Dental Pain Relief for Someone in Dental Recovery
I’m an opiate addict in recovery. I’m currently on a methadone maintenance treatment. I have massive problems with my teeth as a result of my addiction. I have a steady job now, and am doing well enough that I am ready to start working on them. What I’m running into is my dentist absolutely refuses to give me any pain medication after the procedures. I told them that they could talk to my counselor at the clinic and gave them all the information they needed. But, they still don’t want to provide any pain management. I’d really like to get my teeth back in order, but after the agony I was in last time, I’m not sure I can.
Finn
Dear Finn,
I’m sorry for how your dentist is dealing with this. You are in a tough spot. This is mostly because dentists get skittish when it comes to the DEA. There have been dentists who were just being compassionate with patients and, as a result, got into a lot of trouble with the DEA. Ever since those incidents circulated, many dentists just prefer not to do anything that can raise questions.
Because you are willing to let them partner with your recovery clinic, you do not sound like someone who is drug seeking to me. You sound like someone who is trying to get things together and needs some help. You might be better off looking for a sedation dentist. They tend to be more compassionate and actively work toward helping patients with dental anxiety.
I would call around. Tell them up front your situation and ask them if they would be willing to help with post operative pain. If they’re not, keep calling around. I do think you will eventually find someone. Don’t give up. You’ve already done a brave thing by taking steps with your addiction. You will be so proud once you get your smile healthy. You will also find that you feel better in general. Most people don’t realize that our dental health has an impact on our body’s health. What you don’t want, it to wait and end up going to a dentist who doesn’t care because of a dental emergency.
This blog is brought to you by a gentle Naples Dentist, Dr. Andrea Cameron.