I haven’t been to the dentist since I left home to live on my own because I’ve always had trouble getting numb and my dentist didn’t seem to care about that. I’ve never been fond of the dentist and my husband didn’t seem to mind that my teeth were unattractive. He died about eight years ago and I think I’m ready to try to meet some people. I’m not quite sure I’m ready to date, but definitely need to get out and at least meet some people. The problem I’m facing is a lack of confidence because of my teeth. They need a lot of work. Is there a way to get a lot of dental work done quickly that won’t feel like I’m being tortured by a sadist?
Sophie
Dear Sophie,
First let me say that I am sorry for your loss. Grief is something that stays with you, especially when it is someone you’ve loved for so long. Don’t feel pressured to date, but of course, getting out to meet people is a wonderful thing to do not just for your grief, but for your health as well.
You are not alone in your dental anxiety. Often it stems from a painful pediatric dental appointment. I’m not saying your parents did this, but sometimes parents wait until there is a problem with their children’s teeth to take them to the dentist. When that happens, their first experience with the dentist is a frightening and painful one.
As for your situation, I have a fantastic solution. The key to having both a pain-free and anxiety-free dental appointment is to see a sedation dentist. Often when I hear a patient can’t get numb they are also patients with dental anxiety. That anxiety can amp up your metabolism, which has the effect of burning off your numbing medication. This is likely why you were having trouble staying numb.
A sedation dentist can provide you with nitrous oxide, which is a gas that will relax you and all you have to do is breathe through a nosepiece. Not only does this relax you enough that you will be able to stay numb, but your dentist will be able to get a bit more work in at each appointment. Make sure you tell your dentist the goals you have for the appearance of your teeth so he can triage your work with that goal in mind.
This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.