I’m too scared to go to the dentist

I know I need to go to the dentist, but every time I think about scheduling an appointment, I start shaking. My last appointment was like a medieval torture session. Is there something I can take to make this hurt less without interfering with the local?

Deidre K. – Pasadena, CA

Deidre,

I’m sorry your last appointment was so unpleasant. It is not uncommon for people with a difficult dental experience to develop a form of dental anxiety. That seems to be what you’re going through.

There is something you can take. Most dentists who practice sedation dentistry can give you a pill for oral conscious sedation. A lot of those dentists like treating fearful patients. They want to help them get past their fear. They’ll even call it catering to cowards.

I’d call around to see if you can find a dentist like that in your area.

This blog is brought to you by Lafayette Dentist Dr. John Theriot.

Bulimic who’s scared of the dentist

I’m bulimic and I need to go to the dentist. Something is wrong with my teeth. I think it is because of how much I purge. I know it’s important, but I am terrified of the dentist.  What I really want to do is not go, but my mouth is hurting. Is there a way to home treat this?

Brittney – Alabama

Brittney,

I’m sorry you’re hurting. You’re probably right that the purging is causing problems in your teeth.  The acid from the vomit will eat away at the enamel on your teeth. That leaves you susceptible to decay, gum disease, and infection.

I realize that you are scared of the dentist, but to protect your teeth, you’ll likely need some dental crowns.  However, there is a way you can get the treatment you need without having to worry about pain.

See if your dentist is a sedation dentist. If not, then you can do an internet search for a dentist who uses sedation. They can give you a pill that will make you sleepy and you can have all your work done without feeling a thing.

Be sure to let your dentist know about the bulimia. It will help him no how to help you.

This blog is brought to you by Gilbert Dentist Dr. Matt Roper.

Need an affordable option for dentistry

I have a large family with a lot of dental problems. In fact, I don’t think more than two weeks has gone by this year without one child or another needing something done. Honestly, we must have the worst teeth in history. I have a kind dentist. He’s been letting me come in on Fridays, when the office is closed, and clean in exchange for dental care.  This has been great, but I’m pregnant with our 7th child (yes, we’re catholic) and my dentist has told me I need to be on bedrest.  I don’t know what to do. Not only will I need to figure out a way to care for my family from bed, but three of my children need fillings right now. I don’t think I’ll be able to come in and clean.  Do you know of programs that help make dentistry cheaper?

Marissa P. – New Mexico

Marissa,

You’re obviously a good mother. I love that you’ve been so creative in finding ways to deal with expensive dental care for your children.  You must feel a great deal of stress in thinking about how to continue your care of your home and family while on bedrest. Though doctors are trying hard to care for you, their instructions aren’t always practical in the real world.

Each dentist is different in their financial policies.  If you’re looking for affordable options in dentistry, I’d start by telling your dentist exactly what you told me.  He’s worked with you in the past, he’ll probably be willing to work with you now as well.

Some offices, like Dr. Roper’s office, have in-office dental insurance programs that keep your costs down. Others give discounts on certain procedures, like a sale of sorts.

The best practice is open and honest communication.

This blog is brought to you by Gilbert Dentist Dr. Matt Roper.