I will be the first to admit all of this is my fault. I have a hard time going to a dentist. That apprehension caused me to ignore a filling which fell out. I knew I should probably have it fixed, but I just didn’t want to deal with a dentist. Now the tooth feels like it is on fire and I know I’ll need something drastic. I’ve been using leftover pain meds from a previous surgery. They’re about to run out and I don’t know how to deal with this pain. Is there anything that can help a coward?
Kevin
Dear Kevin,
Dental anxiety often leads to a dental emergency
The good news is I would never call anyone who knows they have a fear yet is willing to face it a coward. The even better news, however, is that even if you were there are actually dentists who cater to cowards.
You are in a bit of a pickle because of this situation and will need to see a dentist right away. The tooth which lost its filling is infected. This is considered a dental emergency. The infection will continue to spread and can even become life-threatening. I know it seems crazy, but people still die from tooth infections, even in this day and time.
Hopefully, you can get it treated in time to save the tooth. Otherwise, you will be facing an extraction and tooth replacement. You will definitely need a root canal treatment and dental crown.
Finding a Dentist to Help with Your Anxiety
There are dentists who have tailored a part of their practice to aiding anxious patients feel comfortable in the dental chair. You can find them using several different search terms. In your place, I’d search under the term “sedation dentist”. Most dentists who use sedation will have two different levels. Though some only do one level.
The first is nitrous oxide. It’s sometimes dubbed laughing gas. It doesn’t make you laugh as much as relax you and give you a floaty feel. The second level is much stronger. Oral conscious sedation is administered by a pill. It will relax you so much that you’ll need someone to drive you to and from your dental appointment, as well as stay with you throughout the day until you are lucid and steady on your feet again. This is best used for patients with seriously high levels of anxiety.
I hope this helps. This blog is brought to you by Decatur, AL Dentists Drs. Drake and Wallace.