dental fear Archives - Arnold Dental

Is My Dentist Putting Me In Danger?

Posted on January 19, 2024 by writeradmin.

I went to the dentist a few days ago and learned that I have a small tooth infection. My dentist wrote me a prescription for an antibiotic and told me to not start the medication until a week before my appointment, but he can’t see me for close to four weeks. I have read in several places that a tooth infection can spread to your brain. I asked him about this and he told me that my infection is so small it won’t matter to wait. Is this putting me in danger?

Avery

Dear Avery,

I am glad that you are reading about dental care and understand the danger of untreated tooth infections. While a tooth infection can get out of control and spread to your brain, or even spread to your heart, throat, or lungs, depending on where it is, I don’t think you are in danger.

Some tooth infections are so small that you will have no trouble waiting a few weeks before getting it treated. If you suddenly end up in some pain or swelling develops, that is a sign it is spreading. In that case, I would call your dentist and tell him there has been a significant change. In that case, he will probably have you start the antibiotic and then schedule you an urgent dental care appointment.

I don’t want you worrying, though. Almost every time, a small infection remains under control for quite a while before it becomes an issue. Yours was so small that you were not even aware it was there until your dental appointment. Unless something dramatically changes, which as I said is unlikely, you are perfectly safe waiting.

The danger comes with patients who avoid the dentist and either try to push through the pain they’re in or who think they can just take antibiotics and be done. Antibiotics do NOT cure a tooth infection. They simply temporarily hold it at bay.

If Dental Anxiety Keeps You From the Dentist

For the benefit of others who may be reading this, I have often found that most people who avoid the dentist do so because they have had a traumatic experience there. This makes the idea of a dentist terrifying to them. If you are in that position, I want to provide a great solution for you.

If you see a sedation dentist, they can provide you with a medication that will completely relax you. In fact, many people call it sleep dentistry because they end up sleeping throughout the entire procedure. You’ll also find that dentists who offer sedation options are more compassionate toward fearful patients. They will not judge you even if it has been years since you’ve been to the dentist.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Fred Arnold.

The Danger of Cheap Dental Implants

Posted on September 9, 2023 by writeradmin.

I’m writing both as a warning to other patients who might be reading this and to ask a question. I lost all my teeth because of dental anxiety. I avoided the dentist like the plague and now I am paying the price for that. I am so angry at myself. I wish I had found a way to get past my anxiety. Anyway, I didn’t want dentures because I have heard about facial collapse. I wanted dental implants but did know how pricey they can be. I happened upon this dentist who said he was new in the area and as a means of developing his practice was discounting his prices signficantly. I thought I’d hit the jackpot of great opportunities. What a disaster this ended up being.

The implant crowns keep coming off and I’m left with a bunch of screws and gaps in my mouth, which is bloody and I can hardly eat. When I tried to get this fixed and threated to get a lawyer, my dentist skipped the country. Now there are rumors going around that he isn’t really a dentist, though I have seen no proof of that. I will never again think of cheep dental care as a good thing.

My question is what can I do about this? Is there anyway to salvage this or get my money back?

Christy

Dear Christy,

What a dental implant horror story! I am sorry this happened to you. It sounds like you have encountered a dental crook. Unfortunately, if he has truly skipped the country, then there is no way for you to recoup your money. This can however be fixed. The first thing you will have to do is have your dental implant case evaluated in order to find out what went wrong. That will determine your course of action from there.

As you have already discovered from difficult circumstances, a cheap dentist is sometimes the least affordable one you can use. Dental implant procedures are among the most advanced procedures a dentist can do. Training from their dental school will not be enough. Look for a dentist with post-doctoral training in dental implants and then have them evalate your case. They can tell you what has to happen from there. Do not be afraid to see more than one dentist about this.

As for your dental anxiety. I know that your teeth are already gone. However, there may be people reading this in the same situation. I suggest those with real dental fear see a sedation dentist. It is lifechanging and can give you pain-free/anxiety-free dental implants.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. Fred Arnold.

Terrified of Seeing the Dentist

Posted on December 12, 2019 by writeradmin.

I am in a massive amount of pain. I’m pretty sure there is something pretty seriously wrong. The thing is, I am terrified of the dentist. I haven’t gone for years because of that fear. I know that’s why I’ve probably now having this problem. I have tried going. I just start shaking whenever I think about it. The last time I went, I actually bolted from the chair because I panicked and left. Is there any help for someone like me?

Morgan

Dear Morgan,

You are not alone in this anxiety. Don’t be too hard on yourself. What you need is a dentist who understands the fear you’re going through and have the compassion to make your experience a positive one. They won’t judge or lecture you. Instead, they’ll work with you through the fear in a way that helps you be able to stay in the chair without bolting. While some dentists don’t like dealing with anxious patients, others are anxious to say that they cater to cowards.

That being said, it seems you likely have some type of dental emergency. You have to get it treated before it becomes a life-threatening emergency. People still die from tooth infections. Before you panic about having to go in, I know a way you can have an anxiety-free experience even during this emergency.

I’d like you to do an internet search for dentists in your area who describe themselves as a sedation dentist. Given the level of your particular anxiety, you need one who offers oral conscious sedation. This is administered by a pill and will completely relax you. However, it is so strong you will need someone to drive you to and from your dental appointment.

Dealing with Your Emergency While Setting Up Dental Sedation

Because you will likely need oral conscious sedation, a dentist will want to do a consultation with you and go over your medical history as well as any medications you are on and allergies you may have. The medications will include over the counter meds too, so don’t leave those out.

In the meantime, when you call the office, explain your position and condition. Ask them to prescribe some antibiotics for you. This will keep the infection under control and help with the pain.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. Fred Arnold.

Can I Self Medicate with Xanax before Seeing Emergency Dentist?

Posted on May 10, 2019 by writeradmin.

I’m terrified of the dentist but have a pretty severe toothache. I know I need to go to an emergency dentist, but the idea is making me shake. Would it be safe to self-medicate with Xanax before I go in? I think it would help me get through the procedure and I’m not sure I’ll be able to stay in “the chair” without it.

Casey

Dear Casey,

Please don’t feel like you’re alone in this situation. You should know many other people feel the same agony when going to the dentist. I don’t want to recommend self-medicating with Xanax ahead of your appointment. There’s a very good reason for this. You don’t know what type of medicine the emergency dentist is going to need to use when you are undergoing treatment and we don’t want to limit his options because of the contraindication possibilities. I do have a solution for you, though. One which could help you permanently and not just for emergencies.

I’d like you to look for a dentist who also offers dental sedation. This will completely relax you without your dentist having to worry about interactions. That’s because he’s already tailored the medicines he uses for sedation to his practice. This is different from sedation for a surgical procedure. You’re completely relaxed and pain-free, but you are still able to communicate and stay awake if you want. Though, as the picture above shows, many patients just prefer to sleep through the procedure.

The Importance of Not Putting off Emergency Dental Care

A painful tooth is considered a dental emergency. It generally means there is an infection brewing in your tooth. Without treatment, this will continue to spread and can become life-threatening. I know it seems hard to believe, but people still die from tooth infections in the 21st century.

This happens for two reasons. First, they don’t realize the seriousness and think they have time to deal with it. If you think about how close your heart and brain are to your jaw along with how quickly an infection can blow up and spread, you’ll see why this can be so dangerous. The second reason is they’re under the mistaken impression that just taking some antibiotics is enough to take care of it.

Dental infections are different because it kills the pulp of the tooth. Once the pulp is dead there is no longer any blood flow. The antibiotics never reach the infection. So, while you might feel better for a short period of time while the part of the infection which has spread outside of the tooth is held at bay, it will blow up even stronger than before.

It’s always better to catch these early when there is a chance of saving your tooth. Otherwise, you’ll be looking at paying for an extraction and tooth replacement such as a dental implant.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. Fred Arnold.

Hospital for Tooth Extractions

Posted on October 23, 2018 by writeradmin.

I have a horrible fear of the dentist, which is why I’m in the situation I’m in, to begin with. I need two teeth extracted. I was in so much pain I went to see a dentist. He said the teeth are too far gone. The appointment was horrible and just the idea of going back is horrifying to me. Is it possible to go to the hospital to have my teeth extracted?

Mark

Dear Mark,

Many dental emergencies arise from a fear of the dentist, but there is a solution.

You are not alone in your fear of the dentist. Many Americans find all kinds of excuses to stay out of the dental chair. Sadly, as you said, it often leads to painful situations in which you’re forced into seeing the dentist.

While there are dentists who will work with a hospital and put you under general anesthesia, hospitals cost a small fortune. What if I told you there was a much more affordable option which will give you a stress-free experience at the dentist?

Sedation dentistry is an option which will enable you to avoid the exorbitant cost of hospitals. You can get treatment right at the dentist’s office, without stress or pain. Oral conscious sedation is a simple pill you take before your appointment. However, it is so strong, you’ll be a bit loopy. It requires you to have someone to drive you to and from your appointment as well as stay with you until you’re lucid again.

Sedation and Preventative Care

One of the true blessings of dental sedation is how it changes lives. People who would have anxiety attacks just thinking about the dental chair are now able to get regular care. This enables them to finally get their oral health back, as well as preventing them from having dental care on an emergency basis only.

You’ll also find it saves you money in the long run as well. Preventative care is so much less costly than needing an extraction and tooth replacement options.

The Ideal Tooth Replacement

If you have the funds for it, the best tooth replacement option is to get a dental implant. It places a prosthetic tooth root in your jaw and then a porcelain crown on top. It is like having a healthy, natural tooth back and is completely stable.

Of course, there are many other replacement options you can speak to your dentist about, but I wanted to be certain you knew about implants. Your first step will have to be scheduling that extraction.

Best of luck to you. I’m certain you’ll find oral conscious sedation will change your view of dental care.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Fred Arnold.

Does Sedation Make You Stupid?

Posted on August 12, 2016 by writeradmin.

I saw this hysterical video on YouTube where a girl had some dental work done and had sedation. Her brothers pranked her something fierce. They even had fake radio news. Granted they went all out on their prank, but she seemed to really think there was a zombie attack. Does getting sedation make you more gullible or stupid?

Alicia K. – Oklahoma

Alicia,

I saw the video you’re referring to, and you’re right, these boys went all out to prank their poor sister. I don’t think you have to worry about something like that happening to you. All sedation does is relax you. Granted, it completely relaxes you. But, it doesn’t change your intellect or personality. You’ll just have less of a filter. What you think, you’ll likely say. My only precaution would be maybe not plan on hanging out with someone you’re not fond of that particular day, lest you say something you’ll regret.

Sedation is extremely safe. It’s not only useful for extended procedures, like wisdom teeth removal, but is a great way for patients with dental anxiety to get the care they need.

Using sedation you can have a dental appointment without any pain whatsoever. Patients who haven’t been to the dentist for years, suddenly have a way to get their teeth cared for again.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Fred Arnold.

Can My Mom Come With Me If I Get Sedation Dentistry

Posted on June 16, 2016 by writeradmin.

I need to have some dental work done. I’ve always had some form of sedation when I had a dental procedure. It’s always been fine and it’s the only way I can do dentistry. I’ve never had a problem with it in the past, but a few months ago I was knocked out by a man who slipped something in my drink. Then he attacked me. I haven’t quite been comfortable about the idea of not being in complete control. I know it sounds ridiculous, but I just panic now at the thought. I’d feel a lot better if my mom can come with me. It will make me feel safer.

Lori D. – Massachusetts

Lori,

Each dentist is different with their policy about people coming back in the operatory. Some of fine and feel the more the merrier. Others insist on being just their staff and the patient.

That being said, your situation is unique. If you talk to the dentist, I’m almost positive they’d make an exception for you regardless of their current policy.

If you find it uncomfortable speaking to the dentist, I bet you could explain it to the hygienist and they could relay it to the dentist for you.

If for some reason your dentist isn’t understanding, I would look for a sedation dentist who has more compassion. Anyone in your situation would have cause for needing to feel safe. One thing I will say that may help you feel better, is even the strong sedation, such as oral conscious sedation, still allows you to have control of your body. You’re able to respond and communicate, albeit it a little more loopy than you normally are. I just don’t want you to think that you’ll be unable to move.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Fred Arnold.

Toothache and Dental Fear…A Bad Mix

Posted on June 4, 2016 by writeradmin.

I have a horrible fear of the dentist. I mean horrible, have nightmares every night kind of fear. Now, combine that with a massive toothache and I’m frozen. I haven’t been to a dentist in years. I wouldn’t even know which one to go to, but I have to do something. Any recommendations for me?

Sasha H. – Maine

Sasha,

I’m sorry for your toothache…and the nightmares. I can assure you that you’re not alone in your fear of the dentist. I suspect you had a bad experience that soured you on dentists. What I don’t want is that negative experience to keep you from getting the treatment you need. In fact, I think you need an emergency dentist.

Toothaches are often a sign of infection. If left untreated, it will spread. And, I’m not just talking about to other teeth. It can spread throughout your body. Your mouth is close to your brain, so it can get serious.

I am taking into account your fear. Because of that, I’d like you to look for an emergency dentist that also does sedation dentistry. They’re usually more compassionate and used to working with fearful patients. Even better, you won’t have to worry about pain. The sedation procedure is pain free and will give you an appointment without pain as well. You will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment, because the sedation can make you a bit loopy.

This blog is brought to you Dr. Fred Arnold.