Can I Trust This Dentist?

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Hello,

I went to see a new dentist about some tooth pain I’ve had for a few weeks. This is the first time I’ve felt pain in this tooth, so I didn’t think it was too serious. However, the dentist told me one of my teeth has a cavity and needs an extraction. He would have to put me under to do either a bone graft or dental implant. Should I get a second opinion? I don’t want to get all this work done over some tooth pain. He didn’t even find an infection, but gave me antibiotics for the pain. I’m mostly worried about having a reaction to the anesthetic. I’m terrified of getting dental work done and am dreading this. What should I do?

Claire from Philadelphia, PA

 

Hi Claire,

If your tooth has recently started feeling pain, it has only become infected recently. It likely isn’t so far gone that it needs extractions, let alone a bone graft or implant. A tooth that’s beyond saving would have been hurting for awhile, and would have a visible cavity in it.

A second opinion would be a good idea. You can bring any X-rays to your new dentist. A fresh set of eyes can give you a new perspective on your issue.

Another point to consider is that anesthetic is a safe medicine, and you are not going to have an allergic reaction to it. Dental anxiety is nothing unusual. Find a second opinion from a sedation dentist. They are experienced in administering nitrous oxide or local anesthetic for anxious patients. The more anxiety you feel, the harder it will be to get you numb. Too much anxiety, and you’ll need conscious oral sedation. A gentle dentist will be able to advise you on your sedation needs.

This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge sedation dentist, Dr. Steven Brooksher.

 

3 Reasons Your Gums Won’t Get Numb at the Dentist and 3 Ways Sedation Can Help

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“My dentist can’t get me numb.” That’s a common concern that many people have about their next dental appointment. And delayed, rescheduled, or cancelled appointments follow. If you have a history of difficult dental appointments during which local anesthetic just didn’t work, you might benefit from knowing some possible causes. And you might be surprised to know why sedation dentistry can make a difference.

3 Reasons Your Dentist May Have Trouble Numbing Your Gums

Anxiety

Adrenaline flow increases with anxiety. It can overwhelm your nervous system and prevent local anesthetic from working at all.

Dentist’s Error

If the local anesthetic is mistakenly placed in the wrong location, it can make it seem as if your gums aren’t getting numb at all. If your dentist proceeds with treatment, the sensitivity or pain can make it feel as if no area is numb at all.

Genetic Factors

Genetics can cause a variety of conditions make it difficult to numb your gum tissue including:

  • Resistance to dental anesthetic in your peripheral nervous system
  • Abnormal location of your tooth nerves that make it difficult to precisely inject anesthetic
  • High resistance to anesthetics and low pain tolerance

Sedation Dentistry Can Help

  • Photo of a young woman relaxing in a hammock that is tied to palm trees on the beach; for information on Baton Rouge sedation dentistry from Dentistry by Brooksher.
    Sedation dentistry creates relaxing experiences

Sedation allows your dentist to accomplish more dental work than usual. Fewer interruptions and your prolonged comfort will maximize the productivity of your dental appointment. And sedation can be used whenever you need it—whether it’s for dental cleaning and exam, a new crown, or a dental implant.

  • Relaxation – Sedation dentistry relaxes you. It helps you avoid a surge of adrenaline that can interfere with the effectiveness of local anesthetic. It will also help you remain calm as your dentist locates any difficult-to-find nerves so that anesthetic can be injected in the correct location.
  • Pain reduction – In your relaxed state, you will be less sensitive to pain.
  • Perspective – After a series of relaxing pain-free dental appointments, your perspective about dental visits will change. Many patients have found that after positive experiences with sedation, they actually look forward to dental visits.

Nitrous oxide – Nitrous oxide is also referred to as laughing gas. As you breathe it in throughout your appointment, you’ll have a sense of well-being and calmness. When your procedure is complete, the effects of nitrous oxide are quickly reversed as you breathe in pure oxygen.

Oral conscious sedation – This method uses mild commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medication to help you relax. You will be given the medication to take in advance of your appointment so you can arrive at the office relaxed and ready for treatment.

The success of numbing your gums will greatly improve with sedation dentistry. And it will improve the way you feel about going to the dentist. Schedule a consultation with a sedation dentist to discuss your options.

This post is sponsored by Dr. Steven Brooksher of Dentistry by Brooksher in Baton Rouge.

3 Best-Kept Secrets to Know about Sedation before Your Next Dental Procedure

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Many people think sedation dentistry is for dental cowards—people who run from dental visits or get sweaty and nauseous in the chair. If you think sedation is just for the dental phobic, think again. Even the calmest patients can benefit from this treatment.

3 Ways Sedation Dentistry Can Help

1. Saves Time if You’re Busy

When you receive sedation dentistry, you’ll be more relaxed than normal. Increasing discomfort from lengthy dental procedures is virtually negated when you’re sedated. Your dentist will be able to get more work done in less time. It’s possible that a dental procedure that would normally require two or three visits will only require one visit if you receive sedation.

If you have a busy work or home life, you’ll benefit by limiting the number of dental appointments required to complete your treatment. You will save travel time and the need to take additional time off work or away from home. The time you would have spent at the dental office can be saved and spent elsewhere.

2. You’ll Be Less Sensitive to Pain

  • Photo to illustrate the relaxing effects of a sedation dentistry. A young woman is lying on her back in a field of flowers. A blue sky full of clouds is above her.

When you’re ultra-relaxed, you are also less sensitive to pain. Even if you don’t have dental anxiety, isn’t it appealing to know that your visit—particularly with more invasive procedures—will be virtually painless?

A variety of dental treatment can be more comfortable, including:

3. Gets Rid of Gagging

Even people who are not afraid of the dentist can gag when dental tools are placed in their mouth. You will be able to better manage your gag reflex under sedation. Your dental hygienist or dentist won’t have to pause for you to regain your composure so that treatment can continue.

It Doesn’t Always Mean You’ll Be Drowsy

Sedation dentistry doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be drowsy or fall asleep. Your dentist will select a level appropriate for your dental procedure. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is the lowest level of sedation, and it can be quickly reversed. If you only need nitrous oxide, you can drive away from your dental appointment with no problem at all.

Other levels of sedation can make you drowsy, but you’ll know what to expect in advance of your dental appointment so you can arrange for transportation. But remember even if you receive a level of sedation that makes you drowsy—more dental work will be accomplished in a single visit, so it will save you time.

Request a Consultation

If you’re interested in learning more about how sedation dentistry can save you time and increase your comfort during dental appointments, schedule a consultation with an experienced dentist to discuss your options.

This post is sponsored by Baton Rouge accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher.