Novacaine and dental care fear

[scaredgranny]

Okay, here goes. I have not been to a dentist in 26 years. The last time I was at one, a "friend" took me to his supposed "friend" dentist. Turned out to be a dental school dropout who has bought dental equipment at a state auction. Anyhow, the Novacaine not only numbed my mouth, but my throat so I felt as if I could not breathe at all. Felt like my throat was swollen shut, literally. Then becuz of unclean instruments I got all sorts of infections, nearly died---I have to go to a dentist now. I have several teeth broken off at the gumline and it is just stupid to live like this, I know that. My husband is a dental lab technician by the way--has his own lab (go figure that I am such a scardy cat). Has anyone heard of the problem with the Novacaine? THat is what has kept me away form dentists--I did go to my childhood dentist for a small filling about a year after this horrible experience, but the Novacaine had the same effect--I thought if I ever got out of the chair I would simply run and never stop running--and basically that is what I have done. Any suggestions for me? Am I just a lost cause. Thanks.

 

[letsconnect]

Hi there ,

I'm sure you're aware that dentistry has come a long way over the last 26 years... you'll probably find that things have changed beyond recognition. When you had that first terrifying experience - were you numbed on both sides of your mouth (i. e. right and left)?

 

[scaredgranny]

No I was numbed on only one side, that was what scared me so--

 

[letsconnect]

"Novacain" hasn't actually been in use for decades... (though people still refer to any local anaesthetic as "novacain"...). What might have happened is that the anaesthetic made one side of your throat numb, and when you add stress and anxiety to that, it might feel as if you can't get any air (even though you can - it's physically impossible to suffocate).