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I will admit to having a terrible fear of the dentist. Years ago, I had an infected tooth which needed a root canal treatment. I did the treatment but the experience was awful so I didn’t go back for the cap and the dentist never followed up. I thought I’d dodged a bullet, but now the tooth is in worse shape and seems to have developed another infection. I went to see an emergency dentist who said that the tooth needs to be extracted. He suggested I do it with an oral surgeon under anesthesia, but said he could do it with a local if I needed to save money. Now I’m torn. I do need to save money but I don’t want to put myself in danger or another miserable treatment by sticking with a dentist instead of a surgeon. What do you recommend?
Andy
Dear Andy,
I am sorry for the anxiety and pain you have experienced at the dentist. I am sure that has made it challenging for you to keep up with your dental work. I actually have an alternate suggestion for you. You will not need to see an oral surgeon, nor will you need to have the extraction done with only a local anesthetic.
A way for you to save money AND have a pain-free procedure is to have a sedation dentist do your tooth extraction. Specifically, you will want someone who offers oral conscious sedation. This is administered by a pill. However, it is so strong 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. They’ll want to remain with you until you are lucid and steady on your feet.
One of the great things about dental sedation is how life-changing it can be. Patients who have spent a lifetime afraid of the dentist are suddenly able to go without fear. In fact, it is so strong that, if you want to, you will be able to sleep completely through your procedure.
I hope this puts your mind at ease.
This blog is brought to you by Lafayette, LA Dentist Dr. John Theriot.