I’ve done six tours of duty with my company. I’m a tad worn out and will be retiring soon. My biggest problem lately is a result of my PTSD. It’s affected more of my life than I like to admit. One of those is dental care. I have trouble with certain noises and any unexpected movement towards me. You can imagine that has hindered my dental care. I had an episode the last time I tried to go and that is when I decided it was time to get help, even if it is embarrassing. I’m looking at solutions to dealing with important things while I undergo treatment. I’m wondering if dental sedation is a good solution for me to at least get caught up on any dental work. Will my medications be a factor? Does it work for people in my condition?
Andy
Dear Andy,
First, I want to thank you for your service. I can think of absolutely zero reasons for you to be embarrassed about seeking help. With everything you have likely been through and seen, I’d be surprised if you didn’t need at least some help adjusting to civilian life again. You are a hero and should be treated as such.
I think you have a great idea with using a sedation dentist to get caught up on your needed work. This is an amazing way for people dealing with anxiety to help get the care they need. There are a couple of extra precautions necessary for someone in your position, but I think they will be fairly simple to overcome.
What Your Sedation Dentist Needs to Know about Your PTSD
Every sedation dentist will do a consultation with you before your actual appointment. The reason for this is because he’ll need to know your medical history as well as any medications you are on so he doesn’t give you anything you could have a reaction to or which will interfere with your medications. Make sure you tell him everything, including your PTSD medications.
That leads me to the second thing. Each person with PTSD has different triggers. Your dentist needs to know your particular triggers. For instance, you mentioned you can’t have people sneak up on you. That means he needs to inform the staff so they don’t accidentally do anything to put you in a dangerous position.
Their goal will be to help you and make your care as easy as possible. It has the additional benefit of enabling you and the dentist to get a lot more done at each sitting. If you’ve been putting off fillings or dental crowns, you can get both done.
This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.