Sedation Dentistry’s Newest Fad: Marijuana-Assisted Dentistry
April 1, 2009 By Julie Frey View Comments Dental anxiety keeps millions of people from seeing the dentist as often as they should. Our sources indicate that sedation dentistry will soon offer a new way of relieving dental fear: medical marijuana.
With the Obama administration signaling an increased tolerance of medicinal marijuana, early reports suggest that California may add dental anxiety to the list of disorders that can legally be treated with medical marijuana.
One San Francisco dentist who wished to remain anonymous has been quietly offering marijuana-assisted sedation dentistry to his patients since last November. He claims his dental practice profits have increased by over 50% in less than six months.
"Patient acceptance has been astonishing," said the marijuana sedation dentist. "We've been getting lots of new patient referrals, and patients are enthusiastically following through with their treatment plans. My patients are getting more dental care than ever before."
A pioneer in the field is Humboldt Anesthesia Products, located in northern California. Said Faye Kinhaym, the company's spokesperson, "We've bred a new strain just for dental patients. Dental zonk is a purplish indica that works quickly to reduce anxiety. It also leaves the mouth extra-dry, so dentists can do their job without worrying about excess saliva. Patients report this dental cannabis very effective. In fact, many were eager to return soon for more dental treatment."
"Plus, we're willing to offer bulk discounts to any dentists who are interested. In these tough times, I think they will find it really increases their cash flow."
Anita Hittnough, 22, is a resident of Berkeley, California, and an ardent supporter of dentist cannabis. "My dental anxiety was affecting my whole life. Sometimes I'd be so worried about the dentist that I couldn't even relax at parties. I tried nitrous oxide, but laughing gas isn't really my thing. The marijuana prescription I got from my dentist has really helped!