Sedation Dentist Archives - Kentucky Dental Group

Novocaine Doesn’t Work for Me

April 28, 2021 by writeradmin

Can you help me? I have never had a dental procedure where Novocain worked for me. This is true no matter how many shots they give me. Because of this, all my dental procedures have been excruciating. It is to the point where I only go if there is no other choice because of a tooth infection. My mouth is a wreck as a result. Is there any hope I can have a healthy smile?

Mandy

Dear Mandy,

I am so sorry for all you have been through. The fact that you are trying to get to the dentist again says a lot about your courage. I also feel confident I can help you.

There is a phenomenon that many dentists are still unaware of that pertains to this very issue. We have found there is a connection between dental anxiety and Novocaine resistance. In other words, the more anxious a patient is going in to a procedure, the higher the likelihood the Novocaine will not work for them. We’re not certain as to why. Some speculate it is a metabolism issue, meaning that your metabolism jumps up during anxiety which in turn burns off the numbing medication too quickly for it to be effective.

The solution is to go to a dentist who is willing to use a relaxant, such as you’d find with dental sedation. I suggest you do an internet search for a sedation dentist. In your case, I would specifically look for one who offers oral conscious sedation.

This is so strong that most patients sleep through their procedures. The only real downside is you will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment as well as stay with you at home for a few hours until you are lucid and steady on your feet again.

In addition to giving you a completely relaxed experience at the dentist, it will also allow you to catch up on your needed dental work much faster because you are able to have more procedures done at each appointment. Before you know it, you will have a healthy, beautiful smile once more with no more dental emergencies.

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

Novocain Didn’t Work for My Daughter

January 23, 2021 by writeradmin

I have an eleven-year-old daughter who developed a tooth infection. The dentist gave her Novocain but it didn’t work. She was in agony. I eventually had to stop the procedure because I couldn’t stand the pain she was in. I was also a little distressed that the dentist didn’t even seem to care about what she was enduring. I am going to switch pediatric dentists, for obvious reasons, however I still have to deal with my daughter’s infection. Do you know why the Novocain didn’t work? If so, is there a way to get her numb?

Miranda

Dear Miranda,

I am so sorry both you and your daughter had to experience that. I do believe I know what happened with the Novocain and know what will help. I can tell you are a kind and caring mother, so you will know that the infection will have to be dealt with before it has a chance to spread. These type of issues are considered a dental emergency. The first thing I would do is ask for an antibiotic to help hold off the infection briefly while you find the dentist you need to handle this. It is a short, temporary solution. Tooth infections are not treated by antibiotics, they are just held at bay for a period. The only way to get rid of the infection is for a dentist to physically remove the infected tissue.

Many dentists are not yet aware that there is a connection between dental anxiety and numbing medication. While we don’t understand why, we do know that higher a person’s anxiety the less effective the numbing medication is. The solution is to help bring down her anxiety before the procedure. The best way to do that is to see a pediatric dentist who offers dental sedation options.

There are different levels of sedation. Nitrous oxide is the lowest. However, given her recent experience, I think you need to find a dentist who offers oral conscious sedation. This is much stronger and is often called sleep dentistry. She will be quite loopy so you’ll want to keep an eye on her for a few hours after the procedure. It is perfectly safe and she will wake up with her procedure done.

Then, for the next few procedures she can use the nitrous oxide. This helps relax her and she will very likely fall asleep, but she will not be loopy when the procedure is over. With this sedation they will switch the gas back to oxygen and she’ll be back to normal in a few moments.

Hopefully, a few good procedures will enable her fear and anxiety to become controlled by her instead of medication.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.

Dentist Cut My Tongue

November 7, 2020 by writeradmin

I have never loved going to the dentist but I’ve never had one of those horror story experiences until this week. I was having a cavity filled and decided to get some nitrous oxide which they told me would relax me. It didn’t really do much for me so I don’t think it is worth the extra money. However, I am writing because during the procedure the dentist slipped and cut the underside of my tongue. Not only did I feel it, but I heard both of them gasp when it happened. When I approached him about it, he said patients bite themselves all the time during procedures. I sort of feel like he owes me an apology and maybe a partial refund, but he’s not even being honest about what happened. What do you recommend I do?

Meredith

Dear Meredith,

While you can ask for both, I wouldn’t hold my breath if I were you. It sounds like he has already moved into a defensive posture. I don’t think you are going to get very far with him. In some cases, you can get your money back with a lawsuit, but in this case, I don’t believe you will get very far. That type of case is difficult to determine objectively without significant evidence. The best you will probably be able to do is write a bad review and get a new dentist.

When you do get a new dentist, I would like you to get a sedation dentist. There are a few little hints in what you wrote that make me think that will be a huge benefit for you.

You have never loved going to the dentist. Sometimes this is code for “dentists make me nervous, which is more common than you would think.
Anxiety burns off numbing medication. When you get anxious in the dental chair, especially after a bad experience, your body kicks into overdrive. This burns off the numbing medicine making it difficult to get and keep you numb during your procedures.
The nitrous oxide seemed to be ineffective on you. This is usually a sign of someone who needs a stronger sedation option. Your best option is to find someone who offers oral conscious sedation.

This option will completely relax you, provide an anxiety-free and pain-free dental appointment. I think you’ll be much happier at the dentist the next time you need a procedure.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.

Burning Mouth Syndrome

September 16, 2020 by writeradmin

Since having a zirconia crown placed on a back tooth, I’ve had a burning aching throat and a dry tongue. We’ve eliminated allergies to things like the zirconia and any mouthwash or toothpaste I’m using. This has been another problem after dental work in a series of dental disasters. From a previous procedure, I had lingual nerve damage that took over a year to get better. One thing that may be a factor is the excessive amount of water the dentist needed to use during the procedure cause me to choke and need to stop several times. I can see how this would cause my throat to hurt for a few days, but not for as longa s it has been hurting. I’ve been to a couple of doctors. One can’t figure out anything. Another said it is burning mouth syndrome, but doesn’t know what can help it. Have you heard of this?

Brooke

Dear Brooke,

I agree with the assessment the one doctor gave you about burning mouth syndrome. Though it has been said there is no understood cause for burning mouth syndrome, there has been a pretty good link between dental trauma and burning mouth syndrome.

You’ve mentioned several issues that seem to be directly related to the connections seen. Your choking during the procedure, the lingual nerve damage that happened at your last appointment. Given the fact that you still need more work and the experiences you’ve had, it is no surprise your body is reacting.

The simplest solution for this issue is to see a sedation dentist. If you get a strong enough level of sedation, such as oral conscious sedation (OCS), it will relax you completely. You’ll be able to have an anxiety-free/pain-free appointment. Those who have suffered with dental anxiety and used OCS have found it completely changes their life. If you want to, you can even sleep through your apartment.

I think if you have a positive dental experience, it will go a long way toward helping with the symptoms you are experiencing.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.

Over Ten Shots to Get me Numb!

June 8, 2020 by writeradmin

It seriously took over twelve shots to get me numb for a single tooth extraction. It was a miserable experience. Now, I’ve got this sharp bone place where the tooth was. Did my dentist do something wrong? After my experience in the office, I have sort of lost confidence in his abilities.

Heather

Dear Heather,

Let’s start with the shots. While it is possible your dentist kept missing the injection site, doing it that many times would be unlikely. I’m pretty sure he’d have a reputation on YELP or Google Reviews by now if it took that many tries with all his patients. The more likely thing is an issue many dentists don’t realize are connected — dental anxiety and Novocain.

It is normal to feel a tad nervous at the dentist’s office, especially when you need more than a cleaning and checkup. For some, though, their anxiety level rises to the point that their metabolism kicks in to help with fight or flight. When that happens, the Novocain either becomes less effective or burns off too quickly.

Even though, your dentist may not have done anything wrong here it sounds like he may not be the right dentist for your situation. Instead, I would look for someone who offers dental sedation options. There are several levels of sedation, depending on your level of anxiety. This will allow you to have a stress-free and pain-free dental appointment. Many patients who have avoided the dentist for years find that it completely changes their life.

The Bony Ridge

Believe it or not, this is normal. when your tooth was first extracted the socket had a sharp edge to it. You didn’t notice the edge because your gums were covering it. Now that the extraction site is healing, it’s shrinking down and is visible. If it becomes an issue, your dentist can clip it.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.

Do I Need to Get a Crown on a Root Canaled Tooth?

February 19, 2020 by writeradmin

I have a canine tooth that needs a root canal treatment. My dentist also wants me to get a crown. To tell you I’m not fond of dentists is an understatement. I get that I’ll need the root canal treatment. The tooth is infected. That has to be fixed. I get that. Do I have to also get a dental crown? The less time I spend in the dental chair the better.

Kevin

Dear Kevin,

You didn’t mention what tooth needed the root canal treatment. A root canal treatment can make a tooth brittle. Some dentists will just try to crown every tooth after a root canal. However, the location of the tooth makes a big difference as to whether or not you’ll need a crown. If it is a back tooth, then I would say the crown is absolutely necessary.

Molars have between two to four cusps, depending on whether they are a premolar or not. When stress is placed on those cusps, like you’d get with biting forces, the cusps pull apart. This causes split fractures. The back teeth are used for grinding so having a crown protects it.

The front teeth, however, are used for biting and tearing. The shearing stress on front teeth means that putting a crown on that tooth will actually put it at more risk of damage. Instead, I would handle it this way. Don’t let him place root canal filling material. This will cause a darkening of the tooth. The better plan is to place a white fiberglass post. Then fill the rest with a white composite filling material. This will protect your tooth and keep it a color you’ll be pleased with.

Dealing with Dental Anxiety

You are not alone in your dislike of the dental chair. I want to suggest you look for a dentist who offers dental sedation. This will allow you to have stress free as well as pain free appointments.

Most patients find this completely changes their lives. It makes it easier for them to get to the dentist. This in turns keeps them from having fewer, if any, dental infections and gives them better overall oral health.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.

Why Can’t the Dentist Get Me Numb?

December 24, 2019 by writeradmin

I had to have a root canal treatment on a tooth that was injured years ago and has now picked up an infection. My dentist could not get me numb, even after six shots for one tooth. He’s at a loss. He didn’t charge me for the visit and has prescribed me some strong pain killers. I can’t live like this much longer. My dentist is doing his own research to try to figure out what to do, but I thought I’d write to you to see if you have experienced this with any of your patients. If so, did you find a solution?

Andrew

Dear Andrew,

I can help you. I have encountered this a few times. My suspicion is you struggle with some level of dental anxiety. Actually, based on how hard it was for your dentist to get you numb, it’s probably strong anxiety. It may not be in going to the dentist on its own, but in the procedure you needed.

What many dentists don’t realize is how that anxiety affects your metabolism. When you are anxious, your body’s metabolism kicks up a notch. This burns off the numbing medication. Therefore, what you need is something to keep your anxiety level down.

I’m going to suggest you use dental sedation for this procedure. Most dentists who offer sedation have two levels available. The first is nitrous oxide. This is for patients who are mildly anxious. It’s commonly called laughing gas and will relax you. It has the additional benefit of allowing you to get on with your day as normal after the procedure is done.

The second level is for those with more substantial anxiety. It’s known as oral conscious sedation (OCS). This is administered by a pill. However, it is so strong, you will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment, as well as remain with you afterward until you are lucid again. Most patients who take OCS sleep through their procedure, which is why some call it sleep dentistry.

If your dentist doesn’t offer either of these services, you can see a different practitioner for your root canal treatment. You don’t have to switch dentists entirely if you are happy with your current one. You can just go for this one thing and then return to your dentist.

Generally, after a root canal treatment, you will need to have a dental crown placed to protect the tooth.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.

Dentist or Oral Surgeon for Extractions?

September 13, 2019 by writeradmin

I have a terrible fear of the dentist and pretty much only go when I need a tooth pulled. I’m 50 years old and missing a large number of teeth at this point and feel like I need to get dentures. Do I go to a dentist or an oral surgeon for that?

Ben

Dear Ben,

I’m sorry for the struggles you’ve encountered. Many times, when someone is dealing with dental anxiety it is a result of trauma in the past with a dentist, often in childhood. This causes many patients to only go in for treatment when they have a dental emergency, such as you’ve done.

I would go to the dentist who is going to do the dentures for the extractions. If you go to two practitioners, one for the extractions and one for the dentures, there will need to be perfect communication. Denture preparation is something most dentists know how to do.

Because of your dental anxiety, I’m going to suggest you use a dentist who has sleep dentistry available. This will allow you to get your dental work done without any anxiety. In fact, if you want, you can nap through the entire procedure.

A Danger with Dentures

Before you settle on dentures, I want you aware of what you’re getting into. Even the best fitting dentures will reduce chewing capacity by 50%. The dentures for your top arch are held in by suction and the bottom ones just sit on the ridge of your jawbone. This is where the biggest problem arises.

When your teeth are removed, your body recognizes you no longer have any teeth roots. In an effort to be efficient, it resorbs the minerals in your jawbone to use elsewhere in your body. This causes your jawbone to slowly shrink. Eventually, you won’t have enough jawbone left to support your denture. This is known as facial collapse. Because of your young age, this is especially important for you.

The Solution to Facial Collapse

The best way to prevent facial collapse is to have dental implants placed in your jaw. These will mimic the roots of your teeth and let your body know you still need the bone to retain teeth. With about four to six implants you can anchor dentures to them. These are known as implant overdentures and will completely eliminate the problems caused by dentures.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.

Oral Surgeon or Dentist for Extraction

June 29, 2019 by writeradmin

I had a filling fall out. I ignored it because I’m not the best at keeping up with my needed dental care. I have some dental anxiety that tends to help me justify putting things off. Well, the tooth became painful again and I went to see a dentist who did a root canal treatment. I didn’t follow up with the crown and the dentist never contacted me. At the time I considered that good luck. Now I’m not so sure. The tooth was reinfected. I went to see another dentist who said the tooth is too far gone and needs to be extracted. He told me it’s a complicated extraction so I could go to an oral surgeon who’d use anesthesia or him with a local. Would it be unsafe to use a regular dentist? Anesthesia is pretty pricey but I don’t want to do anything unsafe.

Carl

Dear Carl,

Sedation dentistry is sometimes called sleep dentistry…for a reason.

It’s not unsafe to do an extraction with a general dentist unless the dentist is in over his head. That may be what your dentist is hinting at by even suggesting you go elsewhere. The first thing I’d do is ask him his comfort level with this procedure. If he’s comfortable then you should be fine. If he’s not you have two other choices.

Go to an Oral Surgeon

An oral surgeon will be experienced in any number of complicated extractions and you can do it under anesthesia. However, as you mentioned earlier, this is a more expensive proposition for you. I have a middle ground, which I think will also help with the dental anxiety you face as well.

Go to a Dentist who Offers Sedation Options

There are dental sedation options with a general dentist which cost less than what you’d have to pay with anesthesia. You will still be completely relaxed. In fact, it is sometimes dubbed sleep dentistry because most patients are so relaxed they sleep through the entire appointment.

You’ll find this allows you to get a lot more work done in each sitting as well. This means you can get caught up on all your neglected dental work as well.

Once your tooth is removed, it will be time for you to look at tooth replacement options. I’m going to suggest you get a dental implant as it is the best replacement option. However, if the adjacent teeth need extensive work, such as porcelain crowns, it will be more cost effective for you to get a dental bridge instead. This will crown the adjacent teeth while filling in the missing tooth.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.

Can I Get All My Work Done at Once?

April 13, 2019 by writeradmin

I need a lot of dental work done. I need three root canal treatments with dental crowns and four other cavities to fill. I’d like to get it done all in one appointment to avoid multiple trips to the dentist. Sort of take a personal day at work and be done with it. Is that possible.

Elliot

Dear Elliot,

You are a brave person. Most people try to avoid dental work and you’re ready to jump right in there all at once. Every dentist has different policies when it comes to how much work they are willing to do at once.

You will find that the dentists who are willing to do the most in one sitting are sedation detnists.

For the level of work you are looking at you’ll want a dentist who does oral conscious sedation. This will make you very sleepy. Most patients sleep through the appointment, which is in part why you can have so much done in one appointment.

However, the sedation is so strong you’ll need someone to drive you to and from your appointment. You’ll also need them to stay with you while you recoorperate throughout the day. You’ll want them there until you are lucid and able to easily get around.

Cosmetic Considerations

You’re having a lot of work done, including dental crowns. You didn’t say where the crowns were. In case they will be visible when you smile, I want you to be aware about coloring.

The color of the crowns created for your teeth undergoing the root canal treatment is permanent. If you are pleased with the current color of your teeth than there is nothing further to think about.

However, if you’ve ever toyed with the idea of whitening them, the time to do it is before your have your dental crowns made. This saves you the money of having to re-do them after you whiten them later.

I know you like doing things quickly, so ask your dentist about in-office teeth whitening. This whitens your teeth completely in just one appointment.

Best of luck to you.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. John Weaver.