One week away from my first ever scaling and root planing appointment and I'm so scared

[sara411]

So in exactly one week I'll finally be having a deep cleaning for my teeth. I haven't even had a normal dental cleaning in nearly 15 years due to how horrible my dental phobia is, so this is a huge deal for me. And on top of that I'll also be having one of my wisdom teeth removed during the appointment which makes me even more anxious.

I'm going to be medicated so I should be feeling pretty out of it and loopy during the procedure but I'm still so scared. I absolutely can't stand the sounds or sensations of dental picks/tools scraping on my teeth so I really don't know how I'll make it through.
Plus my wisdom tooth that's being removed is impacted so they'll be fully cutting into my gums and yanking that thing out which just makes me feel so freaked out. I'm not looking forward to all the pulling and pressure that'll be going on.

I guess I just need some reassurance from anyone who's had either of these procedures done before that it's not all that bad? Or if anyone has any tips for what I should do after this type of appointment? I'm just really freaking out

 

[krlovesherkids777]

Hi Sara411,

Your appt is coming soon.. I remember being in the same place 8 years ago, and first time I needed root planing and scaling, was scared to death, actually its when I first found dental fear central. I was so scared, and spent days googling, not good , and actually called the dental office and told them I wanted to cancel. They very kindly asked why and encouraged me to come and the hygienist that was doing it was very nice and would walk me through it . She did, walk me through each step , did give me some anesthetic, which I asked for the dentist to do that because at that time I hadn't heard of hygienists giving anesthetic shots,so they had the dentist do it and he had a fun sense of humor and really helped me along too. I was afraid it would be painful during or after and for me it wasn't. Though a small bit sensitive after for a day or two nothing too overpowering . Talk to your dentist/hygienist and staff , if they understand your fears and concerns they really can help you to the utmost!

 

[krlovesherkids777]

Please let us know how it goes!!

 

[sara411]

So I'm happy to say that I made it through my appointment yesterday! I was so anxious beforehand that I genuinely felt sick to my stomach and nearly cried in the waiting room but I still went through with it.

I will admit that it wasn't a great experience but it wasn't nearly as bad pain wise as I expected.
I was given a pill to take before my appointment that was supposed to calm me down and make me unaware of the procedure but unfortunately it just made me feel a bit dizzy and tired. I think I needed a stronger dose of the medicine because I was completely aware of what was going on which I didn't love.

I also wish the dentist would've talked me through what he was doing before he started. Even just letting me know things like ok you might feel a little pinch or pressure and then reassuring me of what was going on. There were moments where I was making noises in pain and only once did the assistant ask me if i was ok. Maybe the dentist wasn't aware of how bad my phobia was but I just wish they would've been a little bit nicer.

It still wasn't so bad of an experience that I won't go back for my next appointment but I'll probably let them know that I would appreciate being told what they're about to do before they do it. I'm not in too much pain and my face isn't too swollen either which is nice but there was a lot of bleeding that didn't want to stop. Its only been 1 day and I'm already sick of having gauze in my mouth! All this to say if someone like me can make it through a procedure like this anyone can. I truly used to think I'd rather die than sit in a dentists chair so the fact that I actually went through with the appointment is nothing short of a miracle

 

[krlovesherkids777]

Sara411. The Bravo is all for you , For pushing through your fears and getting it done and really recognizing the things that you felt and what could have been better on their end. So many times we don't even recognize just go through it . The fact you did and now have talking points whether you go back here or elsewhere that you can sit down before any treatment and say . This is what I need. I need to know you will walk me through the steps, I need you to be aware of my anxiety and be gentle , etc. It seems like going through this you may have found this to voice for the next time.. Though sometimes it is very hard to find your voice while you are in the chair. I will never forget how empowering it was when I told a dentist finally one year I was afraid of certain things and he said "me too" in a humor but empathetic and understanding way. I pretty much liked him right then. If they are a good dentist and kind person you will gain a real ally in your dental fear and if they are not, you will figure that out sooner rather than later. I hope the bleeding completely stops for you soon and you can ditch that gauze!!