have a dentist appointment today

[perfectlife]

I am terrified today because I have a dentist appointment. It has been about 7 years since I last went to the dentist and he had to pull a tooth. I am pretty sure that will be happening today as well. The only reason I am going today is because I have an emergency... I haven't been able to eat the past few days and I feel so sick... I am in a lot of pain from this tooth. A long time ago my jaw got knocked into while playing basketball and it broke a molar... and over time it has kept breaking pieces off. My appointment isn't until 330 but I am already shaking and so scared. I have no option as I am in agony, but to go. I feel so stuck. I have two amazing boys that I would never want to leave... but I feel like I dont even want to live. I dont knwo what i'm looking for on here... because its not a case of an unfounded fear of the dentist, I know they are going to be hurting me. I wish I could be put under but the dentist I am going to only does local.

i dont know if i can handle this.... i feel like im going to drop dead in the office.

 

[Deejay]

If they have to do any major work on your tooth you will be fully numbed and shouldn't feel any pain, they may also be able to use numbing gel on your gum prior to the injection, should you feel any discomfort raise your hand to get him/ her to stop and they may need to give you another injection but you will be still numb from the others, discuss your worry with the dentist when you get there, you can do this and you will walk out off there feeling maybe a little bit shocked but like you have just saved the world, I wish you all the best, please come back on and let us know how you got on xxx

 

[perfectlife]

thank you so much for your reply... I have been beside myself today with anxiety. I hope that I can get thru this and come back and let you all know I am still alive! and that I did it!

 

[takingflight]

Hi Perfectlife!

I'm so sorry to hear that you are dealing with a dental emergency. I, as well as many others on here, can understand and appreciate your anxiety regarding your appointment. Even though I have been going regularly I still have my moments of panic. Here are a few things to think about: 1) you are in control of what happens today 2) it shouldn't hurt and if you feel discomfort you should feel free to speak up so they can do something about it 3) we often fear the worst, perhaps you won't need an extraction today but even if you do, you should be properly numbed so you don't experience pain. It's important to be able to communicate with your dentist. Perhaps you can explain to him/her about your fear and establish a signal (holding a finger up or something similar) that lets them know to stop and do whatever is necessary to make you comfortable. That puts the control back in your hands and can ensure that you get through the appointment pain free.

You can do this and you are definitely going to be able to come back here and tell us you survived it. Give yourself a pat on the back for making the appointment, there are some out there who just live with the pain and won't even go in an emergency. It takes a lot of courage to go when you are fearful so I'm pretty sure you are strong enough that you won't "drop dead in the office." I'll think of you and send positive vibes your way this afternoon!!

 

[perfectlife]

thank you so much everybody for your positive vibes and encouragement to go to the dentist. It was another nightmare experience... I was crying by the time I was in the parking lot, dry mouth, sweaty hands, felt like puking. But I made sure to tell the assistant (the one who helps the dentist) about my fear etc... and I was crying and shaking and she was trying to help me feel that it was ok. She was so kind and nurturing it was exactly what I needed. and they made me feel like it was in my control. They asked if I wanted to fix this problem now and I said I needed to... so they did. I was able to have my husband come in with me and hold my hand. I think I almost ripped his hand off and I was grabbing the chair arm with the other hand so tight my hand was going numb.
but.. I did it! No more pain from this tooth anyways.
and!!!
I made another appointment for a month from now to get my whole mouth looked over and instead of waiting til I have to have a tooth pulled, just have some fillings etc. hopefully!
they were so encouraging at this dentist office, I will always go there. Though I really dont look forward to going again, at least I have a plan set into action to hopefully keep my health as a higher priority than I have in the past. I need to take care of myself for my family... for my two sweet little boys.

well I'm not going to worry about the next apointment yet! I am going to ride this high of conquering my fear... and go lie down becuase I hurt all over! (It was like I had done a workout, I was sweating and tense etc)
again thank you so much Deejay and takingflight for giving me encouragement and the good vibes! (they should have a smiley face that's half numb)

 

[takingflight]

Yay That's awesome news!!! Not only did you go but you've made a follow-up appointment. I hope you are proud of yourself because you should be. Even though you were upset you were able to communicate your needs and it sounds as though the staff really came through to try to help you. I'm sure your next visit will be equally positive. I hope your husband's hand recovers but how sweet of him to be in there to support you. Well done!

 

[Deejay]

Wow Well Done you I am so glad you feel comfortable with this dentist enough to continue letting them help you, bet you have shocked yourself at just how strong you are!, I know I did
I always feel exhausted afterwards but it's all the tension and worry you wouldn't have hardly noticed how tense you were and now you taken that first step and relaxed a little so too have your muscles!
you know now that you have control and they are happy to work with you at your speed, glad you are focused on one step at a time, I am so happy for you, please keep in touch, you dentists sounds great even allowing your hubby in with you just shows how much they care xx that euphoria is a great confidence booster enjoy it, take it easy, speedy healing and keep in touch, WooooooHooooooo
D.J

 

[Julie30]

That is amazing, well done!!! I know all too well how difficult that first visit is and you are so lucky to have found the right dentist first time, the same happened to me (right dentist, first time) - One year on and I don't mind going now even though I was afraid at first after a 19 year gap between dental visits.

You have done something major - you've taken the first steps to kicking that fear to the curb. I promise you each subsequent visit will get better and just think with each visit your oral health will be getting..well that little bit healthier and that is always a great thing.

WELL DONE!!!

 

[perfectlife]

thank you so much everyone
I feel great that I've conquered this much. I feel like I'm off the high though. shortly after I updated you the feeling started coming back in my mouth and boy was I in pain. I still am today but it is not as bad as last night. I got about 2.5 hours of sleep before I needed to be up with my two boys at about 7:30am. I am taking it easy today as my parents took them (and me, since I need to feed the smallest still)... so I've got two extra sets of hands plus their uncle will be around later.
I am so thankful I found this support online, it has helped me a lot to go thru with going to the dentist, knowing I am not alone. I plan on leaning on you guys some more, as my next appointment approaches, as I need the encouragement

 

[Deejay]

Sorry to hear you had a rough time once the numbing wore off Always here when you need, feel free to pm me too I'm on here and online everyday, must be hard with having the kids when you just feel like curling up in a ball but sounds like you have some good family help xx you have been through a trauma and it needs time to settle, be kind to yourself and hopefully as the hours pass you'll start to feel better and brighter keep remembering that big step you took, by getting pain you may have fallen of that wave crest you were riding but you can still bask in your bravery xx
D.J

 

[perfectlife]

so I'm about to head out for my 2nd dentist appointment. The last time I had an extraction. (molar). and this time I am meeting with the hygienist (not the dentist I don't think) ... and they are doing x-rays to check out all that I need done. I will be needing a lot of fillings I know for sure. Im not as freaked out as last time because I knew I needed the tooth pulled... but this time I just don't know what to expect. I am hoping that I can cope with it. I just wanted to update you all about it. Send me your encouragement this morning... I'll be in "the chair" around 9:50....

 

[Deejay]

Thinking of you, hope all goes well
D.J

 

[perfectlife]

well, I made it, thanks for thinking of me. I had a lot of x-rays done and picking around in my mouth etc. I have a LOT of cavities... meaning $$$$$$$$$$$! It wasn't too much $ for this appointment, but I didn't actually have any "work" done on my teeth... so I basically payed for x-rays and them to tell me I need a bunch of fillings.... AND I have to have my two top wisdom teeth pulled. I am kind of letting all this sink in. I will need to go back quite a few times to get all the fillings and then to have my wisdom teeth out, and then also to have a thorough cleaning, which is last on the list. I am shocked at the amount of money I will be needing to shell out, more than a couple thousand dollars. (Canadian) I am scheduled to go back May 13 for the first round of fillings. I need a break from thinking about it though. I couldn't even make myself come on here until this morning an hour before my appointment... just thinking of the dentist makes me nervous. and I need to relax! It is way less stress on my body if I purpose to relax... i.e breathe slowly and deeply. I am on my way to a healthy mouth.... I cannot wait!!! I will never take it for granted... ever.