sooooo anxious about IV sedation and extractions!!

Hi all. Im new to this site and boy am I glad to have found you. The support is amazing. Im due to have two extractions and a few fillings and im so scared. My usual dentist referred me to an NHS dentist who specialises in oral surgery and IV sedation. Apparently, one of my extractions is a surgical procedure. Im fine making an appointment for a consultation, but always cancel at the last minute when my treatment appointment is upon me. My phobia is getting worse. Two years ago I was able to have a tooth extracted with just novocaine. I developed a dry socket after but soon recovered. I thought I had finally overcome my fears but this time i'm ruminating over everything. Im scared to have IV sedation. I fear being out of control, or something happening to me during the procedure such as my heart stopping or blood pressure raising or even a reaction to the meds used. I then decide in my mind that perhaps I would be better off to just take a valium and have novocaine. My mind then goes into overdrive on how they will remove my tooth root that remains in my gum because the tooth completely broke off a few weeks ago. Im taking painkillers everyday because it is so sore. I contacted the surgery a few days ago and said i had changed my mind re having the sedation and she is calling me back tomorrow to arrange an appointment for me to have just novocaine. Now my mind is working overtime again, as i made it to the dentist a few weeks back, but could not go through with the treatment. I was on my own, shaking uncontrollably so just walked up to the receptionist and said i couldnt go through with it...Once again, I made another appointment, only to cancel again. I cant keep doing this i no. I must find the courage to complete my treatment. I keep trying to think positive. I realise how much pain i have put myself through over the past year or so with constant toothache and infections but still i cannot seem to overcome my disabling fear. I hate the gap in my mouth where my tooth has broke. It makes me embarrassed to smile.

This week, Ive taken 2 days off work with it in my mind to go to the dentist and have my treatment, which is why im posting on here to get some support. Just thinking about it makes me feel like crying. I keep trying to concentrate on the final result, but getting there seems impossible some days.

It would be great to hear from anyone with any advice or just someone i can go through this with.

Hello Chrissieb:

Welcome to this forum.

I will do my best to answer your questions. A tooth without the crown is easier to remove than an undamaged tooth. The crown gets in the way. A broken tooth like you are describing is easy to remove.

I.V. sedation is very safe. It is not a very deep anesthesia. The odds of problems are very rare and the dentists that uses this method is well trained for every contingency.

Most dental procedures can be done with local anesthesia. Dental techniques have improved quite a bit during the last few years and things that were once considered impossible are now routine.

The phobia gains strength each time you avoid the thing you are afraid of. Confronting the fear causes it to lose power.

It takes courage to face fear and terror but you can do it. Focus on how good you will feel to free of pain. You are right, the pain you have endured is much worse than any dental treatment.

If you PM me I can get you some anti-anxiety techniques I use with my patients. You can make it over this hurdle. You have taken the best step, seeking help.

Blessings to you.

Hi Chrissieb

You will get loads of support on this site, even just reading the posts makes you realise that you are not alone.

Is there anyone that can go with you to your appointments?

My dental phobia led me to need 13 extractions (amongst other things) which I had done under IV sedation and from my experience it was the best decision I could have made. Like yourself I was at a point where I just had no choice, infection after infection, constant pain, afraid to eat, not sleeping - something had to be done and fast.

Everyone was very understanding and even though I was in pieces and felt like I was going to the gallows, I can honestly look back now and ask myself why I made such a drama out of it.

The main thing to focus on is the relief afterwards, I have never felt anything like it, the weight lifted from your shoulders in indescribable and to be honest if you have the best possible experience it really does help you to continue with your treatment, I am a way off finishing my treatment and although I am still nervous I am by no means the crying, shaking, vomiting mess I once was.

There is nothing to fear except fear itself ........

IV sedation is the best thing ever. There is no person more phobic about extractions than me and I had one out under IV a couple of weeks ago.

I will put my hand on my heart and say IV sedation is the ultimate in having an extraction. It really, really is the best thing. You will not feel anything, you will not remember anything. One pinch in the hand and its all over. Done. You will suddenly find yourself feeling woozy, without a care in the world, all the work done, and wanting to get home and have a nice sleep.

The thought of me having an extraction messed up my life for some weeks beforehand with sheer terror and panic. It ruined my sleep and my life. IV has changed all that for me and I know now that my life is going to be so much better if I ever have to have one done again. I would still be nervous, but with IV available, it has changed my entire perception of having dental work.