Attention Dental Chickens!!
Susan R Cushing*
Pocasset Family Dental, USA
Submission: October 25, 2016; Published: November 03, 2016
*Corresponding author: Susan R Cushing, Pocasset Family Dental, 676 MacArthur Blvd, Pocasset, MA 02559, USA, Tel: +508-642-7623; Email: srcdmd1@gmail.com
How to cite this article: Susan R C. Attention Dental Chickens!!. Adv Dent & Oral Health. 2016; 2(4): 555594. DOI: 10.19080/ADOH.2016.02.555595
Abstract
The third molar is the last tooth to erupt in the oral cavity and it is also the most retained/impacted tooth of the jaws. Even though this tooth can remain asymptomatic causing no problems whatsoever to the patient, a series of disorders can be directly related with its presence. Throughout Dentistry history there have always been some doubts concerning the real need for asymptomatic impacted third molar removal and the best time to do it if indicated. This present article, Part I, has the objective to review the literature on the topic. A future to be published article, Part II, will discuss the still controversial issue and propose a conclusion. There is unanimity among oral and maxillofacial surgeons for impacted third molars removal when involved with pathological conditions. The concept of prophylactic extraction of third molars when the indications are not obvious, surgical extraction recommendation must be based on clinical experience and in adequate professional judgment, always taking into account the relation cost/benefits and if patient´s systemic condition is adequate for totally recover from surgical trauma.
Keywords:Impacted tooth; Retained third molar; Impacted third molar; Third molar removal
Perspective
Do you cringe every time someone mentions the word dentist? Do you break out in a sweat days before you call your dentist for an appointment? Do you develop a case of insomnia the night or two before your dental appointment? Does going into a dental office feel like you are entering a haunted house and you want to shake and scream?
Well you are not Alone!
You are one of the millions of people that feel the same way you do even if they may not share it with you. I know because I used to be one of them. I have spent my entire dental career trying to change that and make a difference for the estimated 35-40% of people who have some degree of dental anxiety or Dentophobia.
I have worked with hundreds of patients with various degrees of dental anxiety and assorted fears related to the dental profession. I have researched the causes and the available solutions and have come up with some ideas and suggestions to help you.
Here is a basic list of what you can do once you have decided to seek dental care:
- Ask the receptionist, hygienist or the dental assistant the following questions- Does the dentist give painless injections? Does the dentist use topical anesthetic before giving the shot? Does the dentist understand what it is like to have dental anxiety? And most importantly- How does the dentist handle their patients that have dental fears?
- Does the dental office have headphones or laughing gas or some aids to help calm fearful patients and what specific techniques does the dentist offer?
- Find out what the office does for infection control. I have found that many patients have hidden fears concerning if they could be contaminated or “catch” something at the dental office. Let me reassure you that infection control is highly regulated and most dental offices work hard to comply. It is easy to verify this either by asking when you call or checking it out at your appointment to see if all the instruments used are “bagged, tagged and sterilized” for each patient.
- Find out what kind of dental materials the office uses. Some patients are very concerned about what is “hidden” in the filling materials used, specifically what is in the silver fillings (amalgam). They worry that the mercury used to make it will be released into their bodies as a toxin.
There have been many studies done on the safety of amalgam fillings. In 2009, the US Food and Drug Administration evaluated the research and found no reason to limit the use of amalgam, saying it was safe for adults and children over 6. However, some groups were not convinced and felt they had seen some harmful side effects and detrimental medical consequences as a direct result of the amalgam in patient’s mouths. They asked the FDA to reconsider and that review is under way.
If you are concerned and do not want any silver fillings or amalgam placed in your mouth, preferring white or composite (plastic) fillings, then it is up to you to be proactive. Always remember that patients have the choice of what material gets placed in their mouths. I suggest that you research the potential dental office beforehand or interview the dentist BEFORE starting
any dental work. Inform them that you do NOT want any kind of silver fillings (amalgam) placed in your teeth. If you already have these silver fillings in your mouth and are concerned they may be causing problems for you of any kind, locate a dentist who understands your concerns and will remove them. It is very important to be sure the dentist has a safe system in their office to suction away all the silver, including the fumes during drilling to keep you safe and protected.
Once you know the answers to these questions, you can decide if you are ready to schedule your next appointment. If you truly feel comfortable and like you can trust what you learned, then go ahead. Stop obsessing and fretting and make an appointment. I strongly suggest you make it a “test” appointment.
Ask a close friend or family member to accompany you for moral support and for an objective second opinion. See how you are treated and if your choice was the right one for you. If it was a positive experience, then go ahead, pat yourself on the back and make another appointment.
However, if it was not a particularly good experience or you felt uncomfortable at any time, decide if you can talk about it honestly with the dentist and work things out. If not choose another one that suits you better.
Remember that you are in charge and fortunately there are lots of dentists ready and willing to treat you the way you need to be treated.
You NEVER need to be afraid of going to the dentist again. Just find the dentist who offers the method and temperament that gives you the feeling of safety, comfort, trust and of course excellent care.
Dr. Susan R. Cushing is a practicing General Dentist who specializes in Treating Fearful and Phobic Dental patients. Dr.Cushing graduated Cum Laude from Boston College and went on to earn her DMD degree from Tufts University Dental. She is a Fellow in the International College of Dentists, a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and a Master Practitioner of Neuro‐Linguistic Programming, where she helps others re‐program their own thoughts, actions and behaviors, in order to enhance the quality and effectiveness of their lives.