I just started college and have a problem. I developed a slight toothache. I went to see a dentist the university recommended but it was a disaster. My old dentist was so nice and patient with me. He knew I became nervous in the dental chair and said, “Not to worry. He loves fearful patients.” He’d go slow, explain everything to me, and if I needed a shot would give me nitrous ahead of time. This dentist was pushy and impatient. Not only that, he was so rough I thought I was going to cry. Is there a way I can hold off until my fall break to see my old dentist?
Andrea
Dear Andrea,
It’s hard finding a new dentist, especially after you’ve spent years with a great one. Truthfully, it’s hard to say whether or not you can wait until fall break without seeing your x-rays or having some more information. Did the dentist you saw (and didn’t like) mention if there was a cavity? Was it one that seemed close to a nerve or the pulp? Did he mention an infection?
If it’s an infection or close to the pulp, you really shouldn’t wait. Infections can turn into a dental emergency quickly. Some can become life-threatening. Believe it or not, even in this day and age people still die from tooth infections. But, that only happens when they wait too long to get treatment.
if you have to seek treatment right away, here are some things which can help you find a gentle, compassionate dentist, such as the dentist you grew up with was.
First, do an internet search using one of these terms:
- sedation dentist
- cater to cowards dentist
- gentle dentist
After that, you should really take the additional step of checking their reviews. There are several online sites, such as Google Reviews or Yelp! which people write out their experience with the dentist. This should give you an idea of whether or not they’re what they advertise to be before you visit them.
If you’re not in a rush, for instance, if it’s just a small cavity that can be watched, then you’re probably safe to just wait until your break. Just make sure you go ahead and schedule the appointment soon so you’re sure to get in while you’re home.
However, if you start to hurt more, you’ll need to be seen again right away. Just try a different dentist.
This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.