I have to admit, dentist probably is not the most welcoming
profession/person. We have been accused of everything and anything negative. We
are very popular in sitcoms, funny movies, scary movies, you name it.
However, it is not my interest to hurt, or provide negative experience to my patients. And there are ways we can provide a better experience.
Dental Science has come a long way since the creation of
dentistry. I hear too many crazy stories from patients that I question myself, really…?
dentistry. I hear too many crazy stories from patients that I question myself, really…?
Nowadays, we have better and newer “Novocaine” that it is
easier to numb the tooth. Novocaine has been discontinued in US for awhile now.
We have Lidocaine, Bupivacaine, Articaine, and other “-caines.” Some are long
lasting and some are stronger, meaning they disperse and numb the nerve faster.
easier to numb the tooth. Novocaine has been discontinued in US for awhile now.
We have Lidocaine, Bupivacaine, Articaine, and other “-caines.” Some are long
lasting and some are stronger, meaning they disperse and numb the nerve faster.
We have stronger Orajel where we can numb the tissue before
giving patients shots. Laughing gas, Nitrous Oxide, is also available to relieve
moderate to severe anxiety in most of our patients. Worst case scenario,
dentist can even provide IV sedation to patients in extreme cases.
giving patients shots. Laughing gas, Nitrous Oxide, is also available to relieve
moderate to severe anxiety in most of our patients. Worst case scenario,
dentist can even provide IV sedation to patients in extreme cases.
However, many of us believe most important dental invention
of all should be “patience and care.” Along the way of inventing faster and
better tools/techniques, patience was lost. We have failed to inform the general
public what we can offer. It is rather disappointing to see some of my patients
still talk about early 1900s dentistry while we are busy commercializing “everything in one visit and done” dentistry. Please note, good dentistry/health care takes time and patience. Getting one visit everything at
once dental visit will only prevent you from coming to see a dentist regularly because it may overwhelm many people.
If you are a very nervous patient, please don’t give up hope. We are here to help.
of all should be “patience and care.” Along the way of inventing faster and
better tools/techniques, patience was lost. We have failed to inform the general
public what we can offer. It is rather disappointing to see some of my patients
still talk about early 1900s dentistry while we are busy commercializing “everything in one visit and done” dentistry. Please note, good dentistry/health care takes time and patience. Getting one visit everything at
once dental visit will only prevent you from coming to see a dentist regularly because it may overwhelm many people.
If you are a very nervous patient, please don’t give up hope. We are here to help.
Eugene Cho, DMD
