Posted by writeradmin
I hate going to the dentist and only went because I have a massive toothache. My dentist was a complete jerk about it and said I wouldn’t have these problems if I would actually come like I’m supposed to. I almost left, but my mouth was in too much pain. So, are there dentists who are more compassionate about patients who aren’t comfortable with the dentist?
Aurora
Dear Aurora,
I’m sorry for the way your dentist handled this situation. If someone is bleeding because they fell, you don’t lecture them for falling. You treat the wound. Then, only when they’re safe and healthy, do you discuss ways to avoid those type of injuries. Compassion should always come first.
I am glad that you stuck it out at your appointment. Untreated tooth infections are dangerous. In fact, six to ten people a year die from them in the United States alone. This is because the only way to truly treat them is by removing the infected pulp. You can solve the problem with an antibiotic.
There are judgment free dentists. The good news is those dentists are generally the same ones who provide a service which I think will solve much of your anxiety with your dental care. I would look for a dentist who offers dental sedation options. These dentists understand patients who are afraid of the dentist and know that lecturing them solves nothing.
There are different levels of sedation available. If you go to a dentist who offers oral conscious sedation, then you could even sleep through your dental appointment if you wanted to. People with dental anxiety who’ve used dental sedation have found it to change their life. They can finally have pain-free and anxiety-free dental care and are able to finally get their teeth as healthy as they always wanted them to be.
This blog is brought to you about a compassionate dentist from Baton Rouge, Dr. John Theriot.