Having 1 molar removed and another one soon, TERRIFIED

[mallorylouise]

I am 29 years old, and I am having dental surgery for the first time in over a decade. I have let my dental health go completely - I have one tooth that was root canaled but never capped, and that's the one coming out in two days. The surgeon seems like a very nice man, and I have had excellent service from the receptionist (she called a prescription for antibiotics in for me when she wasn't even at work). The office is clean. Every story I've read about these procedures says they are quick, relatively painless, and completely worth it.

I will be taking valium an hour beforehand and I will be sedated. Still, I am so so terrified. I know that this removal is just the beginning of a long journey to get my mouth healthy again and the whole idea of all of this makes me panic. I know I'm doing the right thing for myself but the fear is almost unbearable.

Do any of you have any suggestions or kind words?

 

[Solomunchkin]

I know exactly how you feel. I was in a complete state of panic before having my tooth extracted a few weeks ago. How I managed to drive myself there, I will never know! But, it was over very quick and absolutely no pain at all! I was not sedated, just local anaesthetic to numb the tooth. The after part was very easy too. A few days of mild discomfort that was easily dealt with using just ibuprophen.

You are going to be just fine and will feel like a super hero for a few days after for conquering a massive fear! Be kind to yourself on the days leading up to it and don't read stories online. Just know that you are in good hands with your dental surgeon. Then come update us all on how you did when it is all over!

 

[Ifear]

Ive just did it a month ago!
Didnt feeel anything at all jus a few pinch when they insert local anesthetic. Then all done in 30min cos mine was buried under gum


Im sure you can do it!!

 

[mallorylouise]

Well... it was a piece of cake. Like you said I would be, I'm so proud of myself for taking this step.

Unfortunately, the other molar that was an issue broke last night (on mashed potatoes???) and for whatever reason I was up all night throwing up. I now can't chew on either side of my mouth and have to wait until next Wednesday to have it removed. I'm not nearly as frightened this time - the oral surgeon was fantastic and so was his staff - but my anxiety about having a broken tooth sitting in my mouth and about not being able to eat when I have type 1 diabetes is through the roof.

I just need more support...again...

The advice and encouragement on this site is amazing.

 

[Solomunchkin]

Yay! You did it! Well done!

As for the other broken tooth, that sucks. But it is only a few days really that you have to wait. You will be surprised how much you can eat even though you cant chew. Soft bread, mashed potatoes, peas, pasta as long as it is small enough to swallow without having to chew too much. Chicken is easy to eat as well, so long as is cooked moist and not dried out. Cooked veggies, like carrots, mushrooms, peppers, etc. Cooked just overdone so they are a little mushy and cut small so you can control which teeth you mush them up with. Worst case, make some green smoothies with spinach and fruit and yoghurt. Just don't drink it through a straw!
You will do fine I am sure and once that other tooth is out, you will feel great!