I am dealing with two infected teeth. I have been to my dentist for three visits where he tried to get me numb. Each time he’s given me multiple shots. More at each consecutive visit. None of these visits helped and he could not get me numb. He’s been giving me pain killers to help as well as antibiotics to hold off the infection, but it isn’t likely this can go on indefinitely. Even if it could, I’m pretty miserable. Have you ever heard of something like this happening, where a patient could not get numb?
Edward
Dear Edward,
I am really glad you wrote. Yes, I do know about this type of situation. Even better, I know a solution. My guess is that you have a bit of dental anxiety. Who would blame you after the recent experiences you had. It sounds like your dentist does not know the connection between dental anxiety and numbing medication. Many dentists do not, so don’t be too hard on him.
It turns out that, with some patients, who are dealing with anxiety in the dental chair, their bodies will have a metabolic reaction to their anxiety. This has the unfortunate result of burning off the numbing medication that your dentist is trying to use to help you through the procedure. When you can’t get numb, it increases your anxiety, which burns the medicine faster. You can see the vicious circle.
The good news is that there is a simple solution for this. What you need is to see a sedation dentist. There are different levels of sedation. However, for someone with your type of traumatic experiences in the dental chair, I would recommend you get oral conscious sedation.
This is administered by a pill which will completely relax you. However, it is strong. So strong, that you will need someone to drive you to and from your dental appointment as well as stay with you for a few hours after your appointment. You’ll want them with you until you are lucid and steady on your feet.
People who had trouble their entire lives going to the dentist find that getting dental sedation completely changed their lives and they are able to catch up on years of dental care. I’m confident this will work for you.
You’ve got a dental emergency on your hands and the antibiotics won’t work long. If your dentist doesn’t offer oral conscious sedation, find one who does. Ideally, one who is DOCS certified, so you know they have the best sedation qualifications.
This blog is brought to you Libertyville Cosmetic Dentist Dr. David Potts.