Dental phobia over a cavity.

[Ro]

Hi, so I made a post on here about 6 months ago, and I can't find that one, and also some stuff has changed since then. (Background info: I'm a 15 year old girl.) My whole ordeal is that I've never liked needles anywhere, (arm, etc) but I've always been able to get Novocaine needles like it was no big deal. Even in the painful spots, like the palate! But recently, as my fear of needles in general has gotten worse (I haven't been able to get an external needle for about 2 years now.) a fear of oral needles has arisen. I developed a cavity in the lower left area about a year ago, and when I went to get that treated at my regular dentist I found myself crying and hyperventilating as he drew the needle closer. I wasn't able to get it fixed because I swung my hands up to my face in reflex, so it was deemed unsafe. The dental assistant calmed me down while the dentist talked to my mom about another dentist who can use laughing gas.

I went to the next dentist for a consultation, and I was squirming and on the verge of tears just from sitting on the chair, even though it was in the open and there was no needle anywhere to be seen. It was also decided that I probably shouldn't go to that dentist because I had a melt down in the elevator down from the dentist. I found another dentist who operates from within a mall very close to my house. They're able to use laughing gas there, and the dentist is very nice. She guided me through the consultation, then a second cleaning, while assuring me there would be no needle until I was ready for a needle. All of this happened about 6 months ago, and I haven't been able to go back in fear of the needle, despite the fact that I trust the dentist. (Side note: I took a moment and asked my parents to book a cleaning. I guess that's a good step.)

What can I do to get past this? I'm currently in therapy for my general needle phobia and separation anxiety, and I should probably ask about this there, but that's not my current focus. A TDLR of what i'm specifically afraid of is: The needle itself, the laughing gas not working on me (due to anxiety issues), and the Novocaine wearing off during the filling.

 

[bun]

Hey you'll be okay. <3

Thats really good your taking medication and its been helping.

A few years ago I was in the same boat as you except my fear was being numbed by the Novacaine. I personally cannot stand the feeling because it makes me panic and my dentist kinda went od with it so I remember when it trickled down into my throat I nearly felt like I was gonna have a panic attack. (doesn't help I ate before this hoo boy BIG mistake!)

Does your dentist have any assistants with them when they do a filling? Mine had someone with her who held my hand which honestly helped so much.

The numbing will always work if not maybe they can give you a bit more. (they sound like reliable people i dont think they'll give you too much like mine did.)
I never had laughing gas before but Ive been sedated with an IV. The laughing gas will most likely work on you, you have nothing to fear. Ive heard lots of good things about laughing gas but since I dont fancy the idea of having it on me I usually ask for my dentist to have someone hold my hand.

 

[sarahtonin16]

Hi!

I don't have a huge fear of needles, but I don't like them, and I had the same worry you did about the laughing gas not working when I got my wisdom teeth taken out.

When I got my wisdom teeth out, I was super nervous, but the dental assistant held my hand and that helped. You're out in a few minutes (or so it felt, laying there). If the novocaine didn't work, they would just give you more until you feel okay.

Could you close your eyes and have them not tell you when they're putting the needle in? Or is it the anticipation that makes you nervous? (Which is what it sounds like, from what I'm reading.)

When I had my root canal done over the summer, I closed my eyes and imaged a scene from my favorite show to help distract me, which helped. I also sang one of my favorite songs over and over, which helped too. Maybe that might help you?

I think it's great you're getting help -- and booking a cleaning is a great start!

 

[FoolishlyWise]

Hey!

I'm not much older than you (20) but oh boy I am freaked out by needles. Its to the point where I pass out at blood and needles - it really is that bad. Really bad experiences at the dentist too but I sit here with a few fillings and a temporary root canal (possibly another one that might develop but this could me being paranoid).

First, the anaesthetic (novocaine) won't wear off. Trust me. I've had the injection around about 11:15am, had work done over 45 minutes, got home (40 mins) and only then do I have any sort of feeling come back. You're good, trust me.

Second, the needles. Okay - first off, rest assured you feel a TINY scratch when they use the needle. MAKE SURE you get numbing gel put on your gum before you have the injection. It tastes bitter af but it is so worth it, makes things more comfy. Its literally 5 seconds and the needle is gone. Five seconds and done.

Third, the laughing gas. So when I have dental treatment (pre-planned, the emergency root canal isn't included in this), I have inhalation sedation - fancy term for the nitrous oxide (laughing gas). You feel relaxed and a slight tingling. Its almost indescribable. But really nice (I remember asking the dentist where I could get some of it from to help me with college exam stress haha). It makes you relaxed albeit your reaction times slow down a fair bit. Also smells quite sweet. The gas will work irrespective of anxiety; the dental technician will adjust the oxygen to laughing gas ratio until it starts working well - keep providing feedback about how you're feeling and you'll be just fine.

Pro-tip: comfy shoes really help for some reason