Possible extraction - terrified - need comfort and happy stories!

[anya]

I am such a coward. Several years ago I finally managed to go to the dentist (and found a lovely kind understanding dentist) and had to have a root canal. I only got throuh it with the generous use of laughing gas. Now that same tooth is causing trouble and the crown is coming off. I am so angry. I have been so careful with my teeth - proper brushing, flossing, regular check ups and visits to the hygienist, all to avoid things like this. I am booked in for an assessment with that same lovely dentist today, but it doesn't look good. From her past knowledge of the tooth, she says I will likely need an extraction and an implant. I have never had an extraction before but it is my greatest fear. I am imagining blood everywhere, pain, tugging, cutting, and I am so scared. I can't eat or sleep and am on the verge of tears at all times. Worse still, they can't book me in until January at the earliest and I don't know how I am going to deal with feeling like this for so long. I also can't stand the idea of losing a tooth. I am not that old - surely I should have been able to keep my teeth? And then other people tell me that once you have one tooth extracted, the others become loose and you will have to have more taken out. I am so scared. Any help, any comfort, any reassuring stories that you can offer would really help right now. Please please help.

 

[Loveday112]

I can relate to your fears and anxiety about losing a tooth. I recently had a second molar pulled because it had broke and was in terrible shape. Which tooth is it? For one I can tell you that it is really not as bad as have it in your head. It is a very quick procedure and the pain is not horrible. As for the other teeth coming loose that is not true. It depends where the tooth is that is getting pulled. If there is teeth on either side those teeth will shift and move into the gap or the adjacent teeth can move up into the space. I was told by 2 dentists that an implant in an upper second molar is hard. I am considering getting braces (again) to move my teeth back to close some of the space back there. I was worried when I first had it pulled and was in a deep depression for about 2 weeks. I felt so horrible because I too take care of my teeth and I am only 28. I found another dentist who is so sweet and caring and he has made me feel so much better about the situation. Maybe you can see another dentist to get a second opinion and see if they can re-do the root canal. If you take care of your teeth then you will not lose anymore. I thought the same thing and though here goes the beginning of losing my teeth, but my dentist said that is a crazy way to think.

 

[hartsada]

Hello and Believe me I understand your fears. I win the prize. I cracked my wisdom tooth 9-25-11 and went to the dentist. Shaking was an understatement because as you have indicated, I knew the E word was going to be in my cards. It was. I ran out of the office because I was going to college (older person here) and needed the class I was in so I could graduate in November. I did complete the class, graduate and fast forward to today. I had my tooth out last week. 27 months of earth shattering fear. I stopped living. My relationships suffered I was afraid to eat for fear that this tooth would crack furthermore. But I live in Michigan and they are predicting the worse winter ever so I had to do this for fear of smowmageddon. We have had the worst fall and already looking at a a bad winter. I did it last Tuesday and I am here to tell you, I felt nothing. The shots, a poke and then I was numb. No cracking, my head did not fall off, no pressure that would make my brain rattle. It was out in less then 5 minutes.

The recovery was a little bad, but I just took Tylenol, followed all the directions given to me by the surgeon. I am now 8 days, hopefully out of the woods, and I am on the other side! I am so happy I got it done. The dentist was very happy I did it too. If you are very nervous ask for something. That helped me the night before to sleep and get into the chair. You can do this! I am the biggest chicken in this forum. Let me know what happens and as so many were for me, I am here for you!!!

I can relate to your fears and anxiety about losing a tooth. I recently had a second molar pulled because it had broke and was in terrible shape. Which tooth is it? For one I can tell you that it is really not as bad as have it in your head. It is a very quick procedure and the pain is not horrible. As for the other teeth coming loose that is not true. It depends where the tooth is that is getting pulled. If there is teeth on either side those teeth will shift and move into the gap or the adjacent teeth can move up into the space. I was told by 2 dentists that an implant in an upper second molar is hard. I am considering getting braces (again) to move my teeth back to close some of the space back there. I was worried when I first had it pulled and was in a deep depression for about 2 weeks. I felt so horrible because I too take care of my teeth and I am only 28. I found another dentist who is so sweet and caring and he has made me feel so much better about the situation. Maybe you can see another dentist to get a second opinion and see if they can re-do the root canal. If you take care of your teeth then you will not lose anymore. I thought the same thing and though here goes the beginning of losing my teeth, but my dentist said that is a crazy way to think.

 

[banditsmom]

I have had 2 extractions (I may need a third, let you know tomorrow). Both upper. One molar one premolar.

The one tooth had a root canal and was broken at the gum line. That one was a piece of cake. The oral surgeon numbed me up and told me he was going to use a drill and take it out in pieces. He drilled for like 10 seconds (same as getting a cavity filled but much less drilling) then a little pressure NO PAIN NO TUGGING OR PULLING feeling and it was out! I think he took it out in 2 pieces. The numbing took longer. Seriously it was 5 min to get the tooth out.

The premolar was done by the periodontist (he did it because he was going to do the implant there). Same deal he numbed me up, I sat there for 10-15 min and he started. This one took a little longer. He was so gentle. He said it would take about 15-20 min. He wanted to take it out gently so as not to traumatize the bone. the took came out quickly some pressure but NO PAIN or tugging. It took longer because he did some bone grafting after the extraction (for the implant that was happening at a later date).

Both times were easy. Post op I just took tylenol and motrin for the soreness. The key was ICE afterwards.

My problem is I hat the numbing! it makes me so anxious!

The other key is to have a plan. The oral surgeon did not think the extraction was going to be difficult but he was all about making me comfortable. He thought IV sedation was overkill. The oral surgeon gave me a prescription for zanax (nerve pill) and said I could use the nitrous if necessary. Just have a ride with me. I did not take the pill. I did have my mom come with me case i needed the gas. but just knowing he would stop and use the gas if I needed it was enough to get me through. At no point did I think oh this is getting bad I need to stop and get the gas.

 

[anya]

Hartsada, thank you for sharing your story with me. You must feel so proud (justifiably) that you managed to face your fear in the end - well done! As for me, I am making myself sick with worry. I have hardly managed to eat since I first heard what I needed done (last Monday) and have already lost lots of weight. I dream about it and wake up afraid and then can't get back to sleep and lie awake thinking about it. I don't know what I am so afraid of. They are going to sedate me so I hopefully won't know what is going on so I don't know why I am so terrified, but it is just that - pure terror. I would do almost anything to avoid it, but I know I can't.

Has anyone tried hypnotherapy? Any success? I just want something to help calm me down so I don't feel this way the whole time I am waiting.

 

[sharon]

I so understand what you are going through and how the fear is taking over everything. It really doesn't seem fair that you have to wait so long. Yes, I've had a couple teeth removed. And other than my one deeply impacted molar taking the tooth out was a piece of cake. The worst part for me is the emotional trauma of losing a tooth.

There is blood but not a lot, it's not like it gushes out all over. And I never heard of it causing other teeth to become lose because of this. They may shift, but they won't fall out.

The last tooth I had taken out was one that had a root canal and crown. I was having a problem and the endodontist removed the crown so he could take a better look. Then he saw the tooth couldn't be saved so he had to extract it. It probably took less than 2 minutes.

Can you get your name on a cancellation list so that if something comes up sooner you don't have to wait so long?

 

[anya]

Thanks, Sharon, for your reply. I am so pleased to hear that it didn't take long. People keep telling me about pliers and lots of tugging and pulling and cracking sounds, and it's driving me crazy imagining it. I just can't stop 'seeing' it in my mind over and over. My imagination really has got totally out of control now. At the moment I am booked in for the 20th Jan but they will slot me in earlier if they get a cancellation. In some ways that would be better- no time to worry if they suddenly say it's tomorrow!
I am literally making myself sick with worry now. It's ridiculous.

 

[hartsada]

Anya please please don't worry yourself. I am telling you from experience of 27 months that I made myself incredibly crazy over this. The tooth pulling is nothing like you're imagining it. Trust me. There are no pliers there's no blood oozing everywhere the only thing you feel as a prick from the needles that go into your mouth depending where they are that is the only thing that you will feel. Please please you can private message me but I'm telling you the truth when I say it is absolutely nothing. I'm the biggest worrywart in the planet. I wish I would've listened almost all these people told me just to get it done many many many many months ago. Recovery sometimes it can be hard not to lie to you I had some problems with that but that's my own personal health issues that I have. I have a blood clotting factor which caused me to bleed a little bit more than normal. But after by the end of the night it was gone I was back to normal the next day. I was more tired from taking the anti-anxiety pill more then anything else. But I only took Tylenol which is like nothing I did not take any prescription drugs and I started to eat within three days.

I would highly recommend that you call after the holidays and try to get in as soon as you can because the waiting is just going to make you more and more upset. The only good thing about the worrying for me was I lost a couple pounds because I did not eat. I wish you the luck and please please let me know how you do because I'm very curious see response. Take care. You are so much stronger than you really think you are. I know you can do this you got this you are much stronger.


QUOTE=anya;151101]Thanks, Sharon, for your reply. I am so pleased to hear that it didn't take long. People keep telling me about pliers and lots of tugging and pulling and cracking sounds, and it's driving me crazy imagining it. I just can't stop 'seeing' it in my mind over and over. My imagination really has got totally out of control now. At the moment I am booked in for the 20th Jan but they will slot me in earlier if they get a cancellation. In some ways that would be better- no time to worry if they suddenly say it's tomorrow!
I am literally making myself sick with worry now. It's ridiculous.[/QUOTE]

 

[Echostatic]

As someone who just had all 4 wisdom teeth extracted yesterday after putting it off for so long due to fear, I feel comfortable saying that its the fear and misery that you feel *before* any procedure that is the worst part. Seems it's never as bad as what we come up with I wish you the best in getting through this!

 

[Steve In Cleveland]

One more happy extraction story for you. I also was terrified when I learned I needed an extraction, despite having gained quite a bit of confidence in the chair through root canals, crowns, etc.

My tooth also took maybe all of five minutes to come out. I actually didn't even feel it at all-- it was over before it started. It's NOTHING like the images you have in your head. There are no pliers, no tugging, no spurting blood. The dentist will get you nice and numb, and then they kind of push on the tooth from side to side. It's a pretty good amount of pressure, but it doesn't hurt. And it's all pushing/leaning, no pulling at all. Put your palm on your forehead and push real hard. It feels like that. My dentist explained that the goal is to rock the tooth a little from side to side, which causes the gums to release their grip. After four or five good pushes, the tooth comes out all by itself-- no pulling.

My dentist had just finished the fifth push, and said, "there we go." I thought, uh oh, now comes the pulling. But then she sat me up and started explaining what to do when I went home. I think I actually said something like, "Were you not able to get it out?" I was confused because I didn't feel ANYTHING. She said, no, it's already out, you're done. I think ten minutes had past total, most of which was just waiting to get numb.

After care is a little unpleasant but not painful, and nothing that will interfere with your life. You'll be sent home with a gauze pad to bite down on until the bleeding subsides. It's a little yucky to switch out, but in an hour it's mostly done. Then you just want to avoid solid food, smoking, and drinking straws for a couple of days-- really the goal is just to leave your tooth socket alone. By the third day I was fine eating pasta, bread, etc. And then gradually just build back up to normal food. I never had any pain or soreness, just a headache from worrying so much before the procedure!

I had another extraction a year later, and it went exactly the same. Stock up on applesauce and yogurt, and you'll be fine.

Good luck, you'll do fine.

 

[Fuzzgin]

I just had an extraction and that was fine. I felt nothing. No pain. The dentist and nurse went out of their way to make it as easy as possible. I was told to put my hand up if anything hurt or I wanted a break (I didn't want a break, I wanted the whole thing over). At one pont I felt a little pressure on my lip but before I even realised I'd felt anything they'd stopped. My hads shake and I compulsively rub them when I'm nervous and they noticed that my hands reacted.

Every so often the nurse would rub or pat my shoulder to give reassurance and I noticed she did that every time my hands shook. Mine was a complicated removal I think but I was so numb I felt nothing.

Afterwards there was some blood but only or an hour or two. At one point after some came out on a hankie I realised it was mostly spit. Because of the numbing I was struggling to swallow. That subsided too very quickly.

The small amount of pain afterwards was sorted out by painkillers. I felt a little this morning but that was mst likely waking up and the pain killers had worn off.

I hope you get your appointment soon.

 

[anya]

Thank you everyone. I can't believe how stupid I am being. I know literally thousands of people have this done every day so it's not like it's the worst thing in the world but to me it is. Also your stories are all great and I keep reading them to reassure myself but it's as though my brain is divided into two parts - the logical part reads your stories and thinks, ok, that's all right, I can deal with that, while the emotional side thinks, hell no, those people have all been lucky - when YOU have it done, it's going to be dreadful! What an idiot I am. But thank you for your stories - I keep reading them over and over hoping that eventually my stupid stupid brain will realise that this is not a big deal. Hundreds and thousands of people go through it - so can I! I have my appointment date - it's three weeks tomorrow -so please think of me and send out positive thoughts on that day as I am terrified here. You are all so brave, you lot, to have gone through this. Big congratulations to all of you!

In the long term, I really need to get over this phobia - any suggestions would be gratefully received!

 

[Deejay]

Hello,
I think as much as anybody swears on their life that it's easy you will not get over it til it is done, the naughty side of your brain will always override any common sense, logic and reasoning it will make you feel downright terrible mentally and physically I have had 17 teeth removed this year and my first extractions had me almost in tears but I got through and felt exhausted but amazing, the next appointments were apprehensive in case anything was different but it wasn't , it's the fear of the unknown it's perfectly natural and understandable you will convince yourself everything will be fine and then convince yourself it won't be over and over again go with it ,eat when you can, sleep when you can, try and take comfort in the fact you are not alone and many of us know exactly how you feel, real soon you will be through this and your story will be striking a chord with others awaiting treatment and your success will be added to ours for others to read and take comfort in, keep posting there are many people ( sone who will follow your story but not post) but they are there with you, sending hugs
D.J

 

[anya]

Thank you DJ. This virtual handholding that people do on this forum is wonderful. Now I need someone to do some real handholding for me! I don't know how I am going to get myself to that dental room. At the moment I just want to run.

 

[Deejay]

That's what we need chair buddies that'll go with us and hold our hands , I would be yours if we lived nearby xx
D.J

 

[Steve In Cleveland]

Thank you everyone. I can't believe how stupid I am being. I know literally thousands of people have this done every day so it's not like it's the worst thing in the world but to me it is. Also your stories are all great and I keep reading them to reassure myself but it's as though my brain is divided into two parts - the logical part reads your stories and thinks, ok, that's all right, I can deal with that, while the emotional side thinks, hell no, those people have all been lucky - when YOU have it done, it's going to be dreadful! What an idiot I am.

I definitely felt the same way: whatever the experience is, everyone always says it's no big deal or extremely rare to have problems, but then I always seem to be the lucky rare person who gets fingernail cancer or whatever. It's why I'll never try skydiving! It's perfectly safe 99.99% of the time, but then I'll be the lucky one in 10,000 who pulls the wrong cord or something. My obituary will read, "Strange, we've never seen that happen before."

As far as extractions go, there are some complications that can happen, but even these are really minor and painless. So even if you have the most complicated tooth in the world, it really only means a few extra minutes and a little more work for the dentist.

As far as overcoming the phobia, I can't enough about how important it is to have a kind, compassionate dentist. I was openly weeping when I went in the first time (and I'm a grown man) but my dentist and assistant were so gentle and friendly, they really did a lot of the work of holding my hand and helping me stay calm. I know that the dentist feels like some faceless torturer in a white coat, but really the ones I've known have always been very concerned about helping patients get through. So a lot of overcoming the phobia involves slowly building trust in the dentist as someone who really doesn't want to hurt you and is working on your behalf. That takes a little time but it really can happen.

 

[anya]

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who took the time to comment on this and to offer their support. I read and re-read the replies on here over and over again. In the end, I just couldn't take the wait anymore, and also the dentist I was booked with began to be a bit difficult - I couldn't get an appointment when I wanted, the seditionist wouldn't speak with me (I had a few questions I wanted to ask) and various other small things. I asked around and a phobic acquaintance of mine recommended a more local dentist. I phoned them on the Friday and they were lovely. I had an appointment (just to meet them) on the following Tuesday - they were fantastic - no poking or prodding just all there (dentist, seditionist, nurse) just so that I could meet them and see what I thought and ask questions. By the Friday, I had the proper appointment - AND IT WAS FINE.

I had sedation and if anyone has any questions about conscious sedations / iv sedation, I would be more than happy to answer. I know most people say they don't remember what happened, but I remember bits and pieces, although my memory fades every day - it's as though it was only in my short term memory and I can't retain it. Two days after the procedure a friend advised me to write down what I could remember so that when I go for the next instalment in the procedure (in April) I can remind myself that it was all ok. So I did this - there are certainly gaps in my memory but I could remember quite a bit of it. However, the funny thing is that when I re-read my notes today, there are bits in there that I can't remember so clearly my brain is losing the memory. Anyway, the important thing for anyone who is nervous out there to know is even the bits I can remember are all associated with happiness and calm, not fear. So, for example, I can remember the stitches (and as a needle-phobic, I am petrified of stitches and have avoided them before when I have cut myself really badly) and I remember being perfectly calm (and pain free of course) and just thinking how interesting it all was.

So where we are now is that on Friday 10th Jan, I had the extraction and the titanium rod of the implant put in. Then last Friday (17th), I had a partial denture to hide the gap while the implant settles over the next few months. In April, the next stage will happen - where I get something called an abutment and then the tooth. The dentist did ask if I wanted sedation for the next part; obviously the answer was YES PLEASE! The denture isn't fun and I am struggling to warm to it - I can't eat at all with it in, and I sound weird when I talk - people say I will get used to it but I am getting a wee bit impatient; nevertheless I am delighted that the dentist thought of it and supplied me with it so that I don't have to walk around with a gap (whereas the first dentist I went to said I would just have to have the gap for 3 months). So I don't know if I will ever get used to it, but it's a small thing compared to everything else and I can deal with it one way or another.

I am so glad I found this dental surgery - they are so different from any other dentist I have been to. I am not saying my phobia is cured (it wouldn't be as quick as that) but for the first time ever, I trust my dentist to do the right thing and not to hurt me. In fact, I know this may sound silly, but he said something that amazed me when he said that in 21st dentistry there is no reason to feel pain. I always thought pain was just a normal part of dentistry. So I have complete faith in the dentist and in the seditionist. Both of them are consummate professionals and, as I said, the thing that makes the difference is that I trust them. I am still nervous about forthcoming appointments - but I know now that I can get through it and that's the different thing.

As I said earlier, thank you for all your support, especially Hartsada who was so kind in all you had to say, AND if anyone has any questions about iv sedation, I am more than happy to answer (no medical knowledge of course, but I can give you my experience).

I am just so happy that it is all over.

 

[anya]

As far as overcoming the phobia, I can't enough about how important it is to have a kind, compassionate dentist. I was openly weeping when I went in the first time (and I'm a grown man) but my dentist and assistant were so gentle and friendly, they really did a lot of the work of holding my hand and helping me stay calm. I know that the dentist feels like some faceless torturer in a white coat, but really the ones I've known have always been very concerned about helping patients get through. So a lot of overcoming the phobia involves slowly building trust in the dentist as someone who really doesn't want to hurt you and is working on your behalf. That takes a little time but it really can happen.

You are so right. I am still terrified (I don't think a lifelong phobia disappears after a couple of visits) BUT the fear is less and more significantly I feel that one day, even if it is in the distant future, I will conquer this; there is light at the end of the tunnel. And I think it is down to the fact that for the first time, I really trust the people working on me. They have a really good sense of humour too which helps to keep the atmosphere light AND they talk to me like a human rather than just tinkering away as though I were a car!