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From: Chopper on 3 Aug 2008 17:14






I have been going to a Periodontist who seems to be averse to using
topical
anesthetics.

I am preparing to get a 4 quadrant "pocket reduction' (flap procedure)
with the
use of
bone materials to enhance the stability of my gums and teeth.

To date I have gone for quarterly cleanings by his Dental Hygienist who
I ask to
liberally
apply topical anesthetic gel, which she does. I have some very
sensitive areas
in my
gums.
She wants to use the Cavitron device but I have found that to be
unbearable and
have
even requested that I get Novacaine injections if she insists on using
it but
then strangely
she changes her mind.

Anyway, I am scheduled for a thorough pre-surgery cleaning by the
Periodontist
himself
in a few weeks. When he does it he refuses to use a topical anesthetic
saying
that I
should raise my fingers if the pain is too intense. Does this make
sense?

I have asked him about this and he says that he uses the patient's
reaction to
pain as his
"limiting factor" when doing this cleaning work. I have had pocket
reductions
before and
the now retired dentist always was generous in his use of Novacaine in
cleaning
and
surgeries and it was relatively painless. I would think that allowing
him to
get to certain
sensitive areas by numbing them would enhance his ability to clean
those areas.

Bottom line is that I am getting anxious about this forthcoming
cleaning not to
mention
the surgery itself. He told me that of course he uses Novacaine when
doing the
surgery
but I wonder if he bothers to apply topical gel to the area to be
injected and
does he give
one sufficient Novacaine? He has also had his dental tools in my mouth
when an
assistant
comes by his door for example and he leaves the drill or whatever
running while
he looks
towards her and away from me.

I have had a fair amount of Dental Work previously but have never had
this type
of
trepidation before nor am I a complaining type of patient.

The term "painless dentistry" is nonsense but am I supposed to endure
torture
sessions?
That's a rhetorical question of course.

Am wondering if I should just chuck him altogether?


Any feedback will be appreciated.
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