Why Do My Shots Hurt So Much?

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Hello there,

I had a cavity filled and my dentist tried to numb me with anesthetic. However, the shot hurt horribly. I’m sensitive to shots. The next time I needed numbing, I asked him to be gentle when giving it, but he ignored my request, and the shot hurt just as bad as before.

I have to get another filling but I am hesitant to go back to this dentist. It hurts too much. Can I do something before my appointment to make it hurt less? Or is there a way to get him to be more gentle this time around?

Connor, from Detroit, Michigan

 

Hi Connor,

When you asked your dentist the first time to be more gentle, he should have listened to you instead of ignoring you. Sometimes dentists get stuck in their ways. However, dentists need to maintain a good level of bedside manner in order to gain the patient’s trust, so he was in the wrong here.

One way to decrease the pain associated with the shot is to ask the dentist to use numbing gel. Leaving numbing gel on the gums first can help. Also, the dentist should administer the shot slowly instead of quickly. Doing it slowly allows the body to absorb the medicine better; doing it fast can cause bubbling at the injection site, or stretching of the skin.

If you are sensitive to shots, it may be because of the nerves in your jaw. Everyone’s bodies are different, and your dentist is administering the shoot where it is most likely to be effective. However, while this may cause no pain for most people, if your facial nerves are near the injection site, it will hurt you a lot more than it would otherwise. The dentist cannot control where your facial nerves are, so if this is the case, you may want to look for a gentle dentist or sedation dentist.

A cosmetic dentist who practices gentle or sedation dentistry will listen to your concerns. They will have a much more improved bedside manner than your current dentist. To have your sensitivities addressed, you may want to seek a different dentist.

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

Which Should I Get – Porcelain Veneers or Invisalign?

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Hi there,

I want a whiter and brighter smile. I was interested in porcelain veneers, but my dentist suggested getting Invisalign first. My teeth aren’t that crooked, so I didn’t think I needed braces. I asked about Lumineers, but he doesn’t do them because they look too bulky. Invisalign would delay me getting porcelain veneers by about a year, and would increase the cost. What should I do?

Thank you,

Ada, from Wisconsin

 

Hi Ada,

Cosmetic dentists usually suggest porcelain veneers or Invisalign, but suggesting both is uncommon. If you have bite problems or crowding in your mouth, that could be one reason for getting both.

One thing you can do is get a completely blind second opinion from another cosmetic dentist. Cosmetic dentistry is not a specialty recognized by the ADA, but are a segment of dentists that have pursued additional training in aesthetics and restoration. If they agree, then you can choose which dentist you prefer to do your work. If you dislike the size or shape of your teeth, covering them with porcelain veneers is a good treatment. You also won’t have to wait until your teeth are straight to start, either.

Invisalign bracers are faster than traditional metal braces, and will make sure your teeth are straight and aligned. If you want to brighten your smile, you can get an in-office teeth whitening treatment, or a take-home whitening kit. Your Invisalign bracers can even be used as custom bleaching trays. If you don’t want to rush into treatment, Invisalign is a good option for you.

This blog post is brought to you by Baton Rouge Invisalign provider, Dr. Steven Brooksher.

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.

 

Is $100,000 for a Smile Makeover Normal?

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Hello there,

I am trying to find a new cosmetic dentist after a bad experience. I went to see a highly-reviewed cosmetic dentist in my area for a second opinion. He said I needed a full-mouth restoration to fix my bite, which would run me between $50,000-100,000. I thought I just needed a few crowns on my upper teeth. I would rather get a new car for that price! I’m not sure exactly what he planned to do, but my gums and teeth are in good health, so I didn’t think I needed all this work. I can’t afford this smile makeover.

-Charlie from Washington, D.C.

 

Hello Charlie,

The prices you were quoted is on the high end, even for a smile makeover by an expert cosmetic dentist. You should go see another recommended cosmetic dentist in your area to compare prices.

Even if your bite is off, you may not need a full-mouth restoration to fix it. Your dentist may be suggesting an ideal course of treatment, but you need a more practical approach. You can work out costs with an affordable dentist.

Fees are not indicative of quality for a cosmetic dentist. Look at reviews and awards for dentists in your area. You should be able to find a quality dentist willing to personalize a smile makeover treatment plan for you.

This blog post is brought to you by Baton Rouge smile makeover provider, Dr. Steven Brooksher, of Dentistry by Brooksher.