Theriot Family Dental

Sedation Dentistry for a Recoverying Addict

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I was a drug addict for many years. I went to rehab when I realized what I was doing to myself. I was 26 and looked like I was over double that age. I am on methadone maintenance while I deal with my recovery. In the meantime, I am trying to get my body as healthy as I can, including my teeth. They need extensive work. The problem I am facing is my dentist refuses to give me either pain medicine or sedation because of my methadone. I have given him the phone number for my clinic and my caseworker/counselor. He hasn’t contacted either. Is there any chance you know of a compassionate dentist in my area? I live in [————-}. I really want to get my teeth fixed. I think it would help me go a long way in feeling better both physically and about myself in general.

Brooke

Dear Brooke,

Woman Covering Mouth

First, let me say how proud I am of you and the steps you have taken to get your life back in order. I know you can do this and have can have a wonderful future ahead of you. I know you probably feel like you have wasted so much time, but believe me when I tell you there is much goodness to come.

The difficulty you are facing is the fear the dentists have of the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration). Stories have circulated among practitioners about dentists who have gotten into lots of trouble just for being compassionate. This generates a panic that if they help (as they likely want to) they could lose their practice and have no way of providing for their family.

What you will have to do is find a dentist whose compassion overrides their fear. You will have a better chance of that if you call around to sedation dentists. They tend to be higher on the compassion scale. I think you will find a dentist willing to work with you if you are up front with them at the beginning. It may take some calling but I believe you’ll find one. I’m not as familiar with specific dentists in your area, but I am familiar with dentists. Don’t give up.

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