I'm back..trying to book that appointment!

[brit]

Re: wide range of emotions

All the best Penny.
Let us know if you make it and how it goes.
Brit

 

[jeanc200358]

Re: wide range of emotions

Penny, I have been a panic attack/anxiety disorder sufferer off and on for 30 years. And, if there's one thing I've learned, it's that it's something that you cannot "rationalize" your way out of. And that's very hard for me, because I'm a very rational person. And it kills me that this is the one thing in my life that I have "no" control over. (I use "no" in quotes because I don't mean that in a literal sense; there are things you can do to lessen the severity and frequency of panic attacks, but, at the same time, if one's going to strike, it's just going to strike and there's not much you can do about it except ride it out).

As far as worrying about what the dentist will think about the condition of your teeth, well, if you encounter one who seems put off by that, he's in the wrong profession, IMO. You sound like me, though, in a way. I refuse to visit a hairdresser without washing and conditioning and blow drying my hair first!

But dental health is far more important than dirty hair. So, the worst thing you can do is not go just because you're concerned with the appearance of your teeth or the state of decay in which they're in. Going to the dentist to take care of that problem is EXACTLY what you should be doing!

If you find yourself scared of having a panic attack (which is exactly what my problem is) I HIGHLY recommend you request IV sedation/oral sedation (whatever your dentist deems is right for you). I was "petrified" pretty much right up until she inserted the IV. (Not to the point I'd get up and run, because I knew I had to go through with it at some point in time). I had a choice: either deal with it, or live with ugly, decayed painful teeth for the rest of my life. I knew that I definitely didn't want to do that, so I forced myself to go. When she introduced Valium into the IV, I couldn't care less after that point if she had stood on my chest with a jackhammer. I was that calm and, for most of the procedure, I was completely unaware of what was going on. During those brief times I was aware, for a period of seonds, it didn't bother me in the least.

I just had all of my upper teeth extracted Wednesday and three lower ones and an aveloplasty and also other stitches taken in a lower molar area and I've had hardly any significant pain, to speak of. And what pain I have had I've got pain medication to take if and when I need it. Hardly any bleeding, but some, of course. I just have to say that IV sedation is FANTASTIC, especially if you are prone to panic attacks and anxiety.

And if you're really nervous to the point that you just can't make yourself go, then the dentist might suggest an oral anxiety agent ahead of time. I wanted to do that myself, but couldn't afford the Rx. So I just went with the nitrous oxide and iv sedation route, and I'm so happy I did and happy to finally get it over with. This swelling will go away in due time and I'll be feeling back to normal very soon, I'm sure. And so will you! Trust me, if I can do this, so can anyone. You'll be so glad you did, too, afterwards. The anticipatory anxiety is FAR FAR worse than the actual procedure and aftermath of the procedure is. I don't know why we allow ourselves to psychologically beat ourselves up this way, but we do, and the only way to get beyond it is to face our fears, I think.

Best of luck to you! If you want to talk please email me!

 

[Penny]

Re: wide range of emotions

Thank you! I know you are right. I do use oral sedation, I was very sick last time and I think that is why it didn't work. I wish I could do the IV, but at the moment that is impossible, I don't trust anyone any where near enough. Now I do 20mg Tamazipan the night before, just took it actually so I don't work myself up beyond sleep, then 30 mg tomorrow. The filling I had last saturday is shreading floss, I knew it was, but didn't know where so I made myself look, and I wish i hadn't now, as I can see it is right at the bottom near the gum, so that will have to be sorted as well. I don't want to go back a fourth time for treatment on that tooth, so I hope it can be done tomorrow. There it sounds like I will go doesn't it? Thank you BOTH!! I appreciate the suport x

 

[Nat]

Re: wide range of emotions

Hiya Penny, I just wanted to wish you all the best for tomorrow

 

[jeanc200358]

Re: wide range of emotions

Not sure if you'll see this, but I sent you an email, Penny. I believe, if you're in England, you're five hours later than I am here in Nashville, TN, USA. :-D

 

[kitty]

Re: wide range of emotions

jeanc200358, did the nitrous relieve your anxiety any? I will be having oral surgery with nitrous followed by IV sedation on 6/27. It has been so many years since I had nitrous, I can't remember what it feels like. Thanks much.

 

[jeanc200358]

Re: wide range of emotions

The last time I had nitrous I was about 19 years old and, as I recall, it had a much more profound effect on me back then. For one thing, I didn't laugh at all this time. Last time I thought everything was funny. This time, I'd have to say that, yes, it did have a somewhat calming effect on me. Even just breathing the clear cool oxygen by itself made me feel better. She started the IV, oh, maybe five minutes after the nitrous, so it wasn't any time at all before I was in the "Twilight Zone." :-D

 

[kitty]

Re: wide range of emotions

Thanks for the reply. Its nice to know that I probably won't be hanging around awake for very long once I get in the chair!

 

[Penny]

Re: wide range of emotions

well, I went, got the last two fillings, he tried to do something about the flossing, but he said the ridge was too far down between the teeth to do something about it, and said i would probably have to have it crowned. I wasn't going to argue, I didn't want him redoing anything. It did go a lot better today he was much nicer to me, and did a bit of a clean so I wouldn't have to see the hygenist. Had a panic attack in the cinema afterwards, but that was better than at the dentist. So that is me, for the next six months. My husband gave him the sheets on abuse and dental phobia, so he is enlightened for other people. But it did go better today. thanks for all the suport x

 

[brit]

Re: wide range of emotions

I'm very pleased for you . I think your having e-mailed to explain your dissatisfaction on the first occasion will have helped a lot of other people, he has yet to see.
I really did have a feeling it would go better - so would you say the oral sedation worked somewhat this time?
All the best
Brit

 

[Penny]

Re: wide range of emotions

Thanks Brit, yes the oral sedation worked a lot better this time, I did it differently, I took one at about 7pm, then another when i woke up at 1/4 to 5 in the morning, then the other 3 when we got up at 7, my appointment was at 8.30. I think taking the first one a lot earlier in the evening didn't let the panic set in, and the one before 5 let me get up calmer. I will do that again. last time I was up nearly all night being sick and with the runs. This time i wasn't sick until after I had done the deed! I don't know what I would have done without this forum, it is a GREAT help x

 

[jeanc200358]

Re: wide range of emotions

You go girl! I knew you could do it!

 

[Penny]

What is the point?

Old readers will know, I had my first root canal on 06/06/06, the devils day. They made me sign up for the practice payment plan at the time, it was meant to include, 2 checkups, x-rays and a visit to the hyjeanist (I would rahter die, I must admit.) Anyway, I have been payng the money now for nearly a year. And NOTHING. I would like to go back, I want to see if this rooot canal has settled down, I am sure I need one oter tooth filling, I am getting feelings in it. BUT nothing, no letter suggesting my 6 months are over nothing. I feel like I am paying the pracitic paynemt plan for nothing, if they don't even send out reminders that force you to at least remember, I am back to feeling dispare, stupid I know, I want to go but can't. without even a reminder so I can just show up without 'knowing' of another problem, I don't know how to just go along. It is a con. £10 a month for nothing. Everytime I 'face my demonds' and get something done, like a wisdome removal or root canal, pay for plans, join practicies whatever, it is still left to me, and If I COULD do itI wouldn't be writing to you! I am sick of this. I will never be free. x

 

[letsconnect]

Re: What is the point?

Hi Penny

I agree that reminders should be sent out (most people aren't particularly worried about seeing their dentist and might easily forget). It seems like a rather cheap cost-cutting method. Then again, the reminder might have gotten lost in the post or for some reason your address wasn't in the computer system (accidents happen).

The important point though is that you're a customer and paying for a service which you are entitled to. Do you feel able to ring them up or e-mail them and book a check-up (something you'd have to do even if you got a reminder)? Could you get someone else to do this for you?

You're paying for preventative services in whatever intervals your dentist has specified, not just for sorting out problems . That's the whole point behind a payment plan.

 

[Penny]

Re: What is the point?

I am working up to it, been working up to it since January! My old surgery has finally attracted a new dentist, a german, woman. Thinking of sending my husband to check her out, might go there instead. 'MIGHT' Just wish i could do it.

 

[Issy]

Re: What is the point?

I am working up to it, been working up to it since January! My old surgery has finally attracted a new dentist, a german, woman. Thinking of sending my husband to check her out, might go there instead. 'MIGHT' Just wish i could do it.

Ur not alone. I haven't been to a dentist for 8/9 years !!!!

Sounds a great idea for your husband to go & see her.

I'm in the process of emailing a new dentist & also may get Mum to go & meet him & check it all out for me !

 

[Penny]

Re: What is the point?

Always worth a try, if they take to them, it is half the way there. GOOD LUCK! x

 

[brit]

Re: What is the point?

Hi Penny
Welcome back. I've just re-read your old posts to check you were the 'Penny' I remembered....and you were.......I would suggest you read back your last post on your June appointment before rushing into the relative unknown elsewhere ...with the help of a bit of oral sedation it all went much better than you expected ......you said all along he wasn't the dentist for you but he did know about your fear, apologised in writing for not giving you a break the first time and you said he was much nicer to you after that.

The German lady (NHS practice presumably) is likely to be recently qualified; and from my own personal experience in the Netherlands....I would say as a dental phobic it is an extremely bad idea to put yourself voluntarily in the situation where there is a potential language barrier. ....it's an extra hurdle you can well do without.

I'm sorry the Practice Referral system failed (they do sometimes...I think it's best to always make the next appt before leaving personally....avoids all this) .....your having mentioned that makes me think if the 'card' had dropped on the mat, you would have maybe gone back there one more time.....he should check out the root canal he did really.

It sounds like your fear and your physical reaction to it is quite severe .....it seems to me that when this is the case, the use of a bit of sedation coupled with building up trust with a particular practitioner over time seems to work well...you said before you thought he meant well and wrote good emails.

Don't let it slide for too long.......if you would rather find a new Mr/Miss Right...then have you checked to see if there are any new recommended ones on the DentistFinder near you?
Good luck...you were really brave 6 months ago and thanks for all the posts supporting others too.

 

[Penny]

Re: What is the point?

thanks, I am building up to doing something. Just wish i would just do it, the waiting is far far worse x

 

[Penny]

Re: What is the point?

Just emailed the practice, to see if I can make an appointment that way, gave them a week of dates and times. Lets hope you CAN'T then I could put it off another 6 months while I try to make the call. I have had a year of cognative therapy, so you never now I might manage it. fingers crossed x