Tag Archives: sedation wisdom teeth

Can I Insist on a Female Sedation Dentist?

I need to have my wisdom teeth pulled and I plan to see a sedation dentist for it. I already have a dentist and I think she’s awesome, but she won’t sedate me for the procedure. Actually, she doesn’t even provide any kind of gas or anything. I even asked her if she’d just prescribe something for me to help take the edge off during the procedure and she won’t even do that much. I’m really disappointed because I already know and trust her, but it’s her practice, and her rules, I guess. So, instead of pulling my wisdom teeth, she gave me referrals to a couple different sedation dentists. Actually, I think these guys are oral surgeons who just happen to provide sedation services as well. Anyway, I feel kind of bad saying this, but I’m not comfortable with male doctors. I’m not saying they’re bad or dangerous or anything like that. I’d just feel better if my doctor was a woman, especially if I’m going to be sedated. Again, I don’t think a male doctor would do anything bad, I just feel more comfortable with a female physician, especially for something like this.

Here’s where the problem comes in- she referred me to a couple different oral surgeons and told me I could choose one, but they’re all men. I called my insurance company to see where I could go, and then I asked them if they could tell me which ones were women. Instead of helping me, the insurance agent gave me a hard time about it saying, “Their credentials are the same. What does it matter?” Well, it matters to me. A lot. I don’t think I should be made to feel bad just because I want to see a female doctor. I’ve called around to most of the offices on my list and it looks like they’re all men. Seriously. Are there no female oral surgeons?!?

What are my options here? Is it ok that I’m insisting on seeing a woman, or am I being unreasonable? Thanks, Anonymous

Dear Anonymous,

You’re not being unreasonable at all. Some people simply feel more comfortable with a female practitioner, and that’s okay. When you’re choosing a dentist, you need to feel comfortable and know that you can trust him or her. In fact, many insurance companies that post lists of their physicians online actually allow you to search by gender for this very reason.

At the same time, you’re experiencing one of the odd quirks of dentistry. The latest stats indicate 98% of oral surgeons are men. This has been the topic of scientific research; trying to uncover why so few women get into the field and what can be done to attract more women to it. Sadly, very little has changed over the years, and it continues to be a male-dominated profession.

There’s a very real chance that there are no female oral surgeons in your area, particularly if you live in a smaller community. So, you have a couple of options.

1) Visit the office of a male oral surgeon and see if he has female staff members who will be with you during treatment. Offices usually have an assistant assigned to each patient, and the majority of assistants are female. You can also ask if the anesthesiologist, if one will be present, is female. So even if you can’t have a female doctor, you may feel some comfort by having women around you while you’re medicated.

2) Search for a female sedation dentist. It sounds like your dentist was willing to do your extractions, which means a specialist isn’t really needed for the extractions. You may be able to find a female general dentist in your area who provides oral conscious sedation.

This post is sponsored by Plano female dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy. Dr. Lacy’s office is convenient to Addison, Allen, Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Frisco, Garland, Highland Park, and Little Elm.

 

Can I refuse sedation dentistry with wisdom teeth removal?

I need to have all of my wisdom teeth pulled and I don’t want sedation. I haven’t seen a dentist recently, but I know it’s my wisdom teeth that are hurting and the pain is getting worse. Before I go in I want to know if sedation is necessary or just something the dentist will try to convince me to get. I don’t like people doing anything to me medically or otherwise without me being fully aware of what’s going on. I am not afraid of the procedure. I just want to be full aware and awake. Can you tell me if sedation is standard for wisdom teeth removal or can I go without it? Thanks Brooklynn

Brooklynn – It’s good that you recognize that dental care is needed for your wisdom teeth. Whether or not you need sedation dentistry depends on the condition of the teeth and their roots. Wisdom teeth are especially painful when they are impacted.

Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to a variety of oral health issues, including those listed below:

  • Damage neighboring teeth
  • Become infected, and in some cases form a cyst that affects nerves, other teeth, your jaw, and facial muscles
  • Become difficult to clean and promote bacteria and gum disease
  • Bacteria can enter your bloodstream and affect your organs, including your heart and kidneys

You will receive an anesthesia evaluation. Local anesthesia will definitely be administered. Your dentist or oral surgeon is concerned about your comfort during wisdom teeth removal. If the removal of the teeth is anticipated to be complex or time consuming, sedation dentistry might be recommended.

There are various levels of sedation:

  • Nitrous oxide
  • Oral conscious sedation
  • IV sedation dentistry

Before you decline sedation, ensure you understand what to expect during the procedure. Ask the dentist about what you will be able to hear, see, and feel more intensely than you would without sedation. It’s your right as a patient to accept or decline care, but sedation dentistry can make the removal of impacted wisdom teeth a much more pleasant experience.

This post is sponsored by Plano dentist Dr. Miranda Lacy. Dr. Lacy’s office is convenient to Addison, Allen, Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Frisco, Garland, Highland Park, and Little Elm.