• Dental Phobia Support

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Panic attacks at the Dentist

S

speced42

Junior member
Joined
Jul 19, 2006
Messages
2
Hi there I am new here, I am 43  and never really had a problem going to the dentist , had everything from crowns to braces , rootcanals ect, till a couple of years ago . my old dentist was a real butcher, and really stressed me out , plus i had a few personal problems at the time ........since then i have found a new dentist who is really good ,I have been for a few check ups and cleanings but I had a real problem going and once there had a really bad panic attack ,my bp was like 180/95 ,sweaty , lightheaded, felt like i was going to pass out , just from a checkup , in the waiting room I  want just to run out of there! now i am in need of a filling and cleaning and just can't bring myself to go ..I have cancelled appointments ,i know I have to go but is there any advice to motivate me back into going, My dentist knows of my problem, but won't perscribe anything to take the edge off  , should I be looking at something natural to take or something else to relax me before hand?? .....Thanks
 
Hi, :welcome:

I really know how you feel! I remember the first ever appointmetn i had with a dentist in years, it was before Christmas and i can remember it like it was yesterday! Sweaty palms, erratic breathing and I felt like my heart was going to jump out of my chest! I got through it though and with a little time and patience, you will too!

Are you happy with your current dentist because if I wanted to be sedated I would possibly look elsewhere for a dentist that would do that for me. I also take Gelsemium before an appointment, I dont know if it work or if its all in my head but I guess what helps me has to be a good thing!

I goess what motivated me into going back to the dentist was the fact that I never smiled, I had tooth pain on and off for 7 years and basically wanted to get my dental health back on track. I have a great dentist who never judges me, never makes me feel ashamed and understands everything that scares me about the dentist. He has worked with me to help me beat this fear and although I still have a long way to go, I know I am on the right track. My best piece of advice would be to just find a dentist you trust, who understands and is willing to help you
 
Hi, my name is Melody and :welcome:

First of all, listen to what you wrote. You said "my dentist won't prescribe something for me to take the edge off".

The guy knows you're scared to death, got light headed and had a panic attack and he "won't prescribe something for you to take the edge off".

We are all phobics here and many of us (and I do mean many) have to take something before we land in that chair. It's just that we need something to calm us before we can sit in the chair. I live in the United States and I use a small amount of Xanax (generic is Alprazolam). Works fine for me.

I have used sedation dentist, regular dentist and most recently , I found a lovely phobia specialist dentist who has shown me more kindness, compassion and just plain human-being behavior than any dentist I have ever used. No, I have to correct myself here. About 7 years ago, I went to a dental phobia clinic in Wycoff Hospital and my Dr. was a female dentist who specialized in phobic patients. She was the one who taught me that an injection (given the right way), would not hurt one teeny bit. I would have continued going to her but the hospital discontinued the phobia clinic and she only teaches dentistry now.

So fast forward many years and I come on these boards, learn how to use these boards, and I did a search for phobia specialists in NYC and I found my guy.

I started an e-mail dialogue with him and he was very kind and courteous. HE UNDERSTOOD MY FEARS.

You see, that's half the battle. What you don't want is a dentist "who won't give you anything to take the edge off". You want a dentist who is current, knowledgable in the most current technology (for example, my dentist only uses The Wand), No more syringes no more needles. Do a google search and you'll learn all about The Wand.

So, whatever the part of the world you live in, you need a dentist who will understand YOU and what you are going through. You should not have to live in dread, in fear, have panic attacks and be just plain afraid to smile.

I did that for so long, I don't know how I existed.

But I thank god every day for my "good guy" because because of him, I hold my head up a bit straighter, and I can smile.

Many people think phobics are silly, scared little stupid people, they don't understand and they will never understand. And want to know something. IT DOESN'T MATTER!!!

We understand each other and we all walk in each others shoes.
Some of us don't like needles, some of us don't like the smells of the office, some of us don't like the gadgetry.

My doctor has fresh coffee brewing, a plate of fresh fruit, fresh fruit juices, herbal tea. and very relaxing atmosphere.
My first appointment (even though we had done the email thing, well I was a nervous wreck. My in-laws met me there and when I walked into the waiting room, there they were enjoying fresh fruit and herbal tea and coffee. My husband said "my my, look at this. the staff was courteous, friendly and assured me I would be fine (that's the key for me, when the staff treats you like gold).

I had my whole family in that waiting room while I went in and had two crowns done that afternoon. I came out all smiling and said "I didn't feel a thing". they just looked at me amazed because THEY KNEW MY PHOBIA!!

It's all about the dental practice and the staff.

Oh, and this is important. when I was waiting to be called in, another patient walked in and sat down. I am not a shy person, I just casually started a conversation asking "what kind of a dentist was he, and did he hurt (you know the questions you want to ask but don't know how), well I KNOW HOW!!
The guy smiled and said "this guy is great". I was still nervous but felt much better.

So I do wish you well, I hope you find your "good guy dentist".
Find a doctor who will prescribe something for you to take before you go. You will very glad you did that.

Take care and keep posting.

Melody
 
thanks for the advice! I am going to call this week for an appointment to get my tooth looked at .........hopefully I can bring myself to keep the appointment...my dentist is really good I just have to relax , I am going to try some herbal sedative hopefully it works  has hops passion flower and valerian in it . anyboy else tried this type of stuff , I was told it should take the edge off or should I be looing at something else to take ? thanks
again
 
As your doctor to prescribe a small amount of xanax or Valium. Maybe the dentist himself will do this??

I know many phobics and every one of us needs a little something before that first appointment. Even before all our appointments.

Think of it like this....  If you have to go to the dentist every single day, you get used to going to the dentist every single day. You don't think about it. it's like changing your socks. You go every single day and your brain has been conditioned to respond to the office, to the smells, to the surroundings.

I know we DON'T GO TO THE DENTIST EVERY SINGLE DAY, THIS IS JUST AN EXAMPLE OF WHY WE ARE CONDITIONED.

Because going to the dentist is not something we do often, and because something traumatized us earlier in our lives, the mere thought of even calling up a dentist and speaking to one on the phone can strike terror in our very hearts.  I know for a fact that years ago, I couldn't have phoned up a dentist if my life depended on it.

I remember it like it was yesterday. When I read an article in the newspaper about Dr. Magliani, from Wycoff Hospital Dental clinic and the whole story was about how she ran the dental clinic out of the hospital and how many many phobics she helped, well I called them right up.  I could identify. It had been years and years since I had gone. I spoke with the person who handled the public relations of the phobia clinic. I answered all her questions. I made an appointment and took my hubby with me. He is NOT PHOBIC ONE BIT!!!.  The girl's name was June. She greeted us with warmth and compassion. I had to fill out a phobia questionaire that asked me all about my fear. I remember there was a page that had a bunch of questions and you had to put the number of your fear (it ranged from 0 (for none) to 10 (for great fear).  They asked questions like, (do you mind sitting in the chair?, do you mind the novocaine? do you mind the sound of the drill?.  Instead of putting 10, I put 100 in all the boxes. They started laughing. They understood completely. I was only there for an interview. I remember standing in the corridor speaking to June and to Dr. Magliani and I started to cry and my husband thought I had lost my mind. He just shook his head and said "I just don't get it". (BY THE WAY, HE GETS IT NOW, BELIEVE ME!!!)

When I first went to her for x-rays, deep root cleaning, fillings and stuff, I felt NOTHING!!!! That's when I knew that the right Dentist, using the right equipment and the technique in giving an injection, well IT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN THEWORLD!

This particular dentist did not have the Wand. I don't think it had been invented yet. This was many years ago. So when I needed a dentist I tried to locate her only to find out that they closed the dental phobia part of that clinic and she now teaches dentistry somewhere else. I would have gone back to her in a flash, believe me, I never felt a thing in her chair.

But that was not to be. so like I said, with persistence and with e-mail dialogue, I finally found my new dentist and I go every six months now. I will never neglect my teeth again.

Am I still phobic? Absolutely, I probably will always be (unless I had to go every day and my mind would be conditioned to it).
But because I go every six months, I have six months between visits to forget about the experience. I bet when I have to go back in December for another cleaning, I'll be nuts for a while. But then I'll just take a xanax before I get there and use my ipod and try my best because I know I'm in good hands.

I wish you well.

Melody
 
Hi Melody :), I'm just a little worried about the following:

melodyl said:
I know many phobics and every one of us needs a little something before that first appointment. Even before all our appointments.

Not everyone has positive views or feelings about drugs such as tranquillisers, and some people (regardless of their level of fear) prefer not to take them. This is a very personal decision and there is no good evidence that "all" people with a dental phobia need or want a little something before that first appointment.

Of course there's nothing wrong with it, but for some people it may make things more difficult to be told they "need" medication, depending on their attitudes towards and views of psychopharmacology :).
 
There I go again, sticking my big mouth where I have no good business doing so.

I just thought that if a person is truly afraid and can't sit in that chair that maybe a little something might help them.

I do apologize.

No more advice on xanax, promise.

Take care,
melody
 
Hi melody, as I said it's absolutely fine to suggest a little help, all I was worried about was the use of the phrase "every one of us needs a little something". For example, some (but not all) people with a history of being abused in various ways or forms may feel worried about not being in full control while on tranquillisers. Because every person's phobia is slightly different, it can be really difficult to make generalisations from one's own fears to another person's fears.

The only person who can make that judgment is the person with the phobia themselves. I have absolutely nothing against using a little help - my only worry was with the generalisation that this is the best option for all people.
 
Your're right "lets". As usual!!!

I learn something from you guys every day!!

I really was under the impression that every phobic would benefit from a little "you know what" before an appointment because of my (and many other's experience).

the absolute terror that fills one mind before an appointment can literally stop you in your tracks.

I commend anyone who, is phobic, and can keep an appointment and just walk in there, smile , say hi, how are you, and plop themselves in that chair.

I couldn't do it in a bet!!! And I like my dentist!!!!! Imagine that!!!

melody
 
Hi Melody

melodyl said:
I really was under the impression that every phobic would benefit from a little "you know what" before an appointment because of my (and many other's experience).

No not necessarily - the solutions to or ways of coping with people's fears can be as individual as each person.

melodyl said:
the absolute terror that fills one mind before an appointment can literally stop you in your tracks.

I can totally relate to that - it usually literally paralyses me  :scared: but as let's mentioned, sometimes people with a history of abuse of one sort or another (this is just an example - there may be many other reasons as well), don't like the thought of sedation because it takes away their sense of control. I can totally relate to this - it absolutely terrifies the living hell out of me to go to the dentist (to the point where I can't even speak to them when I'm in there and just sit there shaking) but there is absolutely no way that I would ever consider any form of sedation - I just wouldn't put myself in that position again :(.

So really, what works for one person doesn't necessarily work for another - the trick lies in finding what works for you as an individual :).
 
WOW, you would not do the sedation thing!!! But then again, you do have to do what you feel is in your best interest. But here's my take on it (and believe me when I say I like my dentist!!!)

If I had Donald Trump's bank account, I would go to the top Sedation Dentist in the whole world,

I would then opt for complete sedation, let them do whatever they had to do to me (veneers, implants, whatever they say I need to have done).

And when I woke up, there I would be "with a whole new smile".

I can't for the life of me figure out why anyone would not want to do that but then again, this is me.

Oh, by the way, while I was "out cold", I would get a complete facelift and body lift.

I'd wake up with a Britany Spears smile, a Hally Berry body and god knows what else!!!!

I mean, have you ever watched "The Swan". on tv? It's a complete makeover show and these ladies had their whole bodies done (teeth and everything), for the teeth, they didn't go to sleep but for everything else, they sure did and it was all paid for.

Can you imagine, being my age 58 and waking up and have a whole new start?

Now who on earth, wouldn't want this?

mel
 
melodyl said:
If I had Donald Trump's bank account, I would go to the top Sedation Dentist in the whole world,

I would then opt for complete sedation, let them do whatever they had to do to me (veneers, implants, whatever they say I need to have done).

And when I woke up, there I would be "with a whole new smile".

I can't for the life of me figure out why anyone would not want to do that but then again, this is me.

Oh, by the way, while I was "out cold", I would get a complete facelift and body lift.

I'd wake up with a Britany Spears smile, a Hally Berry body and god knows what else!!!!

I mean, have you ever watched "The Swan". on tv? It's a complete makeover show and these ladies had their whole bodies done (teeth and everything), for the teeth, they didn't go to sleep but for everything else, they sure did and it was all paid for.

Can you imagine, being my age 58 and waking up and have a whole new start?

Now who on earth, wouldn't want this?


OK, I'll put up my hand... I'm not so much upset by the aspect of raising an individual's self-esteem (each to their own), but more about the wider societal implications of a culture of physical perfection. Especially the tremendous psychological pressure put on people by media (TV, magazines) which in turn influence attitudes and self-perception.

So yeah, the scenario above sounds like my ultimate nightmare!
 
I have to clarify what I meant by saying I would have a complete body makeover.

I lost over 150 lbs. I have skin where I don't want to have skin.

I look okay but it would be nice to put on a bathing suit or a pair of shorts like everybody else.

That is why I said if I had Donald Trump's money, I would get a complete make over (and my teeth too).
I would get porcelain veneers.

why not, I'd be under, getting my body fixed, so I would figure, why not my teeth too.

I mean, I can smile with no problem but I have caps in the front from when I was 21. The technology today could give me a movie star smile ( for about $20,000).

So if I can ever get a new body and everything else, I think, Yeah, why not!!!!!

i don't want to look like Elizabeth Taylor when she was 20.

I would like to look the best that (I) could look.


so be well, and lets all keep brushing our pearly whites.

melody
 
Thanks for the clarification - that makes sense :).

I think part of the difficulty I had with some posts was with generalizations - also in relation to dental phobia issues. For example, not everyone on this board is "a dental phobic" - some people are anxious rather than phobic, some people may contribute and not suffer from much anxiety, some used to suffer with a dental phobia but no longer do. But most importantly I think the term "dental phobic" could be interpreted to mean that dental phobia is necessarily a permanent "condition" - almost like a chronic medical condition. This clearly isn't the case - some people overcome their fears completely, others see a huge improvement (to the point where the anxiety can no longer be labelled a "phobia"). For others, the fear may be a long-term/indefinite condition and it's a question of finding ways to cope.

Personally I prefer "people with a dental phobia" to "dental phobics", because I don't think dental phobia is necessarily a permanent state.

Another example would be dental sedation - for some people it's a solution to their problems, others might use it as a stepping stone towards reducing their anxiety, others again reckon it's not their cup of tea at all. The important thing is to find a solution that works for the individual in question.

Or the Wand: of course I reckon it's a brilliant invention and I love the design, but not everyone with a dental phobia has a fear of dental injections (and of course, it's perfectly possible to give painless injections with an ordinary syringe).

I think the point I'm trying to make is that we should be quite careful when generalizing from ourselves to others. It's a natural thing to do - after all, that's how we test our hypotheses about the way dental phobia (or indeed any psychological phenomenon) works. I think we've all been guilty of it at one time or another - I'm no exception!
 
you're a sweetie pie. You help a lot of people (phobics, anxious, whatever).

Actually I never knew there was a difference between a phobic person and an anxious person!!

i thought it was the same thing.

Boy, do I learn things by coming on these boards.

take care,
melody
 
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