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We can be done for a complete dental coward

November 28, 2015

I hate dentists. No offense, but you guys seem to get into dentistry because it was between that and torturing puppies for a living. This option was legal.  So….you’ve got that going for you. Unfortunately, I think I need to go to one. My gums are sore. So…what can someone who is terrified of sadists do to make the appointment easier?

Brooke S. – Brooklyn

Brooke,

I don’t even want to know what your childhood dentist was like.  It’s sounds like you’ve had nothing but bad experiences.  Let me assure you, not all dentists contemplated killing puppies for a living. I promise.  Most actually got into the field because they like helping people.

My saying that will not take away your dental anxiety though.  My suggestion would be to see a dentist who caters to fearful patients. They are aware that some of those patients have been through a traumatic experience and have ways to make your appointment completely pain free.

Please don’t put this off. It’s possible you have gum disease. If left untreated, you can lose your teeth.

This blog is brought to you by Oklahoma City Dentist Dr. Don Swearingen

Should I have a loose tooth pulled?

November 14, 2015

My daughter has had a loose molar for a month. It’s still not coming out and all she does is complain about it. Should I have it pulled?

Meagan K. – Yonkers, NY

Meagan,

It can take teeth quite a long time to fully come out.  Those ligaments which hold them in place stretch and snap back so much you can despair that the tooth will ever come out.  I wouldn’t jump to pulling it yet.  You don’t want to pull it out before the adult tooth is ready.  The baby tooth is holding that space open. If you pull it prematurely, her teeth could shift, not leaving room for an adult tooth.

This is especially true of molars which need to say in much longer than other teeth. If you’re daughter isn’t around eleven years old, that molar needs to stay put, barring there being an infection.

If you’re concerned, I would take her in to her pediatric dentist and let him or her have a look. They can make sure the adult tooth is fine and there is no underlying problem with her molar. If there is a problem and the molar needs to come out early, the pediatric dentist can place a space maintainer to keep her teeth from shifting.

This blog is brought to you by Oklahoma City Dentist Dr. Don Swearingen.