Overwhelming anxiety

[NikkiPoooo]

I've got a toothache in a tooth that has had a root canal done two years ago. It's been hurting since Sunday night and I finally gave up and made an appointment for tomorrow morning. I am terrified of the dentist. I don't normally suffer from anxiety or fears but I had a very bad experience with the dentist when I was 11-12 years old and this has led to me not being able to face the dentist.

I went to the dentist two years ago, and had to leave because I simply could not even open my mouth for them I eventually had two sessions of work done with general anxiety to do the root canal & crown and replace some fillings that had fallen out. That was the best thing I could have done, but it cost over $1,000 for the anesthesia and I just can't afford that right now. I have to have something done... I can't eat or even touch that side of my face but already the thought of going in there is killing me.

Does anyone have some advice?

-NikkiPoooo

 

[connab]

I dont know what time your appt is but if you have time, call and see if you can get a perscription for Halcion before your appt. Thats what I have to take. I had a root canals, crowns, fillings while using it and I did not feel anything. I have an appt for an extraction on Friday and I am taking it then, but I am terrified because I have had my wisdom teeth cut out and it was not a great exper. so I am scared that it will hurt after the procedure. Just take a pill, I promise you will be fine.

 

[Deb89]

Sorry to hear you're in pain, hun! Yes, sedation can be VERY expensive so I would suggest laughing gas. It's must cheaper to get and (I just asked my mom) at my dentist's office only costs 25 dollars extra. It makes you feel very relaxed and like you don't have a care in the world. The first thing I had done after not going to the dentist for several years was a root canal! But with laughing gas I immediately calmed down and just felt so relaxed. It especially helps if you trust your dentist.

I hope this has helped you in some way. Feel free to message me if you need to, I know that anxiety all too well as I just went for an exam (need wisdom teeth out) a week ago.

 

[NikkiPoooo]

I went to the appt. this morning after all that anxiety, only to be told as soon as they looked at the X-ray that I'll have to see an endodontist to re-treat the root canal.

The consult with the endodontist is tomorrow, and I'm going to call my Dr. today to see if she can get me a script for some Valium or Xanax, which is what the dentist recommended. It sounded like the endodontist has a pretty open schedule tomorrow, so hopefully he'll be able to take care of it right away so I don't have to deal with yet another visit.

Thanks for the support!

-NikkiPoooo

 

[Deb89]

Just think of the good thing, you know what's been causing you pain now and that it can be fixed! Congrats for going!

 

[NikkiPoooo]

So, I took a Xanax and went to the endo appointment this morning. They said the root canal would have to be re-done (apparently I've got hooked roots and the canal wasn't filled all the way to the end) and they could do it right then and there. I made it all the way through (almost 3 hours) without crying, though my hands are a little sore still from clenching my fists. Now I've just got to go to the dentist to get the crown repaired and re-fitted, which shouldn't involve any drilling or anything.