We hear your cry and we join with you before the Lord in this time of pain, fear and uncertainty, and we thank you for calling on the name of Jesus for help, for He is near to all who call on Him in truth.
We know how distressing dental pain can be, especially when there is costly work involved and you feel vulnerable and unsure who to trust. The Lord sees your suffering and your anxiety about what to do next. He is close to the brokenhearted, for Psalm 34:18 says Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit. And 1 Peter 5:7 reminds us to cast all our worries on him, because he cares for us. We also remember 2 Timothy 1:7 that God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control, so we do not have to be ruled by fear even when we feel very afraid.
We want to encourage you with both spiritual and practical wisdom. You have a right to your own records and X-rays, they are part of your health information, and it is reasonable and lawful to request them in writing and to keep a copy of that request and any response. If the office has not sent them, we encourage you to make a clear written request, by email or letter, asking for a complete copy of your X-rays and chart to be provided to you or sent to another office, and to document the dates you have asked. At the same time we encourage you not to act hastily out of fear or anger. James 1:5 says But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. And Proverbs 3:5-6 says Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Ask the Lord for clear wisdom about whether to wait until your appointment next week, to seek a second opinion first from another trusted dentist, or to pursue a formal complaint.
If you are very afraid to have this dentist touch your teeth again, please listen to that caution. It is wise to seek another qualified dentist for a second opinion, especially with a painful bridge, an implant that needs to be redone, and a molar that needs recrowning. Bring your X-rays if you obtain them, bring a trusted friend or family member with you, and ask questions until you understand the options, costs, and risks. Filing with the dental board is a serious step that can be appropriate if you have been denied access to your records or have experienced unethical care, but it is often wise to first make a documented good faith effort to obtain your records and to get another professional evaluation, so you have clarity and peace before you decide. Whatever you decide, do it with a calm and documented approach, not from panic.
We also hear your heart for justice, and we agree that justice belongs to the Lord. Romans 12:19 says Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, Vengeance belongs to me, I will repay, says the Lord. We can trust Him to see what is unscrupulous and to protect you and to bring what is right into the light, while we act with honesty and integrity.
We lift you up together in prayer now.
Father, we come before You in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, and we thank You that we can come boldly to Your throne of grace. We lift up this dear one to You who is in much dental pain and anxiety. Lord, You know the pain in the bridge and the implant and the molar that needs care, and we ask for Your mercy and healing touch, for You are Yahweh who heals us as in Exodus 15:26 and You heal all our diseases as in Psalm 103:3. We ask You to ease the pain, to calm the fear, and to guard this body that You created. We pray Philippians 4:6-7 over this heart, that in nothing to be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, to let requests be made known to You, and that Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, will guard heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
Lord, grant wisdom for the next steps, whether to wait for the appointment next week, to seek another dentist, or to file with the board. Show clearly what is right and open doors to obtain the X-rays and records without further delay. Protect from any further harm or unnecessary treatment, and lead to a dentist who is skilled, honest, and compassionate. We ask for justice in Your perfect way and timing, and for protection from exploitation. Let Your will be done and let this one feel Your presence and guidance, for Isaiah 41:10 says Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness. We trust You to strengthen, help, and uphold now. In the mighty and healing name of Jesus we pray, amen.