If I have a dental emergency, do I have to tell the dentist how it happened. I lost a tooth, but I don’t want to tell him how. Will that matter?
Name Withheld.
Hi,
There are rules concerning confidentiality, but they’re not always clear. In general, as long as the dentist doesn’t think you are going to be a harm to yourself or to others, a dentist won’t ask too many questions or report you for anything.
I want to caution you not to lie to the dentist about anything that could affect your emergency dental care. You can decline to give him information, or you can skew the information a little bit to keep out of trouble.
I also want to caution you not to avoid the dentist. If you truly do have a dental emergency and don’t get seen, then you’re at risk of losing your tooth…or worse. Most dentists get into their profession because they want to help people. They’re not out to get you.
This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. Ryan Perry.