Need a Dental Crown and I’m Terrified

Question submitted by Laurie

I was told that I need a dental crown because I have a tooth with a cavity. Apparently, the cavity is too big for just a filling. I am terrified of the idea of having my teeth ground down. I don’t like going to the dentist in general. How much does it hurt to get a crown?

Laurie

I’m glad you wrote. I’m guessing that the dental anxiety which you have is what kept you from going to the dentist when the decay was small. I’m not saying this to make you feel bad or guilty. I just want you to know that there is a solution to the fear you are experiencing and it will keep you from having problems escalate to bigger procedure that are more invasive. It will also make your upcoming procedure a breeze to handle.

While there is a bit of tooth preparation that needs to happen in order to place your porcelain crowns, a dentist will provide you with a local anesthetic. When you’re nervous, that can still present a problem. Anxiety increases your metabolism. That can make your numbing medication less effective, which in turn increases your dental anxiety.

The way to fix this is to see a sedation dentist. They can provide you with a medication which can allow you to get through your procedure pain free as well as anxiety free.

Using oral conscious sedation is administered with a simple pill. However, it is quite strong. In fact, it is so strong that you will need someone to drive you to and front your appointment as well as stay with you for a few hours after your appointment, until you are lucid and steady on your feet.

Some people call this sleep dentistry because you are able to sleep through your entire appointment if you want to. Those who have had dental anxiety for years have found that by using sedation dentistry their lives are completely changed. They are no longer afraid to go to the dentist and will allow you to get completely caught up with your dental work.

This blog is brought to you by Tucson Prosthodontist Dr. Howard Steinberg.