I need some advice from someone I think will actually care. Your blog seems like that. Growing up, my family could not afford the dentist so I had a lot of neglected work. I do remember one time my tooth hurt so bad they took me to a dentist. I needed a root canal treatment. My parents could not afford the crown to go over the tooth so it just stayed as it was. Eventually, it turned dark and then one day just broke in half. I’m an adult now and am trying to do the best I can, but there is just so much work to be done. The last dentist I went to see hinted that I didn’t seem to care much about my teeth. That is not true! I’m doing my best and so did my parents. I think his attitude affected his treatment too because the appointment hurt so much! I’m almost scared to go back to him, but I know I need to keep working to get my mouth in order. Are there dentists who care and aren’t all judgy? Will all the appointments hurt that much? If so, is it okay to swig some wine beforehand to dull my senses, or will they then judge me as a drunk?
Desperate Dena
Dear Desperate Dena,
I am sorry for how you were treated at your last dental appointment. I’ll say right off the bat that this will not be the best dentist for you. Instead, you need someone with compassion and who is not so judgmental (especially without having all the facts). You will find there are a great many dentists like this, but I want to give you a one-up on how to find one.
I would do a search for a “cater to cowards” dentist. This doesn’t really mean they think you’re a coward. Rather, they are hinting that they understand patients who have had bad experiences with a dentist in the past and have ways of making you comfortable in the dental chair. They will provide some type of medication to help your appointment be pain-free. They are also great at not lecturing patients but helping them forward under whatever circumstances they find themselves.
While you’re doing this, I’ll give a tip that will help slow down any decay you have brewing. I’m sure you are diligent in brushing your teeth and flossing, but may not know about the most effective weapon you have against decay — your saliva. Though you may already be doing this, I’ll mention it just in case. If you can limit your eating to no more than three meals and two snacks a day, you will find decay is easier to fight.
This blog is brought to you by Decatur, AL Dentists Drs. Drake and Wallace.