So it seems I have dentist issues...

[WillParkinson]

A few years ago I went to the dentist for removal of wisdom teeth. This was the only dentist my work insurance allowed me to use so I had no other options.

Long story short. He screwed up. I bled. I ended up in the emergency room (after hours of trying to get the dentist to take care of the problem) where they gave me shots directly into my gums to stanch the bleeding.

Well, that episode has left me with a tremendous fear of dentistry (I already feared needles so this compounded that, too). I tried going to Paul's dentist who gave me something to relax me but it did nothing for me. They suggested I go to another dentist who practices "twilight dentistry" (meaning the sort of put you to sleep). I went to see her the other day. I was shaking so hard just during the initial office visit and all we did was talk. She told me that she doesn't see the pills working on me. So my options are either A) consider dentures or B) go see a dentist who will put me completely to sleep which costs hundreds of dollars per hour.

So how's things in your part of the world?

[texanwitch]

1. I had a major fear of Dentists, had a bad experience as a child.

Later had a painful visit as a teenager so I do understand your fear.

I always had good teeth, until a few years ago when I needed 6 crowns and getting the wisdom teeth out( should have got them out sooner.

Modern dentistry is great, with all my work I never had any pain not even the root canal.

Yes I was very afraid when I first went to my now dentist, but she put me at ease. The secret is finding the right dentist, I got lucky on the first try.

Please try to get your teeth fixed, dentures are no fun. I know to many people who have them, and they regret not going to the dentist sooner.

I understand your fear, I was the same was the same way when I went for my first visit.

I am now the opposite, no fear at all.


:hug: :hug: :hug:

[Dangerously Amused]

2. Please find a dentist who will give you nitrous oxide.

It has been a lifesaver for me. I used to have an ungodly fear of needles and the dentist. But the nitrous, like... makes it seems like I'm not actually getting the shots, but rather sort of observing myself get them. And the pain is no longer pain, it's this... like, pulse of energy or something. But it doesn't hurt. The nitrous is about $50. extra per visit, but soooo worth it for me.

My dentist is awesome. He will give me nitrous, and headphones with whatever music he has that I want to hear or that I bring along, or I can watch an overhead tv, or pop in a DVD and watch that, and he will cover me with a warm blankie if I wish. He'll talk to me though the procedure, or shut up and let me get lost in the nitrous and the tunes, my choice. I found him by looking through the yellow pages and calling the ads which said "We Cater to Cowards." May I suggest you do the same?

I used to cry every time I had a dentist appointment coming up, and cry in the chair as well. Now - and I can't believe I'm saying this - I actually look forward to them. With the nitrous and the music it's kind of fun and trippy!

Good luck!

[TheFriendlyAnarchist]

5. When I got a root canal, they gave my the gas and 2 shots of novacaine

as I've said before, that was one of my favcorite moments.

Now that I think of that, it's kind of pathetic. One of my best moments is getting wasted at the dentist :(

[Dangerously Amused]

7. Ha! We should start a support group: Dental Junkies.

[RebelOne]

3. Believe me, dentistry nowadays is practically painless.

I have had just about every procedure you can imagine, crowns, root canals, bridges, periodontial work and extractions and have experienced very little pain. And don't even consider dentures if you teeth and gums are in good condition. I will be facing having to have dentures in the very near future despite all the work I have had done. But try to save your teeth as long as you can.

[flamingyouth]

4. My dad goes to the Dental Fears Clinic at the University of Wash.

He has been TERRIFIED of the dentist for years - I mean, he couldn't even get his teeth cleaned without panic for a long time due to horrible dental experiences back when he was a kid in the '40s.

Is there something similar near you? I feel for you because I know what my dad has gone through with this. He has a really nice smile now and he's gotten all of his teeth fixed and he's really happy. Good luck to you. :pals:

[Control-Z]

6. what Dangerously Amused said

except I NEVER actually look forward to going, as much as I love my dentist. (on top of being the best dentist I've ever been to he's cute and he's a dem)

I will add that I am sick to death of 1 800 Dentist's bullshit intimidation ads. :puke:

They should be sued for psychological abuse.

[Dangerously Amused]

9. Cheers to a fellow Fraidy Cat. :D

:toast:

[Control-Z]

10. Ashamed to admit

I have cried in the chair. (and it was fairly recently - before I found my current dentist.) :blush:

I never have to ask for my nitrous with this dentist. He starts it as a matter of course then shoots the shit with me while he waits for it to work. I've actually fallen asleep during a procedure with this guy. If he ever moves I'm moving with him! :toast:

[Dangerously Amused]

14. Awww, no need to be ashamed.

A lot of us have been there.


:hug:

[sarge43]

15. You could float the QEII in the tears that have been shed in dentists'

offices. I know how you feel about a good dentist. I'd follow mine around the world if needs be.

[Breeze54]

8. Have the work done while you're asleep.

I go to an oral surgeon.
I got iv sodium pentathol and have my work done and am about to do it again!
I do NOT want to be awake! No way in hell!
Last time I had a tooth extracted, they broke my jaw! Ouch!
Go to sleep, it's worth it, imho! :hug:

[sarge43]

13. Sodium pentathol is great

I had it when I had all four wisdom teeth pulled. I couldn't have cared less if they had taken off my head. Of course, you're wasted for a day or so, but what the hey ....

[sarge43]

11. What everyone else has said.

First, modern dentists don't go in for the "no pain, no gain" crap. They're aware that (1) terrified patients are difficult to work with and (2) they usually don't come back for more. Second, if you're comfortable with your current dentist, talk to her about some of the other procedures mentioned here. If you're not satisfied, go shopping if you can. If not, try easing into dental work. For example, start with a cleaning. My dentist used to give me low doses of novocaine before cleanings to reduce my tendency to pull the arms off the chair. Now I can handle just about anything. Gentle repetition does reduce fear. Finally, avoid dentures for as long as possible. Not only are they hideously expensive, they are always uncomfortable and adversely affect your digestive functions.

[skygazer]

12. I had the same problem for many years

My solution was somewhat unorthodox but it worked.

My problem was that I'd had braces as a kid in the 70's - bad time to have braces. At the same time, my mom was dying. I think I associated the pain of the dentist with what was going on at home because I began having major panic attacks at the dentist. Didn't go for years and my teeth were in bad shape. I'd let them go until they were beyond help then I'd go get knocked out and have them pulled.

My admittedly strange solution came about when my best friend confessed he had the same problem. We began going to a dentist who advertised his gentleness but the real attraction was that his office was in a beautiful old Victorian home that had been converted. High ceilings, beautiful woodwork and fireplaces, just gorgeous architecture.

We'd smoke a big fat one on the way over, and get so distracted gazing at the room we were in that we'd hardly notice what the dentist was doing. It was very difficult at first but got easier and easier over time.

Now, I don't need to get fried first and I fall asleep in the dentist's chair. True story.

[Control-Z]

16. About why you hate dentists

First, I am so sorry to hear about your mom - it sounds like you were still so young.:hug:

My first awful experience with a dentist was when I was 7 years old. I gagged/coughed on the drilling pieces in my throat. The dentist slapped me for "spitting in his face".

My mother had died that year and I think I have associated the dentist with the pain and vulnerability I felt sitting in that chair alone with no mom to make it better. What an impact childhood traumas can have on us as adults.