Clydebank, Glasgow

Severe Dentist/Needle Phobia In scotland

Hi All

can anyone help me, I have a severe dental and needle phobia and as a result havent went near a dentsit in about 12 years. Im currently 28 years old, and need to deal with this major issue as soon as possible, I have heard about dentists who do Home Visits, this would be fantastic as a start for me, as being talked to in your own home would make me feel soooooo safe, then I could maybe go into the surgery for a visit, then who knows after that. Im also really interested in Oral sedation (if anyone has any GOOD advise or stories on this, it would be great) Im living in stirling, scotland and would be greatful if anyone could tell me of somewhere I can go for help in the matter. (currently in tears as this is a massive step for me to talk about this)

I look forward to hearing from you , (please dont tell me any horror stories as it has taken me long enough to get to this stage)
thanks
jenni

Re: Severe Dentist/Needle Phobia In scotland

Hi Jenni

You have really shown a lot of bravery in coming here and posting about the fears you have and that in itself is a major achievement so well done, you also recognise that you need to see a dentist and that is also a huge step

There are some dentists posted on the dentistfinder for scotland so I have put up the link for you just in case you have missed it perhaps there is one near you that could help you?

https://www.dentalfearcentral.org/forum/forums/scotland.37/

I cant comment on oral sedation as I have never had it but I have had my work done with IV sedation and I thought it was great. I barely remember a thing about my treatment and was so relaxed during the extractions, root canal and fillings I had. I never thought I would be able to go through with it and remember my first treatment appointment. I was petrified but soon realised I had absolutely nothing to be scared about. I sat on the chair, all be it in tears but soon calmed down when the dentist said I would be fine. There was something about his manner and his voice that was very calming for me, he inserted the IV I put my MP3 player on and the next thing he is finishing up and I am ready to go home. Sedation is a great thing to have when you are truly petrified but a lot of the time a great dentist can make all the difference.

A great way to make the first initial step with a dentist is to email a practice you think you will be happy to go to, start a dialogue with the dentist or the staff and get a feel for what they are like, you dont even have to phone or go into the surgery that way and many people have done this with great success. Then the next step, if you are happy with it would be to go to the surgery and perhaps just sit and talk with the dentist, I did this for my first visit, no poking around, no looking in my mouth, just a chat with him so he knew all about me and all about the fears I have. I took a list with me of all the things that I was scared of and handed it over to him as I knew as soon as I went into that room I would start to cry, I did but he was fine, made me feel at ease and took me out of the treatment room and into his office so I would be more comfortable. These days dental procedures do not hurt, dentistry has come a long way and they can even give painless injections using a device called the Wand I have never had an experience with this but I know Melody has so perhaps when she logs on she can give you first hand knowledge of it? My dentist gives regular injections but I have had no pain with these at all as he does inject very slowly and its all in the technique. If it is done slowly then the pain is minimal.

Most importantly, when you do find that good dentist, they need to know that you're not just scared, you're phobic, if they dont know then they cant help you in the way you need to be. Good luck and if you have any questions or any advice then please ask!

Re: Severe Dentist/Needle Phobia In scotland

Hi ,

we've got recommendations for Callander, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. Would any of these be close enough? I don't know how far you are prepared to travel, what public transport is like, or if you have access to a car.

As Nat already mentioned, we've received some really positive feedback about the Wand from people with a needle phobia, maybe someone in the Stirling area uses it, you can find more info here:

The Dental Wand

The UK distributor for the Wand is Dental Sky, you can e-mail them to ask if anyone in your area has the Wand. You can find their contact info here:


Thanks for joining our forum !

Re: Severe Dentist/Needle Phobia In scotland

thanks for the input already, since putting my details accross on this forum this morning I already feel like a massive weight has been lifted off of my shoulders , I have even managed a few smiles , so thanks folks xxxx

I know I still have a long way to got, but with the advise and support I have got today alone has helped me sooo much (ah damn the tears have started again due to the fact I now realise Im not alone)

I had a look @ the wand on the attachment, and Im sorry but this still scares me, I wouldnt mind an injection, if I was out cold and couldnt see whats going on, its the thought of the injection, that frightens the living daylight out of me , thats why I was looking into Oral sedation.

Im not fussy on travelling as I drive and my partner could take me, so anywhere who has a fantastic dentist would be great, whichever one has the best rating. With the way things have went today Im hoping to communicate through email for a while them maybe pluck up the courage for a visit (oh my goodness that would be an accheivement.

Once again guys, I look forward to your help and support through this, as I would like my story to be a success story like the hundreds I have read so far.

thanx
jenni

Re: Severe Dentist/Needle Phobia In scotland

Being prepared and able to travel makes things a lot easier . Glad to hear you managed a few smiles today !

Some dentists for whom we have repeatedly received great reviews from people with an extreme dental phobia are Fraser Hendrie and John Booth in Edinburgh (www.craigentinny.co.uk), Clive Schmulian in Clydebank, and Mike Gow in Glasgow (www.whatfear.com).

We always recommend making a first appointment just for a chat, to see if you like and trust the dentist, and if you think they will be able to help you overcome your fears. I think both of the dentists above can be contacted via e-mail (I know Fraser can, anyway - not 100% about Clive, but you can always try!).

If you have any questions, concerns, or just need to let off steam or a shoulder to cry on, don't hesitate to post on our support board .

It can't have been easy looking this up on the internet and posting here - well done !!

Re: Severe Dentist/Needle Phobia In scotland

Well I have taken another Massive step today!!!!

I have emailed clive at clyde dental, I have roughly outlined my fear, and asked that if he has a minute could he e-mail me, and I could give him more details about my phobia, and we could hopefully within a few weeks make an appointment to go to the surgery (just for a look)

Im not getting too excited but feel there might be light at the end of the tunnel.

I will keep you posted, when Clive gets in touch.
thanx
j x

Re: Severe Dentist/Needle Phobia In scotland

Hi Nat

can you please give me more info on the IV sedation you said you have had, just want to maybe have a few options to concider as now I only seem interested in the oral sedation as Im pertrified of needles, (maybe more than the dentists)

thanx
j

Re: Severe Dentist/Needle Phobia In scotland

Well done! You're showing some real courage, keep it up and in no time you will be sitting there posting your story on the success board!

IV sedation can be more effective sometimes as the dentist can up the level of sedation all depending on your needs, oral sedation can be somewhat of a hit and miss from what I have heard, I am not too sure on that though so maybe someone else could advise you on oral sedation?

I remember going into the office with my mum on that first day, I was so scared I had to leave the reception and stand outside until the dental nurse came out and got me, I was shaking, crying and basically a mess. I was then taken into the staff room where the dentist took my blood pressure, reassured me that everything was going to be fine and asked a few routine questions. I was then asked into the treatment room then to sit down and lie back, I was then asked to pump my hand so that the dentist could find a vein and then all he said next was, 'just a little scratch' and that was it! I have a problem with needles too but my fear of the dentist was greater than my needle fear so realised that if I wanted to get this sorted I would have to confront both of these fears, I dont remember the injections in my mouth (which I hate!) I dont remember what I was listening to on my MP3 player and I dont remember them taking a tooth out! I looked away when the IV was being inserted and took deep breaths, the drugs then relaxed me enough for the work to start and I am now finished with my treatment. I couldnt have done it without the help and understanding from a great dentist and his staff. I hope that has helped you, even if it was only a little! Good luck with email, I hope you get a good response!

Re: Severe Dentist/Needle Phobia In scotland

There is also some info for you here if it helps?

IV Sedation

Oral Sedation

Re: Severe Dentist/Needle Phobia In scotland

Well done you....that is fast work.   Congratulations. I just wanted to say I have looked at the website and it says that Clive Schmulian offers both inhalation sedation and intravenous sedation. I think Nat's dentist only did intravenous. This is good for you as a needle phobic as it means you can probably opt to breathe in the nitrous oxide - no needle (inhalation sedation) to relax you, so that you are unaware about the i/v line being inserted.....once you are intravenously sedated, you will then be unaware of/unconcerned about the local anaesthetic being administered.

It's great to be fully informed but don't worry too much about deciding in advance what you want in your sedation cocktail....the important thing is that you have found a dentist used to dealing with patients in your situation. Once you have discussed your fears he will be able to advise what is best for your situation.

It's also possible to take oral sedation (pills) just to get you through the door but the effects of these are hit and miss as others have said whereas i/v sedation is extremely reliable as you will see if you read the many accounts in the sedation section.

Hope you get a positive reply soon.
Best wishes.

Re: Severe Dentist/Needle Phobia In scotland

Well not going so well today , checked my email to find no reply, I managed to get Clives email address from his wesite, and sent another email explaining my fear.

10 mins later got a email from MAILER DEMON saying there was a fatal error with his email address, and it wasnt delivered. I was really gutted, but didnt give up and emailed the other address on the website (think its for the reception) asking if they could please pass on my email and advise once they had received it.

another 10 mins went by and got another MAILER DEMON saying this email too was not delivered. Not to sure if this is someone giving me a sign, but can anyone help me find an email address that works for Clyde Dental as Im not ready to pick up the phone and explain (especially as Im at work and dont want to get upset)

thanx
j

Re: Severe Dentist/Needle Phobia In scotland

So sorry its not going as well today dont give up though, you're doing really well so far!

I have looked on that website and I cant find anything apart from the contact us form?? I guess you could always send that over to them asking if it is possible to have the personal email address and expain why?

Re: Severe Dentist/Needle Phobia In scotland

I found this [old email address removed]

Not sure if thats the one you have already tried?

Re: Severe Dentist/Needle Phobia In scotland

hiya

yes tried the contact us form yesterday, and got no reply, then tried [old email address removed] and got a failure error, then tried [old email address removed] and got another failure error.

So Ive sent another one through the contact us page asking if they had a problem with their email and if they could let me know if they got my message, but still nothing

really want to deal with this now, while I have some courage, but just cant even lift to phone to ask for fear of breaking down, or for them saying "why dont you pop in and see us" waaaaaaa that would be way toooo scarrry

j x

Re: Severe Dentist/Needle Phobia In scotland

Depending how they are set up - it may take a while to get a reply as maybe they check it only once a day or less. Maybe he likes to reply personally to 'nervous patients' and has to set aside time.
You could also try 'snail mail' but I agree its an unfortunate start.

I sent 3 emails when I was looking for a replacement dentist recently - one replied within 10 minutes, one within 5 days and the other within 10 days.......so it will vary.
All were constructive replies but I went with the first one.....

Re: Severe Dentist/Needle Phobia In scotland

thanks

I will hold tight then for a few days, and hope the courage doesnt vanish.

this has helped thanx
j

Re: Severe Dentist/Needle Phobia In scotland

From memory (though I might be mistaken), the other two people who went with Clive contacted the practice via a phone call (maybe because they couldn't get the e-mail to work either?). Both were extremely happy with him!

I agree that using e-mail can make the first contact much easier, but not every dentist is big into e-mail/internet. Alternatively, your partner (who sounds very supportive) could call them and ask for Clive's private e-mail address on your behalf?

Re: Severe Dentist/Needle Phobia In scotland

I have thought about this.

But Im not sure my partner realises how bad my phobia is, and I think he would try and brush it off with the "it will be ok" sentance.

I should really tell him properly, but was hoping to get an appointment sorted first (to go and visit) then let him know my fears and ask for his support, I have also thought about my Mum as she has been there with me at every single hourendous appointment I have had,and she has had to help the dentists and students pin me to the seat to give me an injection in the hand to knock me out before they could remove 4 teeth for my braces to be fitted (but thats a whole other story). but she gets terribly upset if she sees me upset, so Im not sure if thats such a good idea either.

what do you think I should do ?

j x

Re: Severe Dentist/Needle Phobia In scotland

I personally would get my partner to call up and ask for some advice for me, my hubby didnt know the full extent of my phobia until one day he came with me for an appointment and realised as I broke down in tears and couldnt face going into the surgery that I wasnt just scared, I was petrified. Just sit down when its quiet together and talk, you will be amazed at how great you will feel once he knows how frightened you are! He may also amaze you by not saying the usual 'you will be OK' sentence but be extremely supportive

Re: Severe Dentist/Needle Phobia In scotland

Either would do, it's only a phone call asking for an e-mail contact address that will work. Hubby would probably be best choice for on-going support though.

It would probably be best if one of them came with you to appointments anyway.
After some forms of sedation, you would need an escort afterwards in any case.

Don't try to be too brave in solving this .