Implants... Terrified and not sure I can do this. ?

[Laura Martin]

I am definitely a dental phobic and have an appt this Friday to have two teeth extracted and two dental implants placed. I am SO scared about having this done. ? I’m having the procedure with just a local and Valium. Some of my anxiety comes from feeling out of control so any sedation is out of the question for me.
1. I’ve never taken Valium before. Will it make me feel sedated? Will I feel like my normal self just without the fear or anxiety? How does Valium make you feel?

2. Will I hear a crunching noise when he drills into my jaw or other unpleasant sounds?


3. How long does the actual gum cutting and drilling take? I’m especially afraid of those two things but if they are only like 5 minutes that would make the process easier.

I’m so scared I’m thinking of cancelling. The worst part is that I need several of these done. The dentist wanted to do all 8 in one seating but I’m too big of a chicken.

 

[geos]

1. Well technically Valium is a sedative, so I would think you would "feel sedated" from a sedative. I usually feel normal, but relaxed like I would after a few glasses of wine.

2 and 3 - I hope someone else can answer these questions for you. However, I would say that I heard an implant should take less than 30 minutes.

 

[krlovesherkids777]

Laura,

I totally get the anxiety and first off you are brave for making an appt in the first place and taking good care of yourself even though you are scared. I can help with a few of these from experience.

1. I have taken valium for procedures.and depends on the dose but..this is the one anxiety med I trust not to make me feel weird. Within probably 15 min My body feels more relaxed but my mind still feels normal and alert , its just you are somehow in this very relaxed state. honestly it helps alot.

2. I had an implant put in under just local about 18 months ago . I don't remember any cracking noises at all. Just don't look , that was a little weird I looked as my old dentist was drilling and it was weird. close your eyes.

3. I'm not sure how long it really takes but. the dentist that did mine took probably 5 minutes, from the time from start to finish for the implant itself maybe 10 minute. It was very quick.

I so encourage you to do this for yourself, I am so happy with mine and even though I had some anxiety along the way not knowing what to expect. I am very glad I did it and hope it will go very smoothly for you!

 

[sharon]

Laura - I had an implant a couple years ago and am having another one next month. I was asleep for the first one and will be doing as you are for the second, valium and local. I take 5 mgs for most of my dental appts and that is enough. I almost always leave the appt saying that wasn't bad at all, what did I get all nervous about. For my implant I'll be taking 10 mgs. and I"m hoping that will be enough.

About 20 minutes after I take it I get a nice relaxed feeling through my body. It's a nice feeling, my mind is generally alert though I don't feel like talking much, just relaxing. How much will you be taking?

I've also had two teeth pulled in the last two years and that was very, very easy. One took less than 5 minutes, I couldn't believe it went so fast, the other a little longer as the root was shattered. Mostly he was just picking out the bone pieces one by one, so it was quiet and gentle.

Good luck and I'm proud of you for going through with this. I also look forward to hearing about your appt so I can better know what to expect, so you better not chicken out, lol

 

[Laura Martin]

Thank you all for your replies! I’m not sure how much Valium I’ll be taking, I haven’t picked up the prescription yet. I’ll update once I know. The other thing that’s not motivating me is that I’ll be missing teeth for 5 months while the implants heal. It makes me feel very self conscious and I’ll probably hibernate in my house until I get my crowns.

 

[Enarete]

How did your appointment go, Laura? Hope all is well and you are resting after the successful procedure.. keep us updated.

 

[ZannaBanana]

Hey there! I had 6 teeth extracted(front bottom canine to canine) in August and just had the implants themselves placed this past Thursday. I was completely knocked out since it was pretty invasive so I can’t help there.

But for the Valium, I just get really calm. I have really bad anxiety that I struggle with and Valium just softens the pokey edges. It’s a pleasant feeling, not a stoned feeling. I got some after my kitty passed away and I couldn’t sleep due to constant panic attacks it was extremely helpful.

As for the missing teeth, you can ask for what’s called a ‘stay plate.’ It’s basically a retainer with teeth. There’s no chance in hell I’d go round without my front bottom teeth. It cost me $380 USD, but worth every penny.