I’m not sure I want to go back to my dentist. I’ve always been a little nervous in the dental chair. I needed to get a filling. It was my first. I couldn’t seem to get numb. The dentist gave me four shots, but I could still feel things. After the fourth shot when I said I could still feel it, he yelled and said it was in my head. I told him not to go forward and left. What do I do now? I’m guessing I still have to fill this cavity but I can’t if I can’t get numb.
Miranda
Dear Miranda,
I agree that you need to switch to a different family dentist. This one doesn’t seem to care or listen to his patient’s even when they are in distress. This is not what you deserve.
First, let’s address why you couldn’t get numb. When you are anxious, your body’s metabolism revs up. This, in turn, burns off the numbing agent your dentist provided you. The more anxious you are, the harder it is to get numb. Your dentist should have realized that.
Finding the Family Dentist Right for You
Obviously, you do fine for cleaning and checkups. Plus, with this being your first cavity, you take pretty good care of your teeth. Despite that, I’m going to suggest you switch to a dentist who works well with fearful patients.
They will usually offer dental sedation, and I think this is key for you. There are usually two levels of sedation offered. The lightest is nitrous oxide. It’s administered by gas breathed through a nosepiece. It relaxes you. For some anxious patients, this is enough to allow their local anesthetic to work. The biggest benefit is once the procedure is done, they just switch the gas to oxygen and you can get on with your day as normal with no lingering effects.
Those with more severe anxiety will require Oral Conscious Sedation. This is administered by pill. You’ll take it before your appointment. However, it is STRONG. So strong, that you’ll need someone to drive you to and from your appointment as well as stay with you at home until you are lucid and steady on your feet.
I hope this helps.
This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.