shamrockerin
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 22, 2012
- Messages
- 752
- Location
- New Hampshire, USA
Hi everyone,
I've been a member here for over 10 years. For the past 7 or so years, I have been doing very well. I go for cleanings 4 times a year. In general I am comofrtable at the office, and I can talk and even make jokes with the hygienist and the dentist.
I have an appointment in about a week for a cleaning and exam. I am used to having some anxiety, and I am used to having the dental nightmares because after all these years they still happen pretty regularly. I have never canceled an appointment or done a 'no show'.
My anxiety is up right now because last week I noticed a dark spot on one of my molars. I assumed it was a tiny piece of food which would get brushed away, but it's not. It's very small, like a pin prick, and I am freaking out thinking it's a cavity.
I know that logically a cavity is not that big of a deal and it's a minor procedure to get it corrected. But I do not feel logical at all when I think about it. I just start picturing the needle, and then imagining if I start crying in the chair, and feeling humilated and ashamed that I have decay inside me.
I hate that I still have this phobia. Anyone who knew about my past struggles assumes that I'm over it because of all the progress I've made, but it still makes me feel like I'm in a downward spiral. Either everything goes well and I feel OK or it's the worst thing in the world and I'm rotten and disgusting and pathetic- there is no in between for me. I have tried so hard to get over this fear and I do all the right things: I take care of my teeth, I go for regular cleanings and check-ups.
I really thought after so many years I'd be over this, but it never seems to go away.
I've been a member here for over 10 years. For the past 7 or so years, I have been doing very well. I go for cleanings 4 times a year. In general I am comofrtable at the office, and I can talk and even make jokes with the hygienist and the dentist.
I have an appointment in about a week for a cleaning and exam. I am used to having some anxiety, and I am used to having the dental nightmares because after all these years they still happen pretty regularly. I have never canceled an appointment or done a 'no show'.
My anxiety is up right now because last week I noticed a dark spot on one of my molars. I assumed it was a tiny piece of food which would get brushed away, but it's not. It's very small, like a pin prick, and I am freaking out thinking it's a cavity.
I know that logically a cavity is not that big of a deal and it's a minor procedure to get it corrected. But I do not feel logical at all when I think about it. I just start picturing the needle, and then imagining if I start crying in the chair, and feeling humilated and ashamed that I have decay inside me.
I hate that I still have this phobia. Anyone who knew about my past struggles assumes that I'm over it because of all the progress I've made, but it still makes me feel like I'm in a downward spiral. Either everything goes well and I feel OK or it's the worst thing in the world and I'm rotten and disgusting and pathetic- there is no in between for me. I have tried so hard to get over this fear and I do all the right things: I take care of my teeth, I go for regular cleanings and check-ups.
I really thought after so many years I'd be over this, but it never seems to go away.