40 and facing my fears

[momwithphobia]

Hello. Like so many here, the thought of going to the dentist was a fear I couldn't overcome for many years. When my 8 year old son asked me why I never smiled, I knew it was time to do something.

I had been praying about it and lo and behold I get an advertisement about sedation dentistry in the mail from a local well-known dentist. I made my consultation appointment and tackled that one with no problems. They were so understanding that I was even able to make it through xrays without nitrous oxide, that in itself was a huge hurdle for me.

It's been 13 years since my teeth had been professionally cleaned. I had myself convinced that my teeth were on the verge of falling out, what a relief it was to hear that they weren't as bad as I had myself convinced. I have a lot of composite work to be replaced, 4 new cavities to be filled and 6 childhood metal fillings that have to be taken out and replaced with composite material. I went through Boost whitening yesterday and with the help of my ipod playing louder than any sound in the office, I made it through it. The sensitivity during the procedure wasn't bad at all, but afterwards was another story. I finally managed to eat mac 'n cheese last ngiht and slept last night courtesy of pain meds left over from a surgery. Woke up this morning and the sensitivity is gone. I'm anxious about what it's going to feel like when I start with the home trays on Sunday. I thought about not doing it, but why would I have dingy looking composite put in my mouth instead of matching it to something bright and shiny?

The fillings and composites are scheduled for the 11th, and my husband will be with me all day. My hope is that once everything is clean and restored, I'll be able to break the cycle of fear and go for cleanings every 6 months like I should.

I only wish I'd both found this site a lot earlier and knew about sedation dentistry a long time ago!!

Wendy

 

[Stress Doc]

Hi Wendy:

Welcome. to the forum.

Thank you for sharing your story and congratulations on your success. You have done the hardest things in the process, admitting the fear is real and deciding to take action and face it. This takes real courage.

Sedation is a wonderful option for many people. It sounds like you have a great dental team that is working with you.

I am sure the rest of your treatment will go smoothly. It is always wonderful to learn our worst fears are not true.

Blessings

 

[chickenjen]

Hi,Wendy and !!!
Yes, you will get to a point where you will be able to go to your 6 month check-up with ease.
Mine's a similar story; I had not visited a dentist in over 20 years before I bit the bullet and faced my fears (thanks in great part to this forum, I might add) and went to the dentist (who specializes in treating phobics).
Then, last October, I had 9 extractions done and a cleaning under IV sedation. After a 5 month dentist visit free healing interval, I have been going just about every 2-3 weeks to the dentist since.
I can't say I love going to the dentist. I still have a bit of anxiety when my appointment is coming up. But, it is something I definitely can get through with just a fraction of the fear that I had before.
I think my fear has eased up a bit faster because of the frequency of my dental visits (I've called that place my second home, I'm there so much), but also because everything that has been done to me has been explained to me and has been relatively painless, just like my dentist promised.
I wish you well as you start your dental journey!!
,
Jen

 

[Geraint]

Well done Wendy with getting through your exam and whitening. Hope your fillings go as well, will you be having sedation for your fillings? I always take a cd walkman / mp3 player with me with a relaxation cd when I need any drilling done I find this drowns out the noise and helps me relax. Hope all goes well, keep in touch.