Post Nasal Drip/Injection Anxiety

[spidersgeorge]

Hello. This is my first time posting so bear with me. I have a cavity on my bottom molar left side, and two fillings that need replacement--one on top left, one on bottom right. For the past couple of years I've been dealing with chronic ear/sinus issues/headaches. CT scan just ruled out anything serious. The thing I'm struggling with... Is because the post nasal drip causes some strange sensations in my mouth/head... I'm terrified that the lidocaine injection is going to "travel" or "hit something". Can someone help me rationalize this fear? I'd really like to have this work done. My dentist says it is "not an emergency" and that he wants me to do it when I'm ready. I'm just so scared! Hoping for support. Thanks, guys.

• https://www.dentalfearcentral.org/forum/posts/251189/reactions?reaction_id=7

 

[Gordon]

Not sure I understand what you're looking to hear? The local anaesthetic will stay wherever it's put for a while until washed away in the bloodstream, where it travels to the liver and gets broken down.

What do you think it's going to hit?

 

[spidersgeorge]

When my sinus problems started, I felt something in the back of my throat pop and drain. Ever since, that part of my throat feels irritated, and where the post nasal drip feels most bothersome. I know that I sound very silly, but I'm afraid there's a lesion or opening where the lidocaine could travel or something.

 

[Gordon]

No, the local won't go anywhere near your sinus cavity and won't affect your post nasal drip in any way.

 

[spidersgeorge]

Thank you, this helps! I will make my appointment.

 

[Gordon]

Good luck, let me know how you get on.

 

[spidersgeorge]

I did it! It took a while to work up the nerve, but I'm so happy. The dentist was very calm and understanding. You guys are real heroes. Thanks!

 

[Gordon]

Well done, I'm glad you got on OK.

As for the heroes bit, I would suggest that facing up to something which you're terrified about and getting through it takes a whole heap of intestinal fortitude. Give yourself some credit for doing it

Fancy posting a wee update in the "Success" forum to give some other folks a bit of inspiration?