Emergency Extraction and now a full checkup after 8 years

[Marsbars]

Two weeks ago,I had mild pain,extreme sensitivity to heat in the back of my mouth, and stiffness in my neck forcing me to go to the dentist after 8 years. I had to have my very back lower molar extracted because it was cracked to the root. My dentist put an implant in on the same visit. Everything has healed nicely and the stitches came out on Thursday. Overall, the experience was much better than the anticipation/anxiety beforehand.
I’m now scheduled for a regular check up and cleaning on Wednesday.
I have some gum recession in the front, some visible cavities, and plaque build up between my teeth.
I am terrified that my dentist is going to look at the X-ray and tell me that I will need all of my teeth removed.
How do you prepare yourself to hear these words?

 

[Enarete]

Dear Marsbars,

very well done on getting back on track with dental visits! The first visits are always the most challenging..
It can be scary to wait for the news and hear what needs to get done, but please do not prepare yourself to hear anything about tooth removal as it won't happen. I have seen teeth literally eaten up by decay and it was still all salvable. So given your gum recession, few visible cavities and buildup, you will hardly need anything else than a cleaning and few fillings. Even if a situation was severe with any of your teeth, removing is the absolute last resort and before your dentist would suggest that, he would try to find a way to save the tooth. Anxiety is lying and always giving you the worst case scenarios and these are likely never going to happen

All the best wishes and keep us posted.

 

[Marsbars]

Dear Marsbars,

very well done on getting back on track with dental visits! The first visits are always the most challenging..
It can be scary to wait for the news and hear what needs to get done, but please do not prepare yourself to hear anything about tooth removal as it won't happen. I have seen teeth literally eaten up by decay and it was still all salvable. So given your gum recession, few visible cavities and buildup, you will hardly need anything else than a cleaning and few fillings. Even if a situation was severe with any of your teeth, removing is the absolute last resort and before your dentist would suggest that, he would try to find a way to save the tooth. Anxiety is lying and always giving you the worst case scenarios and these are likely never going to happen

All the best wishes and keep us posted.

Thanks Enarete! You are so right - Anxiety does bring on worst case scenario thinking but I can’t control myself from thinking about all of the “what if’s”. I will try to stay distracted until Wednesday morning.

 

[Dg6300]

There will be some moments, my friend, but in general you should turn out just fine.

You have already come a long way. Well done!

 

[Enarete]

Anxiety does bring on worst case scenario thinking but I can’t control myself from thinking about all of the “what if’s”. I will try to stay distracted until Wednesday morning.

That sounds like a great idea.

I don't know what it is you are afraid of when it comes to dentistry and either what caused your fear or how severe it is, but my own experience is this: the anxiety doesn't stop. It decreases gradually, but it goes so slowly that after 10 visits and a perfect rapport and trust to my dentist I still feel sick and helpless in the waiting room. Not as bad as the first visit, but still very bad. It just sucks and I hate it, but accepting it in a way I would accept a flu or a bad hair day makes dealing with it easier.

Keep yourself distracted, be kind to yourself and don't forget that the thoughts and your emotions are disturbing and annoying, but have nothing to do with what will happen during your visit. Hope your dentist knows how to put you at ease and make you feel comfortable. For me once my dentist starts talking to me, the anxiety is gone so the only hard job is to endure myself the days before a visit.

 

[Marsbars]

Tomorrow is my full check-up. I only relaxed yesterday when I decided to postpone my appointment. When I called today though, I knew I had to go through with it. I go tomorrow.
I am terrified what the X-rays will reveal and I am scared of the cleaning.

As the amazing office manager said to me: knowledge is power.

She is right. Sigh.

 

[Marsbars]

That sounds like a great idea.

I don't know what it is you are afraid of when it comes to dentistry and either what caused your fear or how severe it is, but my own experience is this: the anxiety doesn't stop. It decreases gradually, but it goes so slowly that after 10 visits and a perfect rapport and trust to my dentist I still feel sick and helpless in the waiting room. Not as bad as the first visit, but still very bad. It just sucks and I hate it, but accepting it in a way I would accept a flu or a bad hair day makes dealing with it easier.

Keep yourself distracted, be kind to yourself and don't forget that the thoughts and your emotions are disturbing and annoying, but have nothing to do with what will happen during your visit. Hope your dentist knows how to put you at ease and make you feel comfortable. For me once my dentist starts talking to me, the anxiety is gone so the only hard job is to endure myself the days before a visit.

Thanks for sharing your experience, Enarate. Hard to pinpoint my exact fear but it’s definitely related to the unknown and things I cannot control. I tend to avoid the issue as a result. Waiting for results from a check up at my doctors office last week brought on the same intense anxiety. I feel like I found the right dentist office as they calmed me down before my extraction/implant last month and treated me with respect although it had been 8 years!

 

[Marsbars]

Today is appointment day-full check-up and cleaning I had a very restless sleep. Feeling very nervous. After 8 years away, this will be the 4th time in a dentist chair in just under a month. The first 3 visits were for a cracked molar that needed to be extracted (consultation; extraction and implant; follow-up). This visit should be a easy but there is something daunting about having them look at all of my teeth! Ugh!

 

[krlovesherkids777]

Let us know how it goes!! Thinking of you!

 

[Marsbars]

Just finished - Emergency Extraction and now a full checkup after 8 years

Finished up x-rays, cleaning (bottom teeth only), and check-up this morning. Overall, it was a very positive experience. The absolute worst part was the wait from when I booked the appointment until today.

Cleaning/Scaling: The hygienist used numbing cream on my gums and I highly recommend it. I felt almost nothing. What bugged me was the sound when she manually scaled my front teeth at the end. It sounded like my teeth were being chipped away-but was the plaque! She gave me many breaks and I can say that my bottom teeth look so much better !!!!

X-Ray: I had a 360 degree x-ray (I think). It took less than 20 seconds. 2 additional x-rays were taken right from the dentist chair. The bites for the pics were a little uncomfortable but happened quickly so not bad.

Examination: Dentist looked at the xrays to check for any cavities between the teeth and then physically looked in my mouth and touched the tops of my teeth with a small tool - I have very sensitive teeth but felt nothing. He determined no new cavities after 8 years!!! He did however find some exposed bone next to my recent extraction / implant site. He feels that it will take care of itself - and told me to continue to rinse my mouth with salt water.

Next Steps
Tuesday: My upper teeth are getting cleaned and my gum pockets will be measured
3 weeks from now: My dentist will check the extraction/implant area to see if the exposed bone has healed

I will still be nervous for upcoming appointments but am very proud of myself for getting this far.

To all of you on this journey, keep moving forward at your own pace. Any small step in the right direction is an achievement!

 

[Enarete]

Wow, Marsbars, that sounds like a full program you got through! Amazing, very well done! Give yourself a pat on the back!

Waiting time can be draining, I believe it's because you are on your own with your own thoughts. As soon as a nurse picks you up or the dentist comes in, you have nice people who can talk to you and distract you. Sounds like your practice took care of you well.

Love to hear that they numbed your gums for the cleaning and gave you many breaks. Also putting of measuring and getting teeth cleaned in steps sounds great as small steps work better when it comes to anxiety.

So again, well done and you have all reason to be proud of you! Hope you treat yourself nicely for this achievement. Can't wait to read your updates

 

[Marsbars]

I had my second appointment with the hygienist today. Both my top and bottom teeth have now had a deep cleaning after 8 years!!!!

A month ago, I posted here because I was desperate and terrified. I now have 1 consultation, 1 extraction, an implant, X-rays, and 2 cleanings under my belt!

For those starting this journey, it’s not as bad as you imagine it. Find the right dentist and go at your own pace!