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I can smile again! Gum planing with IV sedation.

R

Rioja

Junior member
Joined
Jan 7, 2016
Messages
2
Location
UK
Hi,​

I'm new here and have been reading your posts for several months as I've mustered up the courage to face my fears after an 18 year absence at the dentist. It's the usual with me, fear of the unknown, loss of control and then in the final could of years, embarrassment. However, after a summer of periodontal abscesses and waking up each morning with bleeding gums that had receded to deep pockets, I knew it was now or never. I'm a 34yr old professional woman and the mouth that I had was just disgusting so action needed to be taken.

i found a private dentist that specialised in IV sedation and anxious patients. Perfect! Just the tricky part of following through with the appointment. However, as soon as I arrived I was immediately put at ease, treated like a human being with a very real fear and the examination took place, without mirrors, lights, etc on a normal chair. Throughout the dentist was explaining everything that he was going to do, I was in control and he also gave me a bell which would stop proceedings at any time. Yes, it was embarrassing to show my teeth but he assured me he had seen worse.

prior to this examination (actually, more of a quick 'look') I was convinced from my degree at the University of Google, that I had advanced periodontal disease, bone loss and in need of multiple fillings. In fact, I had convinced myself (and lost nights of sleep, hours of each day) worrying that a full set of dentures would be the only way forward. That, I had read, would be years down the line as I'd need bone reconstruction, gum surgery, remortgage my house to pay and possibly plan a bank robbery.... You get the picture. I was a wreck of a hyperchondriac ....

then came the most brilliant, unexpected news- after a couple of x-Rays to confirm, I actually had a great set of teeth! Yes, there was pretty advanced gum disease but no bone loss and nothing a good deep clean wouldn't cure!!!!! So I booked in for a full mouth gum planning session, under IV sedation. Then, he promised me, I would be 'dentally fit'.

So so yesterday was D-Day and I didn't sleep the night before. It was the longest drive to the dentist. If it wasn't for my mum being my chaperone, I don't think I would've stayed. Consequently, due to my embarrassment, she thought I was having other treatment, not a procedure for gum disease! Well I got called in, the team were fabulous- very caring, patient and calm. The needle went in my arm, I felt a calm wave of pleasant dizziness take over and that was it- lights out! I vaguely recall being asked to open my mouth but that's all I remember until my mum walking in over an hour later. The rest of the day was a very pleasant blur and pain was minimal, just a slight bruised feeling when the anaesthetic wore off. So relaxing! When can I get sedated again?!

So, here I am, having just looked in the mirror at my bright white, clean teeth!! I can smile again!! I still feel a tad spaced out (but the 24hours aren't up yet) and parts of my mouth are slightly sore and bruised. Nothing a paracetamol won't cure. I'm now signed up to the private dental plan so WILL (hmmmmm) be going back every 6 months for a routine check up and two hygienist appointments each year. I've come this far, I intend to maintain my healthy mouth. I'm by no means over my phobia but the embarrassment has now gone and I know that if anything major needs to be done, sedation is an option (it's not cheap, but worth every penny).

i honestly believe that if I can come this far, so can anyone. Just find the right dentist, take things slowly and get sedated for any treatment that needs doing. Good luck!
 
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