I made an appointment. Now Im ready to cancel

[coupondiva827]

I swear somebody should check me into a psych ward because I cannot be normal. I had an extraction in May and had a very hard time recovering from that (the dentist said dry socket but it felt like nerve pain). I have state medical insurance and they will cover cleanings/exams/extractions and I think fillings. I decided to be a big girl and go see a dentist and possibly try to take care of any small problems before they get worse.

There are only two dentists in network that offer nitrous oxide. I was told I would do better with conscious sedation but cant afford it. The first dentist has a year long waitlist for "patients like me" aka medicaid. The second dentist can get me in on Monday. I was actually okay right after I made the appointment but now Im starting to panic.

I swear I am constantly feeling all my teeth, to see if any seem like they have decay etc (not that I would even know how to tell, its more like an obsessive, if it doesnt hurt to poke, maybe theres nothing wrong with this tooth) - did I mention a psychiatrist would have a ball with me.

Okay so random fears floating through my head are...

1. dentist is mean/doesnt understand my phobia
2. the moment of panic when they put the chair back
3. the dentist poking my teeth with the pointy thing and hitting a nerve or chipping a tooth
4. needing root canals which I cant afford so the teeth would have to be extracted
5. inadequate pain relief during and after any work done (I posted something about this in the question forum if anybody would like to read somemore of my neurotic rambling)

So is there any chance somebody has gone 14 years without a cleaning and walked out without any major problems? I did get a cleaning done at one of those chain places and they told me I needed a "deep cleaning" This was 7 years ago, however I overheard them tell every other patient the same thing (it was a free exam/x-ray kind of place).

Im not sure why Im even posting this, I guess Im hoping somebody can maybe understand my craziness

*I promise, Im actually a normal individual when Im not worrying about this dental crap.

 

[SheDaisy]

I understand how you feel. I'm also a dental phobic. I made my first appointment in quite a while back in May. Actually, my husband had to call for me because everytime I tried to pick up the phone I hung up.

So, to put your fears at ease, here we go:

1. My husband sent my dentist an email explaining my fears/phobia. He seemed very nice from the email. He explained that he understood my fears and would do everything he could to put me at ease. When we got there, he was just as nice as the email led me to believe.

2. I panicked before they even put the chair back. My husband had to drive me there because I never would have left the house. I was simply sitting in the room waiting for the dentist to come in and I was in tears. Watching the squirrels and chipmunks play did nothing to ease my nerves. Before I could even mention it,he told me that he understood my fears and would do everything he could to ease them.

3.He never poked my teeth with anything pointy. They had a panoramic x-ray machine so they didn't even have to put those hard films in my mouth.

4. You could possibly need a root canal, but only the dentist would tell you. I'm not sure on that point.

5. To be honest, I'm getting completely knocked out, but I would talk to the dentist about this one especially. It's very important to someone like you.

My advice is to email or call the dentist with your fears. A good dentist will answer them all for you.

I'm having all of my teeth removed on August 13th and am going to be completely knocked out for it. That's the only way that I could do it. I'm terrified of this,but my dentist makes me feel better about everything.

 

[randomuser375]

Hey CouponDiva!

I was on the same boat as you. I haven't gone to the dentist in over 15 years, periods in my life where I didn't take very good care of my teeth, but have been as I got older, and I never floss. I thought I was going to need multiple extractions, implants, dentures etc... Well I finally mustered up the courage to go to the dentist this past week, and the diagnosis? A few root canals and a bunch of fillings! Obviously not good teeth, but not as bad as I had thought it would be.

I was a wreck, I was nervous, getting light headed, and felt slightly nauseous as my appointment came up. But I went, and now I feel so much better knowing that I'm starting to get my teeth treated and fixed. I'd say find a good dentist and go. You'll feel so much relief after that first visit. Wish you the best, and this forum definitely helped me and the courage to go.

 

[mirla]

Please don't cancel.

How many problems you have depends on how well you take care of your teeth, your diet, and genetics. It is possible you won't have major issues. What you do know is that it won't get better if you wait longer.

1. I find it helps to write down your list of fears and instructions on what you want to happen. The dentist is providing you a service, and you have a right for reasonable accommodations. Most Dentists want to help people, and are not mean.

2. Make sure they know this bothers you. Some dentists will take a look with you sitting up or partly reclined. You may feel better if the chair is reclined while you sit up, and then you lay down yourself. You may feel better if you get some say in when the chair goes back and how fast. Think about what you need and don't be afraid to make reasonable suggestions.

3. This is one of my phobias. I am always reassuring myself that the dentist know's what she's doing. It also helps if the dentist knows this is an issue and can either not use it for the first few visits, or make sure they give you reassurances like that they've never had that happen before.

4. Going to the first appointment is not a commitment for any other work to be done. If the dentist thinks a root canal is required, and you don't do it, you're no worse off than you are if you don't go. The worst they can do is refuse to keep you as a patient if you don't follow their suggested treatment plan. If you need a root canal so bad your life is in danger without it, you normally would know something was wrong. Make sure the dentist understands what you want. If there's a chance of having better insurance or saving money up within a year or so, they might be willing to put off some of the more major work to do things right.

5. Make sure the dentist knows this. Know before any work is done what the pain treatment plan will be and how to let the dentist know it isn't working. I was in pain for a lot of fillings as a child. I was told I was faking it because I was given more than enough novacain. My current dentist believed me and discovered my nerves are wired a bit oddly. She has to inject me in an additional spot, but then everything is fine. She also waits for it to fully take effect, unlike my childhood dentist. It should not hurt. You have the power to walk out if the dentist doesn't deal with your pain.

The thing my dentist most thought I needed after 10 years was a deep cleaning. I actually liked it better than the regular cleaning because of my phobia of the dental pick.

You are not a crazy person. You have a dental phobia, which a lot of people have, just some to a higher degree than others. Most of us are here because we have dental phobias. You can deal with it. Please, don't cancel your appointment.

 

[Spike 1969]

Hi Coupondiva

Welcome, firstly well done for taking that difficult first step What you have done is not easy so much respect

Your fears are quite normal, a lot of us have suffered (and still do suffer) from a fear of dentistry for a variety of reasons, a lot of which (certainly in my case anyway) is due to past bad experiences (I can remember being pinned down in the chair whilst receiving far from humane treatment some 30 years ago so didn't go to the dentist for some time). A lot of us have worked with some of the wonderful dentists who understand our concerns and want to help us in a partnership so very few of the old style "mean" practitioners remain because it's our choice nowadays and we, the customers are in control. I like to remember that as it makes me feel more in control when I go

I would say make a list of your concerns and either email them to your dentist or write them down and go and have a chat to your dentist away from the surgery environment, if your dentist is kind, understanding and compassionate he/she will do their best to address those concerns to make the whole thing so much more comfortable for you. If they don't or won't then you are free to find one who does.

I was in danger of losing control and going back to a phobic condition when my dentist of 20 years retired and sold out to a large group, I lost trust in the new people for a variety of reasons, it was affecting my sleeping and I was starting to approach appointments with real dread so I took the proactive step of firing them and I have an appointment with a new, small dental practice on Monday, it's a bit of a leap into the unknown but at least I feel I'm back in control.

hope you find the courage to make your appointment, I'm sure you will feel better once you have been, you've done amazingly to come as far as you have. Don't forget you are in control and can leave at any time if you don't feel comfortable.

good luck and please keep us posted

 

[bethann]

I understand how you feel. I'm also a dental phobic. I made my first appointment in quite a while back in May. Actually, my husband had to call for me because everytime I tried to pick up the phone I hung up.

So, to put your fears at ease, here we go:

1. My husband sent my dentist an email explaining my fears/phobia. He seemed very nice from the email. He explained that he understood my fears and would do everything he could to put me at ease. When we got there, he was just as nice as the email led me to believe.

2. I panicked before they even put the chair back. My husband had to drive me there because I never would have left the house. I was simply sitting in the room waiting for the dentist to come in and I was in tears. Watching the squirrels and chipmunks play did nothing to ease my nerves. Before I could even mention it,he told me that he understood my fears and would do everything he could to ease them.

3.He never poked my teeth with anything pointy. They had a panoramic x-ray machine so they didn't even have to put those hard films in my mouth.

4. You could possibly need a root canal, but only the dentist would tell you. I'm not sure on that point.

5. To be honest, I'm getting completely knocked out, but I would talk to the dentist about this one especially. It's very important to someone like you.

My advice is to email or call the dentist with your fears. A good dentist will answer them all for you.

I'm having all of my teeth removed on August 13th and am going to be completely knocked out for it. That's the only way that I could do it. I'm terrified of this,but my dentist makes me feel better about everything.

Hi Michelle, I saw your post today and wanted to give you some hope! I just had all my teeth removed 3 days ago under I.V. sedation. I had 2 weeks from the time I made the appointment until the DAY! And I can tell you it was one long panic attack! The day of my procedure, I had to wait an hour in the office before we started and I honestly thought I was going to pass out. All I could do was hyperventilate and cry. When I finally got in there and laid down on the chair, I could barely breathe from fear. The I.V. guy was very nice and saw my distress. He hooked up the I.V. and literally, it was like one second later, I was waking up and it was all over. I still can't believe all that worry and here I am 3 days past it. It's like a dream. No, it wasn't fun afterword, I had alot of bleeding until the next morning, but it wasn't terrible either. And by the way, I felt fine after I woke up. I wasn't even sleepy, just a little goofy for about 30 minutes, which wasn't bad at all. I would like anyone who is fearing I.V. sedation that I am at the highest rating when it comes to dental phobia, believe me, and it is really the only way to go when you are afraid or have to have so much work done like I did. If you're going to worry about anything, let it be about what you're going to have to eat while you're healing, or getting used to dentures, etc., but don't fear the procedure while under sedation, because you will not know a thing that goes on! It's great. Just close your eyes and drift off. Good luck!

 

[coupondiva827]

Thank you for the kind words of support. I have not canceled my appointment yet although I am really panicking tonight. I wish I could afford iv sedation, but that is not financially possible.

Stupid question but do most dentists allow somebody to come back with you? I dont think I will be able to go through with it unless I have DH with me.

I also have a vacation scheduled next week. Im hoping he doesnt find any major problems that I will spend my trip obsessing over.

#16 hours until d day.

 

[Brittany48]

Hello,

I haven't ever experienced a dentist who hasn't allowed someone to come back with you, especially if the dentist knows you have anxiety and are nervous. I had an appointment Wednesday for two deep fillings and when I went alone, because it was during my work lunch hour, knowing I was a scared patient she even asked (not in a condescending way whatsoever; but a caring, motherly way) if I wanted another young hygienist/assistant to come in and hold my hand during the procedure.

I wish you all the luck with your appointment tomorrow and hope it goes well!

 

[zombiegroupie]

You'll be so proud of yourself if you go :hugs: I just started going again and so far have had a root tip removal.

 

[coupondiva827]

Thank you again for the words of support. I still havent cancelled although my heart feels like its beating out of my chest. I also wrote a letter to the dentist explaining my fears. I havent printed it yet but at least its done in case I do decidento bring it with me.

 

[coupondiva827]

I actually got in the car. Im freaking out right now but I actually got in the car.

 

[zombiegroupie]

breathe, deep stay calm! you can do it.

Even if you feel very panicked remember panic attacks can't hurt you

 

[Brittany48]

You can do it! Just take deep breaths and think that in a couple hours it'll be all done!

 

[coupondiva827]

Well I survived. 14 years without seeing a dentist except for emergencies and the only thing wrong is two cavities and a few chips from grinding my teeth. Everybody was super nice and they squeezed me for a Wednesday appointment so I didnt have to spend time obsessing over it. Right now Im relieved but Im still nervous about Wednesday's appointment. They are fixing a filling on a tooth that wasnt numbed properly when the filling was originally done. The dentist was nice and offered to call in a script for Valium.

 

[Spike 1969]

Fabulous news! Well done you

These things are often a lot better than we expect. That's a real result

Hope everything goes smoothly on Wednesday, I'm certain it will

 

[zombiegroupie]

that's great! I went only 4 years in between and have a lot more problems than that :O