Isaac R. Navarro, DMD, MPH

We have a long way to go with this case. Photos were rushed and these temps are far from perfect, but as I’ve expressed before, I don’t use this platform for likes or shares, or to become an influencer; but simply to be real. To give a glimpse of me as a doctor and person, one who hopes to make even a slight difference in someone’s life so that they may go on and do the same for someone else. After all, this concept is what has made me who I am.

This patient helps us to call attention to and the effects that anxiety of any sort can have on a person’s health. This patient is one of the sweetest, most caring, most empathetic people I’ve ever known. I’m absolutely honored to know her and am thankful that God brought her in to my life. The sweetest person in the world, who rarely smiles. I’m mean really smiles. The belly laughing, not a care in the world type of smile. Think about that. Think about making a conscious effort to not smile. What might this do to your well being? There are many things, even one’s own well being, that will be sacrificed due to . The mind, body, and spirit are a unit that need to be treated as such. I promised to make this appointment quick, I promised to not make a fuss. I think I took these photos in about 10 seconds combined. But this patient needs to smile at her daughter’s wedding in two weeks. She needs laugh without effort at this momentous occasion.

I suppose this post is a plea to everyone. Doctors, take the time to assess your patient’s mental well being. It will make all the difference to them. Patients, don’t give up. Ever. There is always something we can do for you. I’ll admit. Yesterday was a hard day. I squeezed this patient in. I was in surgery all day and had what felt like a million follow ups and exams. But I’d do it again in a heartbeat. These are the moments we live for in the dental field. Lots of follow up photos to come!

And P.S. I learned A LOT of this even before dental school. is life long mentor and a master at restoring smiles. 🙏🏼❤️

Now, more than ever, it is important to understand that oral health care is absolutely vital in the quest for overall health and wellness. Patients and health care teams often overlook the oral cavity in deciding on treatment modalities and the results can be devastating.

In addition, due to the current pandemic, people are fearful of seeking any “unnecessary” care. I can assure you that the dental office has been one of the safest places to receive health care for decades. This holds true today.

This patient first presented to our practice 18 months ago. He was examined and treated by one of my associates. His chief complaint was a fractured tooth after a mild accident. No other intraoral pathology, and no major health issues. His only medication was daily aspirin. 18 months later he is in my operatory stating pain that has been present “since the COVID shut down.” He stated, “I’ve been embarrassed to come in because I haven’t been brushing very well and I was afraid to come in because of everything that is going on.”

I diagnosed THREE majorly abscessed teeth and xerostomia (dry mouth). On examination I discovered his soft tissues to be very dry and I could express only minimal saliva from his parotid and sublingual glands.

Major changes to his health history: Addition of bupropion and hydromorphone to his medication list.

He explained he’s been treated for “pain in his side” since his accident.

This man is now going to lose all of his teeth. The pain he’s been dealing with for 3 months was unnecessary. Losing his teeth was unnecessary. One dental abscess alone can be life threatening. He had three. Again unnecessary.

Chronic opioid use can cause many things, including: behavior changes that can lead to reduced hygiene practices, xerostomia, masking of acute pain, and acid reflux. Again, this all occurred in less than two years. I look forward to the day I can update this post with the patient being restored back to health.

Please visit your dental office regularly.