I have a serious problem. I’m dealing with a rather challenging tooth infection that needs to be treated. I’m currently living off of antibiotics and pain killers, but these will not last forever. Unfortunately, even though I have had three different appointments with my dentist, he has been completely unable to get me numb enough to get any treatment done. I’m about to the point where I’m going to see an oral surgeon in order to get the tooth removed, but I was hoping to save the tooth. Do you know why I cannot go numb? At each appointment, he has given me a minimum of five shots of Novocain and none of it them has worked.
Any help you can offer will be greatly appreciated.
Avery
Dear Avery,
I am sorry that you have had these experiences. This probably hasn’t made your desire to go to the dentist any better. Bear in mind I have not examined you, however, I believe I do know what is happening as well as a solution for the problem.
Most people are at least a little anxious when it comes to going to the dentist. That anxiety drives up your metabolism. In some patients, this results in it reducing or, in more extreme cases, completely burning up any effectiveness of the numbing medication. This is very likely what is happening to you. Then, the more bad experiences you had with it the higher your anxiety got.
I am going to suggest that you see a sedation dentist. They can provide you with a medication that will help you to relax, thereby getting the numbing medication to do its job. There are different levels of sedation available, the lowest is nitrous oxide and when your procedure is over, you can go right back to your day with no problems. However, given your recent experiences, I feel you are going to need something stronger. I would try oral conscious sedation. This is very strong. So strong that you will need someone to drive you to and from your dental appointment as well as stay with you for a few hours after your appointment to ensure that you are lucid and steady on your feet. The good news is that you will be so relaxed that, not only will you have an anxiety-free and pain-free dental appointment, but you are very likely to sleep through your entire appointment.
I would consider your situation a dental emergency. Don’t stay with this dentist. Get to one who can give you sedation so you can get the treatment you need before this becomes a life-threatening situation.
This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. James Williams.