Hi Naaarrf!
Welcome to DFC! I can’t speak for halcion specifically but many people report a very high rate of success with oral sedation. It also helps that the dental staff already know that you are scared. Have you expressed to them what your specific fears are? Many people do well with timed breaks or a stop signal (could be just raising your hand or a finger to let them know) to increase a sense of control. Many dentists will also talk to you throughout and check in with you to make sure you are comfortable and relaxed. I struggle with control and surprisingly have had a lot of success with distraction methods (listening to headphones or watching movies on virtual glasses)...I didn’t think this would help me much because I thought I liked being “in the know” every minute that I was there but after giving it a try, I found I was less stressed when I shifted my focus away from what was happening in my mouth (this was with a well established stop signal that I felt comfortable using). All the best wishes to you with tomorrow’s appointment. Please let us know how you get on.
Thank you so much for your reply! I really appreciate someone replying to me. I was desperate for some comforting words :-D
I wanted to add an update in case anyone in the future stumbles upon this thread in hopes of getting some encouragement too.
The pills are a godsend. It was like being extremely silly and drunk for me, but not nauseous or dizzy or anything. I even have panic attack symptoms but these pills just made me NOT CARE. At all. I just felt so carefree.
The dentist visit went extremely well. I do remember most of it but apparently I fell asleep and snored during the root canal. It went by SO FAST. The shots stung very little, but nothing bad at all. The nurse held my hand and was an angel to me.
The fillings and crown went by fast. At this point the pills were wearing off a little so I felt anxious but not panicky by any means. I think I was just ready to be out of there. I was there for almost 4 hours y’all and it felt like maybe 1 hour. Maybe.
The ONLY “complaint” I even have is that when the pills high had mostly worn off, I cried a lot and felt really sad. Maybe just adrenaline finally releasing. No clue why. But that was very brief and literally the worst thing about today.
For anyone scared, and believe me I WAS, it will be fine!!!! The Halcion is a freaking miracle, and as long as you have caring staff around you, they will treat you so kindly and compassionately. It goes by fast. I brought a sleep mask and headphones and listened to beautiful music. Just close your eyes, feel the meds working their magic on your CNS and listen to some tunes.
Feel free to message me (idk if that’s a thing on here?) if you need some encouragement.
. Thank you so much all.
