I will start by saying I am in addiction recovery and am currently on methadone to help with that. If you combine that with my dental anxiety, you can probably guess I’m a bit of a mess. This has led to my oral health going down the toilet. I want to get things under control, but am having trouble. The first dentist I spoke to seemed to go into a panic when he found out I was on methadone. He instantly told me I wouldn’t get any pain meds out of him. I wasn’t looking for a high. I’m looking to get my teeth fixed, but do know that some of the procedures will require pain medication. I don’t want to be tortured just because I’m being prejudged. I did offer to provide him with my clinic, doctor, and counselor, along with written permission to discuss my case. He still didn’t care. Can you think of any way for me to get the treatment I need without being in complete agony the whole time?
Malorie
Dear Malorie,
I’m sorry you are having to face this in the midst of trying to get healthy, both from your addiction and with your oral health. While the particular dentist you went to seemed to be pre-judging you, I think the majority of what you will face will be dentists worried about dealing with the DEA.
There have been dentists and doctors who ended up in trouble from the DEA because they were compassionate and wanted to help the patient. They don’t want to do anything that would raise a red flag. In your position, I would look for a sedation dentist. They tend to be the most compassionate of the dentists. Be upfront with them, as you were with the previous dentist. You are looking for a dentist whose compassion is greater than their fear.
I do feel confident you will find someone. Please don’t let the experience you just had keep you from trying again. I don’t want the negativity you experienced land you with a dental emergency.
This blog is brought to you by Sugarland Dentist Dr. Siny Thomas.