Request Request an Appointment Forms Download Patient Forms Like Us Like Us on Facebook Reviews Review us on Google Call Map
11318 N May Ave Suite B,
Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 751-8092

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 pediatric dentist won’t let me back with my child

November 14, 2014

Filed under: Pediatric Dentist — Tags: , , — okcitydentist @ 5:49 pm

I don’t know what to do. We found a great pediatric dental clinic, but he doesn’t let parents back. My daughter said she was terrified. I don’t want to put her through that again. Is there a way to convince the dentist I need to be back there?

Amanda P. – Staten Island, NY

Amanda,

Each dentist has a different way of handling this issue. Some pediatric dentists are fine with parents being back in the operatory. Others absolutely will not allow it, feeling children do better without their parents in the room, projecting anxiety. Still others decide on a case by case basis.

What is boils down to is you’re the parent. You’ll have to find the pediatric dentist that works best with your family. I’d talk to your current dentist about your daughter’s experience. If he’s at least willing to try you going back with her then you can continue with him. If not, and you feel strongly it is in your daughter’s best interest to go, then you’ll have to find a different dentist.

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

Can I get new teeth without needing sunglasses?

October 29, 2014

Filed under: Lumineers — Tags: , , , — okcitydentist @ 9:29 pm

I want to get lumineers, but when my sister got them, her teeth were way too bright. I like how they look other than the unbelievable color. Is there a way to get them without that issue?

Mara L. – Ontario

Mara,

The color is choosen by the client. It might be that your sister wanted atomic teeth. However, if you get Lumineers, you can pick whatever shade of white you prefer.

You’ll be the one in charge. You get with your cosmetic dentist and let him know what kind of smile you want.

Make sure he let’s you “test drive” them before he permanently bonds them on. Otherwise no matter how good or bad they look, they’re yours.

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

Mugged–lost my wallet and my tooth

October 14, 2014

Filed under: Dental Emergency — Tags: , , — okcitydentist @ 3:09 pm

I got mugged. The police want me to come to the station, but I want to take care of my tooth, which also got knocked out. I’m hoping you answer these quickly, because I don’t know what to do.

Betsy G. – Nebraska

Betsy,

I’m sorry for your experience. Hopefully, the police will let you take care of your health first and then come by to file a report. You’ll need to get to your dentist’s office within thirty minutes  to have any chance of saving your tooth. You’ll want to keep the tooth moist as well.  If you can’t reach your dentist, there are dentists who will see non-patients in an emergency after hours.

If you’re not able to get to your dentist in time to save your tooth, you’re not doomed to look like a hillbilly. There are tooth replacement options. If you can afford it, the ideal treatment is to get a dental implant to replace your missing tooth. If that is not in your budget, there are other options. You’re dentist can work with you and help you determine the best solution.

If the police apprehend your assailant, I suggest you file a civil suit for him to pay for your treatment. Tooth replacements are pricey.

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

 

Do I have to go to a pediatric dentist?

September 6, 2014

Filed under: Pediatric Dentist — Tags: , , — 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.

 

Lumineers for vampire teeth

August 30, 2014

Filed under: Lumineers — Tags: , , , , — okcitydentist @ 7:31 pm

I want to go as a vampire for halloween and I want it to be REALLY realistic. Can I get lumineers that look like vampire teeth?

Steve C. – Portland

Steve,

Yes, you can get lumineers to look like vampire teeth. However, you’ll spend a lot of money to do so and it’s permanent.  Some dentists are willing to do this, but many, if not most, aren’t. Now, if you want to spend the next 20 years or so looking like a vampire, then this is a great solution for you. If not, I’d look for a different solution.

You could get dental bonding, which is less expensive. You’ll have to pay twice. Once to get them and once to get them removed.  Many dentists will make you sign something that promises you will come back to have them removed.  Mosts dentists aren’t comfortable creating permanent “vampires”.

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

Does the dentist need to know everything?

August 15, 2014

Filed under: Dental Emergency — Tags: , , , — okcitydentist @ 12:24 pm

I was in a situation that I shouldn’t have been in, buying something I shouldn’t have. During the transaction a fight broke out and I got hit in the mouth. My tooth is pretty loose. I know I need to see a dentist, but don’t want to get in legal trouble. Does he need to know how it happened?

Name Withheld

Dear Anonymous,

There is doctor/patient confidentiality, but that doesn’t cover every situation. For instance, if he were to think that you were a danger to yourself or others, than he would be obligated to report it. Other than that, he would generally keep the information to himself.

With any emergency dental situation, you just need to be honest about the physical implications of your injury.  It’s up to you what you tell the dentist. He at the very least needs to know what happened to your mouth. You could just tell him you got into a fight. He doesn’t necessarily need to know why.

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.

What in the world is a pulpotomy?

July 16, 2014

Filed under: Pediatric Dentist — Tags: , , , — okcitydentist @ 9:45 pm

My dentist said my daughter needed a pulpotomy, but our appointment was out of time before he could explain what it was. He said he’d talk me through it as he did it. Can you tell me what in the world it is? I don’t relish going in there blind.

Stacey Anne L. – Pittsburg

Stacey Anne,

You’re a much nicer patient than I would be. My dentist would definitely explain something to me before I’d even agree on another appointment for a procedure. In fact, your dentist has an ethical obligation to explain all your options, so I consider his callousness in telling you that he’s out of time and he’ll just explain it to you as he goes in excuseable, especially for a pedicatric dentist.

Now that my rant is over, I’ll explain the procedure. Basically, a pulpotomy is like a root canal procedure for children.

It’s done on an infected baby tooth to kill the infection. Most of the pulp of the baby tooth is removed, down to the roots, and the tissue inside the roots is daubed with a disinfectant, such as formocresol. The tooth is then sealed and usually covered with a stainless steel crown.

It is usually done only on baby molars, because they need to stay in place until your daughter is about 10 to 12 years old in order to hold the space for the permanent premolars.

I hope this helps put your mind at ease. If you have any more questions, please let me know. This blog is brought to you Oklahoma City Dentist Dr. Don Swearingen.

« Newer Posts — Older Posts »