I need some advice. I have never been able to tolerate dental work. This is mostly because I have never been able to get the numbing medication to work. I’m not allergic, it is almost like my body doesn’t accept it. I’ve only been going to the dentist in the most urgent situations. Those appointments, as you can imagine, are like torture. I don’t think I can keep doing this. Is there any solution for people like me? Will hospitals let me do dental work under anesthesia?
Drew
Dear Drew,
I’m glad you wrote. I’m also sorry for your lifetime of agony at the dentist. It’s miserable going to the dentist based on dental emergencies. While it is possible for your to have your work done at a hospital under anesthesia, there is a much more affordable solution. I would like to recommend that you see a sedation dentist.
When someone has dental anxiety, which usually stems from dental trauma, then their body tends to amp up the metabolism and their body ends up burning off the numbing medication. That is very likely the reason that you have not been able to stay numb. While some of them offer IV sedation, there is another option that may be just what you need that is worth trying out. Oral conscious sedation is administered by a pill. It is very strong and patients often sleep through the entire appointment. It’s strength also means that you will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment as well as stay with you for a few hours after your appointment. You’ll want them there until you are at least lucid and steady on your feet.
Patients who’ve been unable to go regularly to the dentist because of their anxiety have found that this has changed their lives. They were finally able to to catch up on all of their needed dental work, without fear or pain.
This blog is brought to you by West Seneca Dentist Dr. Carl Embury.