A Solution for Those Who Have Trouble Getting Numb at the Dentist

I have a huge problem whenever I need work at the dentist, which is pretty much all the time. My big problem is my body refuses to respond to the numbing medication so all my procedures are a nightmare. Because of that, I tend to avoid going unless I have a dental emergency. Is there any hope for someone like me? I’d like to get a smile that isn’t painful and I could be proud of.

Samuel

Dear Samuel,

I am very glad you wrote. I think I know exactly the thing to help you. When people have dental anxiety, it has an impact on how their body responds. Given your bad experiences at the dentist, anxiety would be a given even if you are not consciously fearful. This raises your metabolism, which in turn burns off your numbing medication.

The good news is that there is a simple solution. My recommendation is that you see a sedation dentist. They can provide you with a medication before your procedure which will completely relax you. When your body is relaxed, then your metabolism does not get overexcited and it allows your numbing medication to do it’s job.

Most sedation dentists offer two levels of dental sedation— nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation. Dr. Bracho offers two more beyond that. You didn’t say where you live, so let’s stick with the first two for now. Those will be the most commonly available no matter where you live. Nitrous is a light sedation and I think would not do you as much good until all your dental health is caught up. Oral conscious sedation is much stronger and will allow you to sleep through your procedure if you want to. Though, it is so strong that you will want someone to drive you to and from your appointment as well as stay with you for a bit until you are steady on your feet.

People who’ve used sedation have found that it completely changes their lives and they are finally able to catch up on all their old dental work. Once that is done, you can start on the smile you’ll be proud of thing. On that note, if you are getting any restorative work done, such as dental crowns, make sure you have your teeth whitened first. This way you can make the restoration the color you want your teeth to be. If you whiten your teeth later, the crown will not whiten with it.

This blog is brought to you by a compassionate dentist in Naples, Dr. Robert Bracho.