it’s 4am. i’m vomiting.

[742617000027]

hi. i have autism, i’m 17 years old. i have a cleaning next tuesday (4/16) and i feel physically ill with terror. i was severely abused by my childhood dentist. physical, mental, emotional… i never had a cavity filled with painkillers. i had 10 teeth removed before the age of 14. i can’t stop crying. i have to have xrays, a cleaning, and an exam. my partner is going to be with me but i’d rather die. i feel so out of control. i lose my ability to speak, to fight back, i become catatonic. i just want to stay home and hide.

 

[SWLONDON]

I had similar feelings before I went for the first time recently. Genuine flashes of wanting to walk into the sea. And full blown panic attacks prior. You CAN do this. 20 minutes. Grab the chair, raise your hand for a break when you need to.

Your Partner is going to be there to keep you safe. They'll look after you.

And speak to the dentist prior. they'll be lovely about it and help to put your mind at ease. Maybe worth asking for a very mild sedative. One that keeps you awake but takes the worst of the anxiety off. And ask for lots of numbing gel. ~

You've got this.

 

[SWLONDON]

How did it go?

 

[742617000027]

@SWLONDON i kind of froze and denied the xrays. it took 15 minutes of persuading to get me in the chair. i feel awful for anyone who could hear me, i was whimpering and crying like i was being killed. they scaled my teeth first and that was really terrifying for me. i could feel the metal and i hated it. my partner talking over the sounds of the equipment to soothe me and describing what was happening to reassure me nothing bad was happening. the flossing was quick and i was thankful for that. the polishing was… rough. the sounds triggered some flashbacks and the taste was awful. by the time it was over i was panting like a dog from stress. all in all nothing hurt but it was super super uncomfortable. was under an oral sedative so was really groggy during the whole ordeal as well.

 

[anonfemale]

@SWLONDON i kind of froze and denied the xrays. it took 15 minutes of persuading to get me in the chair. i feel awful for anyone who could hear me, i was whimpering and crying like i was being killed. they scaled my teeth first and that was really terrifying for me. i could feel the metal and i hated it. my partner talking over the sounds of the equipment to soothe me and describing what was happening to reassure me nothing bad was happening. the flossing was quick and i was thankful for that. the polishing was… rough. the sounds triggered some flashbacks and the taste was awful. by the time it was over i was panting like a dog from stress. all in all nothing hurt but it was super super uncomfortable. was under an oral sedative so was really groggy during the whole ordeal as well.

@742617000027 I also have autism and I have to have a deep cleaning soon which I have had before but I feel anxious about having it so I know how you feel with the anxiety and with having autism. I saw the dentist last Monday. There were no holes in my teeth and no loose teeth but I have inflammation in my gums and a bit of bone loss. I was too anxious to ask the dentist how much inflammation and bone loss there is. In a way I would rather know but in another way I would rather not know.


I think you did really well going to your appointment and it was very kind of your partner to talk to you trying to soothe you during it.

 

[742617000027]

@anonfemale thank you so much, i hope your deep cleaning goes well. one thing that helps me is engaging in my special interests during my appointment so i have a distraction and something that activates my dopamine receptors. they play spongebob during my appointment and i had two different comfort items as well as sunglasses to protect my eyes and earbuds to protect my ears. best of luck to you