Extraction anxiety and questions

[gemcool16]

I have been told I need two teeth extracted, I have to wait 6 months though as they won't treat me whilst I'm in my third trimester.

What I am so scared about now is one of the teeth is upper back molar, so I am super anxious about a palatal injection? I read about them and freaked myself out and also how it feels it be numb up the top of my mouth, I can freak out as I start to go numb for some reason.

Had anyone had a upper back molar out? What was getting numb like, what injections did you get? Did they hurt a lot? Usually they dont really hurt me but I've read some people developing phobias because of upper injections. Was it hard getting an upper molar out compared with a lower molar.

Thanks

 

[letsconnect]

Hi @gemcool16, I don't think these should be uncomfortable, I think it's more towards the front of the mouth where really good technique on part of the dentist is needed to make things painless. Also, upper molars tend to come out quite quickly and without much resistance because the bone in the upper jaw is softer and more porous than the dense bone of the lower jaw.

Normally, upper back teeth are quite easy to numb without causing pain. For the palate side, there's plenty of tricks like applying a strong numbing gel and applying pressure with a cotton swab or similar. Your nerves get overwhelmed by the sensation of pressure, which acts as a distraction, so you barely feel the actual injection. Just make sure you let your dentist know beforehand that you've worried about the palatal injection, so they can apply all those techniques .

With the numbing sensation, what is it exactly that makes you freak out?

 

[gemcool16]

@letsconnect Hello, thank you for explaining. There are a few reasons I freak out about numbing, thank you for asking me also, it means alot for someone to take the time to find out.

I feel weird when I can't feel a part of my body so when I go numb I start shaking and crying. I think it is part of my trauma response.

I also have a trauma response to being feel like I'm being forced to take a medication or have something in my body that I don't want which can make me resistant to letting them put the needle in my mouth in the first place.

I am also scared of my throat going numb (choking fears)

And I also worry what if this time I have a reaction.

I really wish the dentists I've had would take the time to understand that I have complex ptsd, I think sometimes they feel like I am just a bit anxious or scared of the actual needle but that isn't thr case and I end up dissociated, crying and shaking and it can be frustrating for them as they think I can't go ahead with treatment but it isn't the case, I just really need them to hear me and what I am afraid of.

 

[Sweet Tooth]

So sorry you have this looming over you while you are pregnant. I agree about the upper molar injection is easier then toward the front palate. I understand about the trauma and PTSD. I also have had past abuse and trauma. Thank God I haven't dissociated in a long time. I'm doing better as far as that goes. I wish you the best. Keep us up to date on how things progress