater to Cowards — Tags: , , , , , , — okcitydentist @ 7:45 pm

I’ve always been nervous at the dentist. I don’t know why. Yet, I’ve never met a dentist who seemed to care. It’s discouraging because I want to take care of my teeth, but this last visit was the worst. I was a little jittery before the needle. I asked him to wait, but he said I was being a child and just did it anyway. I had to stay still because he was jabbing me, but I would have punched him if I could. Is there a dentist who can be a little patient? Yes, I’m a grown man. That doesn’t mean I’m thrilled to have a giant needle being stuck into my gums.

Luke A.

Dear Luke,

That is not typical behavior from a dentist, at least not any dentist I know. It’s not uncommon for adults to be just as uncomfortable at a dentist’s office as the younger set of patients. As a dentist, he should know that.

First, I want to assure you that not only can you find a compassionate dentist, but you can have dental appointments in a relaxing way.

There are dentists who specifically cater to nervous patients. Most of them offer some form of dental sedation as well. If it’s the shot which makes you the most nervous, Dr. Swearingen uses a different type of needle called “The Wand”. It gives pain-free injections.

Do a search for those type of dentists. You can search “gentle dentists”, “cater to cowards dentists”, or “sedation dentists”. After your search, I think it’s important you also look at their reviews on sites like Google or Yelp. You want to make sure that people who’ve been to their office have had good experiences.

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

When Is My Son Allowed to Leave a Pediatric Dentist?

July 14, 2017

Filed under: Pediatric Dentist — Tags: , , , , — okcitydentist @ 4:50 pm

My son does great at the dentist. Nothing bothers him. He does shots for cavities like he’s reading a book, but he’s only 9. When are we allowed to switch him from a pediatric dentist to a regular one? It would be so much easier on our family schedule if we could all go to the same clinic.

Amanda – A.K.A. tired mommy

Amanda,

It sounds like your son is a rock star at the dentist’s office. Nothing phases him. This is great. It means he’s had positive experiences that have given him confidence. Many kids require some kind of sedation. Here’s the thing, your child NEVER has to go to a pediatric dentist’s office. He’s more than welcome to see a general dentist, even from the first appointment.

There is a condition with that. You want to take him to a general dentist who enjoys treating children. Some do and some don’t. If they don’t, that won’t be a good fit for your son. So, how can you tell? First, is ask what age they’re comfortable treating children. If they say 9 or 10, then they’re not really that great with kids. If they say around 2 or 3, then you can feel fairly confident they know their way around the mini-human set.

If ever an issue came up that required some specialized training, he (or she) can easily refer you to a pediatric specialist.

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

There’s a Horrible Sore In My Husband’s Mouth

June 10, 2017

Filed under: Dental Emergency — Tags: , , , , , — okcitydentist @ 8:02 pm

My husband hasn’t been eating and is favoring his mouth quite a bit. I finally talked him in to letting me take a look. There’s a nasty red sore in his mouth. I winced just looking at it. Is it serious? Does he have oral cancer? Should I see an emergency dentist?

Lillian H.

Dear Lillian,

I wouldn’t panic just yet, and I don’t think you need an emergency dentist. It’s more likely a canker sore than oral cancer. These usually clear up in about two weeks. There are several over-the-counter medications you could try. Things like the discs that are supposed to cover the sore sometimes have trouble staying on because of the saliva, but it’s worth trying.

If your husband has regular appointments with a dentist then his dentist should be checking him for oral cancer at every check-up. If it hasn’t cleared up in a couple of weeks, then it will be worth getting checked out.

I’d also try an anesthetic gel along with some acetaminophen to help with the pain. Hopefully, that will allow him to eat. We don’t really know the cause of these sores yet. The theory is currently that it’s caused by a virus.

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

Can I Take Xanax Before Going to the Dentist?

May 26, 2017

Filed under: Cater to Cowards — Tags: , , , , , — okcitydentist @ 6:09 pm

I have avoided the dentist for years. I know it was stupid. And I know I am paying for it. I have a horrible toothache. Absolutely awful. So, now I HAVE to go to the dentist. I can’t deal with this. I do have a prescription for Xanax. It helps me with anxiety. Am I okay to take this so I can get through this appointment? I have no idea what I’m going to face when I get there, but I’m guessing at least one tooth will need work.

Paris W.

Paris,

Don’t feel bad about your anxiety. There are many patients who are terrified of the dentist. I recently was talking to a 13-year-old girl about her dental anxiety. She talked about how when you’re laying in the chair, with the lights on you, and all those instruments coming at you, it feels like you’re having surgery awake. Then she panics.

You can take the Xanax if you have a prescription. Your doctor gave it to you for just these types of situations. However, you’ll want to let the dentist know what you’ve taken because he will want to avoid medication that will be counter-indicative with your prescription.

I want you to know there is another option that will allow you to get regular dental appointments without the anxiety you’re going through now. These appointments will keep you from having the type of dental pain and emergencies you’re having now. You’ll get regular care and issues can be taken care of before they become serious.

There are dentists who specialize in working with fearful patients. Often, if your anxiety is very strong, they’ll give you oral conscious sedation. In all likelihood, you won’t even remember the appointment. You’ll be completely relaxed. For many patients, this has changed their lives.

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

Can I Sue For Custody If My Son Needed a Pulpotomy?

May 13, 2017

Filed under: Pediatric Dentist — Tags: , , , , , — okcitydentist @ 8:40 pm

I just found out my son needed a pulpotomy. I’m seriously mad. This sounds serious. I’m sure it means my ex-wife’s been neglecting him and I wasn’t even notified he needed surgery. Is there a way I can sue for custody because of this? What do I need to tell the attorney?

Mark L. – Chicago

Mark,

It sounds like you’re worried about your son. It’s easy to take our fear out on other people. I know it would be easy to believe this is your ex-wife’s fault, but it’s very possible it’s not. There are people who don’t take care of their teeth and hardly need any work and there are people who take impeccable care of their teeth and have all sorts of problems. Dental hygiene is only part of the equation. Genetics has a lot to do with it too.

You should be aware that a pulpotomy isn’t a serious procedure. It’s a kid version of a root canal treatment. It’s very safe and was likely not at all scary for your son. With a good pediatric dentist, your son likely didn’t look at it as any different than any other fun visit to the dentist.

Before you complicate yours and your son’s life (as well as your ex’s) make sure you have all the facts. Talk to your son’s pediatric dentist. Or maybe even talk to your ex-wife. You have a child together so communication is going to be important throughout his lifetime.

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

Why Can’t I Talk Correctly Since Getting Lumineers?

April 26, 2017

Filed under: Lumineers — Tags: , , , — okcitydentist @ 11:27 am

I don’t know what to do. I got Lumineers because I’m going on a book tour and wanted to look my best. I’m supposed to read an excerpt and then do a signing line. I think they look okay, though they seem bulky. My biggest problem is I’m speaking funny and my tongue keeps catching on them. My dentist says I’ll get used to it, but I haven’t and my first tour date is coming up. What’s going on?

Eliza M. – Dayton, Ohio

Eliza,

You’re in a pickle. The problem is a combination of the dentist and the brand. Lumineers are advertised to inexperienced dentists as being easy to place, no-prep veneers. That tends to give a lot of inexperienced cosmetic dentists the confidence to move forward. That might work on cases that are textbook, but very few cases are textbook. Most, need at least minor shaving to make the case look right.

You could go back and have your dentist try to adjust the Lumineers, but depending on his skill it might not do much good. With your speaking dates coming up quickly, you might do better to go to an expert cosmetic and have the changes made. If you’re thrilled with how they look you can just have them adjusted. But, if there’s the slightest bit of disappointment in how they turned out, I recommend you get a refund and then have the case re-done by someone with more expertise.

Don’t be surprised if they recommend a different brand of porcelain veneers. Many highly skilled cosmetic dentists aren’t thrilled with the Lumineers brand. Much of it has to do with their lab, which they require dentists to use. It doesn’t give the most artistic results.

In the meantime, I’d recommend practicing your passages as much as possible. That’s just as a precautionary measure. You may find you do adjust enough to get through the book tour and then can deal with everything properly when you’re not feeling quite so pressured.

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

The Emergency Dentist Gave Me an Ugly Crown

April 14, 2017

Filed under: Dental Emergency — Tags: , , , , , , , — okcitydentist @ 2:47 pm

I’m not sure what to do. I had a dental problem while my dentist was out of town. I went to an emergency dentist. The dentist and office were extremely kind, they worked me in without issue and were gentle the whole time. The only problem I have is the dental crown they gave me is horribly ugly. It doesn’t come near to matching my other teeth. It wouldn’t be a huge deal except it shows when I smile. Is there anything to be done?

Miranda M. – Georgia

Miranda,

It sounds like the emergency dentist is a decent family dentist, but not necessarily very good at the cosmetic side of things. It’s obvious he cares about patients, based on the way you described your office visit. Plus, he obviously makes time for non-established patients which also shows he cares.

Unfortunately, there is no way to change a crown once it has been bonded in. That doesn’t mean you’re stuck with mismatched teeth. It can be replaced. The first thing I’d do is return to the dentist who initially did the work. Explain your concern. They’ll want you to be satisfied and may agree to replace it free of charge.

If they’re not interested in replacing it, then unless there is a functional problem with the crown, you may be out of luck in getting it changed for free.

Another option is to have your regular dentist look at the work. He may put pressure on the emergency dentist to make it right. Dentists do care about what their peers think. However, even if you don’t get any assistance from your dentist, you could go to another dentist and have the crown re-done.

Make sure whomever you go to the second time around has a good track record with cosmetics. You can look at the smile galleries they have on their website to get an idea of how beautiful (or ugly) their results are. Some dentists even have a beautiful smile guarantee.

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

Wine for White Fillings?

March 31, 2017

Filed under: Cater to Cowards — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — okcitydentist @ 1:09 pm

I suffered from a bit of dental anxiety. And by a bit I mean a lot. I need a filling. I’m hoping to get a white filling, but I’m having trouble scheduling an appointment.  Would it be okay for me to drink some wine before I go to the dentist? It should relax me.

Breeanne P. – San Diego

Breeanne,

I’m glad you’re taking steps to go forward with a needed treatment, even though you’re fearful. Wine is one way of dealing with anxiety. However, it may keep the dentist from any necessary work. Don’t let that discourage you, though. There is a great solution.

There are dentists who specialize in helping patients with dental anxiety. You can usually find them with a simple internet search. Look for a “sedation dentist” or a “cater to cowards” dentist.  They can give you something which will relax you much better than wine.

Just be sure you keep moving forward. Your cavity will likely be a simple fix, but if you let it go too long, it could blow up into something more extensive, like needing a root canal treatment and dental crown.

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

Sealant Rip-off From Dentist

March 13, 2017

Filed under: Pediatric Dentist — Tags: , , , , , — okcitydentist @ 5:41 pm

I’m a little frustrated with our pediatric dentist. First, they insisted we get my son sealants. I actually didn’t mind that too much because I see the benefit of sealants. However, they refused to place them unless I also pay for nitrous oxide. I felt that wasn’t necessary, but sucked it up and paid the added expense.  We go back six months later for his next check-up and one of the sealants is missing. It fell off. Now they’re insisting I have it re-done at MY expense, with nitrous oxide again. Should I? I feel I’m being gouged.

Tara B. – Michigan

Tara,

The dentist-patient relationship is an important one that requires trust, especially when you’re dealing with a pediatric dentist.  Our children are so important. We have enough to worry about with their safety, we should be able to put our guard down when interacting with their healthcare providers. It sounds to me like you feel you can’t trust your pediatric dentist. That may be a sign to get another one.

There isn’t a medical reason to use nitrous oxide when placing dental sealants. It’s a simple, painless procedure which shouldn’t require any type of sedation or numbing.  If your son is anxious at the dentist and has trouble calming down because of fear, that would be a reason for the nitrous. I don’t know your son, but you do.  I’ll let you decide if the nitrous was necessary in that case.

As to the sealant falling off, this bothers me also. Sealants should last for around ten years.  If they fall off that quickly it either means it wasn’t placed properly or your son eats a lot of hard or chewy/sticky food.  Obviously, that type of diet can destroy his teeth, so if that’s the case you’ll  want to re-evaluate. If you can’t see a reason his diet could have damaged the sealant, I’d ask them to replace the sealant at their expense.

If you’re uncomfortable with this pediatric clinic you can try another one or see if your dentist enjoys treating children. It’s not a necessity that children see a pediatric specialist unless a complicated issue comes up.  For basic services, a family dentist who loves children is just as adequate.

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

Help! My Emergency Dentist Thinks I am Crazy

February 13, 2017

Filed under: Dental Emergency — Tags: , , , , , , — okcitydentist @ 8:13 pm

I don’t know what to do. I went to an emergency dentist because of tooth pain. He decided I needed a root canal, which I agreed to. However, it’s a month later and it still hurts. I went back to see him. He did an x-ray and said nothing is wrong. I insisted I was in pain and he suggested I see a neurologist. Can you believe that?

Abbey – Baltimore

Abbey,

It might not be that the emergency dentist thinks you’re crazy, though certainly his chairside manner needs some work.

It might be that he thinks you have some nerve damage. A neurologist could help determine that. However, before you do that I’d take two other steps.

First, get a second opinion. It may be that this dentist missed something. It’s common for a root canal treatment to need more than one go. Have your regular dentist take a look to make sure the emergency dentist didn’t miss anything.

The next thing I would do before seeing a neurologist is to see your primary care physician. Your sinuses are very close to the roots of your teeth. It’s possible you have sinusitis and the pain is referring to your teeth.

If neither of those reveal anything then a neurologist might be your next visit.

Hope this puts your mind at ease.

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

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