Appointment tomorrow. Need reassurance!

[Blueberry]

I have a fear of almost everything medical and have been putting off my trip to the dentist for quite some time now. I have an appointment tomorrow for a number of fillings (can't remember how many, but it's a 2 hour appointment) and this is just the beginning! I've been going back and forth from feeling okay-ish about it, to panicking.

I'm not fearful of the pain, just the injections and medication. I've read some of the articles on this website and it helped a bit but I could use some more reassurance. Just some people to talk to. Because of my fear I also don't want to do the gas or take anti anxiety meds.

I know I have to do it though. I don't think letting my teeth rot would be any safer. I have some holes in my teeth and it feels like I'm teething. I'm afraid my last dentist wasn't very good (and may have even contributed to even more dental problems), but I think this one is better.

Thanks for your help!

 

[DisneyMom]

I have a fear of almost everything medical and have been putting off my trip to the dentist for quite some time now. I have an appointment tomorrow for a number of fillings (can't remember how many, but it's a 2 hour appointment) and this is just the beginning! I've been going back and forth from feeling okay-ish about it, to panicking.

I'm not fearful of the pain, just the injections and medication. I've read some of the articles on this website and it helped a bit but I could use some more reassurance. Just some people to talk to. Because of my fear I also don't want to do the gas or take anti anxiety meds.

I know I have to do it though. I don't think letting my teeth rot would be any safer. I have some holes in my teeth and it feels like I'm teething. I'm afraid my last dentist wasn't very good (and may have even contributed to even more dental problems), but I think this one is better.

Thanks for your help!

The mere fact that you went ahead and made the appointment, is a HUGE step ahead!!! Congrats on that! No one cares for the shots, but.... when a topical agent is applied to the gum, you rarely even feel much of it. By the time you say to yourself *dang, that pinched* it's over. It is so much better to go and get your cavities taken care of now, so it's one huge block off of your shoulder. Ask your dentist to calm you down first, explain exactly how you feel. Take a few deep breaths and think about how much happier you will be afterwards. You CAN do this Wishing you great dental health!

 

[Blueberry]

Thanks Also, this is random, but I just started having the weirdest sensation on one whole side of my teeth at the bottom :/ It's so weird...it feels like there's pressure and it's achey, and it *feels* like my teeth have slipped sideways (even though I'm 99% sure that's not the case) and it's really odd. Never felt anything like this before. Really strange...it's not the side that's being worked on tomorrow. Kind of worrying.

 

[DennyKitty]

You will be ok. I have high anxiety and panic attacks associated with going to the dentist. First be sure you chose a dentist who doesnt embarrass u, is understanding and empathetic to your situation. I just got three teeth removed and have two deep cleanings coming up,cavities filled and two more wisdom teeth removal. Things that he empathetic lp me is i always take an advil before going in. This help relieve pain. Also listening to my ipod,relaxing music helps best for me. Talking to the dentist prior and setting up hand signals in case i need him to stop during procedure. Remember to breathe threw your nose. Hope all is well,best of luck and keep us updated. XoXo

 

[FearfulInMA]

I'm sorry that I'm just seeing this now and didn't reply sooner. I think your appt should have already happened. I have similar fears to you (needles and I don't take medication for anxiety for multiple reasons). I also had many very long appts for multiple fillings (still or sure how many in total). Please let us know how your appt went!

 

[Blueberry]

Thanks for the responses! Yup, I went ahead and did it and it was okay. They spent the entire two hours drilling, screwing clamps in, filling etc...the hardest parts were the beginning, when they used the big drill, and towards the end when I was feeling pretty exhausted by it all. Also, I've always had kind of a hard time with the not breathing/swallowing through my throat and the saliva but we made our way through it!

I think I'll be a little less nervous for the next appointment, at the very least! I went from panicking right before/during the very beginning of the appointment to mostly just a bit uncomfortable for the rest and slightly on edge, which is much better then panicking. During portions of it I was pretty relaxed.

One little concern though...is it normal for the gums to feel a bit sore? Kinda just feels a little sore and irritated where the injections were, a as well as a dull discomfort along the gums and my jaw a bit if I move it around. The gums directly around at least one of my teeth is a bit lighter in color like it's healing.

 

[FearfulInMA]

I almost always have a fair bit of soreness at the injection site(s) for a few days. Also, if the fillings were close to the gum line (as many of mine have been), it would be normal to have some soreness for a few days there too. You can take whatever over-the-counter pain reliever you would normally take for a headache (or nothing at all if the discomfort is tolerable). I prefer ibuprofen because it also acts as an anti-inflammatory.

Thanks so much for you update! And, congrats on making it through the long appointment!!!