I know it sounds silly, but I love my dentist. I started seeing him as a child and his office and the people who work there are so amazing. I feel like he knows me better than anyone and not only that, he has been such a great support to me with my anxiety issues. I’m almost 18 and I’m afraid they are going to tell me I have to find a new dentist. I want to keep going there, but will people look at me weird and think I’m too old? — Sonya
Sonya,
It’s so nice to hear about your great relationship with your dentist over the years. It makes all the difference in the world, doesn’t it? While most pediatric dentists only see kids, there are many who will take care of adults who have special needs or simply find that they need the laid-back, comfortable atmosphere of a pediatric office.
If you still have one more year of high school left, don’t be in a rush to make a switch. If you develop a more serious dental problem and need a root canal, crowns or periodontal care, he might refer you out simply because he doesn’t perform those types of procedures very often and would feel more comfortable with another dentist doing it.
With that said, it’s highly doubtful they will kick you out. In fact, they probably like you just as much and will be very willing to continue the relationship. Ask about the office guidelines and how long he’d be willing to keep seeing you – even after you are a legal adult if you are not quite ready to move elsewhere. If you’re both comfortable with the situation, there’s no reason to feel weird or worry what other patients will think.
This blog is brought to you by Dr. Alana Macalik. For more information on the services she provides, visit her Arlington cosmetic dentist website.