Hello there,
I have struggled with addiction for most of my adult life. I finally am being treated at a methadone clinic for my opiate addiction. Years of drug use have wrecked my teeth, so I need a total makeover. However, the last dentist I saw refused to give me any pain medication for my tooth pain. I hate going to the dentist and worry about pain during and after treatment. Is there any dentist that will help me? I called around but of the dentists were willing to work with me, let alone give me any pain meds. My counselor is more than happy to answer questions any dentist may have.
Kenneth, from Billings, Montana
Hi Kenneth,
In the midst of the opioid epidemic, medical professionals are being extra cautious. Today, dentists would rather be careful than compassionate, especially if their compassion for patients could get them in trouble with the Drug Enforcement Agency. Some patients have abused this kindness, and unfortunately for you, their actions have made it harder for you to receive treatment.
You will need to find a kind-hearted dentist, but one that does sedation would work best for you. Gentle dentists can use nitrous oxide to put you under. Let them know about your history and treatment, and they can prescribe the best form of post-treatment medication. Keep calling and asking, and hopefully you’ll find a sedation dentist who’s a good match for you.
This blog post is brought to you by Baton Rouge sedation dentist, Dr. Steven Brooksher, of Dentistry by Brooksher.
