I am getting some dental implants from Clear Choice Dental Implants. They freaked out a bit when I told them that I used to be on Suboxone, so I’m worried that they won’t even do the work if I tell them that I”m currently on methadone. Do I need to tell them?
Everett
Dear Everett,
While dental sedation is safe, no matter what dentist you go to, it is important that you tell the dentist about every medication you are on, including over the counter. This is because it will have an impact on how the medicine works. There was a case I recently learned about where I man on cannabis ended up having complications from sedation that led to his death. Had his dentist known he was on cannabis, the dentist would have made adjustments.
In your case, they will need to make adjustments according to how much methadone is in your system as well as the accumulation of methadone on your body.
Though, you may want to consider having your dental implants done with a private dentist who will be better at acclimating and changing according to patient needs. Clear Choice is known for being a one-sized fits all type of clinic. They’re not very good of deviating from their standard.
There have actually been some horrific stories about Clear Choice, particularly with sedation care. I know of one case where there was a man who warned the dentists that he had a fear of dentists. This can create a resistance to certain medications and have to be factored in. Rather than taking that into consideration, they stuck with their normal plan. When he woke up in the middle of the procedure, rather than increasing his sedation, they just held him down.
Especially in your case, you want a dentist who treats patients as individuals and not an assembly line. No matter who you go to, let them know about all of your medications.
This blog is brought to you by a compassionate dentist in Kalamazoo, Dr. Susan Dennis.