Quick questions about Filling procedure tomorrow morning..

[MissMi]

4 weeks of procedures...starting tomorrow

The last time I went to the doctor I was about 10 years old. I've been avoiding the dentist like the plague for the longest, but I went in for a cleaning on Tuesday and now I get to make up for lost time. The dentist office is like a spa and everyone is kind and soothing - and I appreciate that. But it seems everyone is so stuck on being reassuring that they're cryptic and vague. I'd rather know flat out, that it's going to hurt like, well - a root canal, than to go in and be taken by surprise in agony.

Tomorrow, I have to go in for an extraction. I know this will be good for me in the long run, I don't want anything getting infected. And I've been researching and youtubing all day, and I still don't feel reassured. It just sounds so painful. With a simple extraction they have to rock the tooth back and forth out of the site, and if they do it surgically then they may have to dig pieces of the molar out if the tooth fractures. And also, I'm worried about the period post-extraction. I've heard some awful stories about swelling and infection and food particles gettting stuck.

And will they automatically place a crown there? Or will it just be an empty space? Do I get to choose whether I get N20 or is that left up to the doctor's discretion? And if they don't use N20, will I be in pain?

Furthermore, I have two root canals in the next two weeks and tons of fillings.

It's just a lot to prepare for mentally, when you've been out of the loop for so long. Any advice, answers, or experiences would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Snowball]

Re: 4 weeks of procedures...starting tomorrow

Take your questions with you, written down, that way you won't forget the stuff you need to clarify and they won't be able to be vague anymore.

I had pretty well the same stuff done, two weeks ago, you're having now. Only difference was, I had IV sedation so had it all done in one go.

Re. extractions, it's the only part of the procedure I have no memory of but given the effectiveness of the numbing, (I was pretty well wide awake and aware for some of the deep fillings and truly they were painless) I know I can't have felt anything - they use some really good local anaesthetic, now. If the dentist is skilled you shouldn't feel the needles going in, either. I must have had quite a few but the ones I remember, were utterly painless and the next mornign I had no bruising or tenderness and couldn't even tell where the needle sites had been!

Aftercare wise, if you follow your dentist's instructions (or info here) you will be amazed how easy it is. By the 6th day, mine was totally healed up - couldn't believe how fast it heals, but then there's a lot of blood vessels there. Complications like dry socket are really rare - it's maybe a case of a little information being a dangerous thing as when we 'research' this stuff on the internet, we're in danger of finding rare things like that and assuming 'That will happen to me'. It's more likely NOT to happen to you. And even if it did, it can be sorted whereas if you do nothing, you're at risk of a really serious infection that may not be sorted so easily down the line.

Think you are wise to tackle a bit at a time and fully awake as that's the way to tackle your phobia. I had what I think now was a pretty brilliant bit of IV sedation as I wasn't just put down so deep I can't recall it, but for the last part was fully aware and awake and now have been convinced a good dentist won't hurt you. I don't see myself needing IV sedation again, because of it.

I can't answer for the extraction, because I don't remember mine but as for the fillings and the rest of it... you shouldn't feel anything. I remember thinking *If this gets bad or I start to feel something I'll ask for more sedation and LA* but honestly - I ended up lying there grinning to myself as they worked, because I couldn't believe it but I could feel NOTHING. One of my teeth now I dunno if it's a crown or a filling or what but it's more silver than tooth - and I know some of the others were very deep fillings too, but can honestly say I felt nothing.

Pre-arrange a hand signal so you can stop them, in case you need to ask for more LA or something. But chances are you'll be fine, and by doing it in stages you will also be dealing with the phobia as well as the teeth!

 

[brit]

Re: 4 weeks of procedures...starting tomorrow

Congratulations on finding a Dental Spa type practice....modern dentistry should be painless even if you just go with local anaesthetic and TLC (kindness, good chairside manner etc) as we like to call it on here.
At a dental spa especially you should have a choice of using nitrous or not (assuming they offer it)....try it, you may like it or just try it while they are numbing you up if that is the part you are most dubious about....remember the whole point of anaesthetic is that you don't feel any pain during a procedure, so stop Youtubing for now and think relaxing dental spa-like thoughts - ask for reassurance from your dentist - I'm sure it will be forthcoming and enjoy......getting back your dental health.

I don't for a minute think they have any surprises up their sleeve.....root canals should be painless too despite all the negative stuff you have no doubt heard...Poodleoo has given you good advice...in case they don't offer it as a matter of course and truly a dental spa should...agree a stop signal so you are in control and can stop things if you want a rest or if you feel anything untoward...remember it is not supposed to hurt but if it does they won't necessarily know unless you tell them....so don't hesitate to communicate any concerns straightaway.

 

[FinnishGirl]

Re: 4 weeks of procedures...starting tomorrow

Just a couple of pieces of advice:

Forget about the existence of Youtube and read my success story "Wisdom tooth surgery - I DID IT!!!". Because I won't write everything here. I just want you to know it doesn't hurt! The horror story stuff happen to very few people but they talk about their bad experience to everyone and put it online too. That's why I've made everyone around me completely fed up with my success story And my experience is most others' experience as well. They just don't feel the need to tell about it.

 

[dodgem21]

Re: 4 weeks of procedures...starting tomorrow

with regards to fillings i had one done and did not feel any pain so dont worry you will be fine i have not had the other tratments you mention so i cant help with my experiances there. i do have a stop signal with my dentist so as others have said make sure you arrange one but i doubt you will need it.

 

[Breeze]

Re: 4 weeks of procedures...starting tomorrow

MissMi,

Definitely lose the YouTube, stuff. After tomorrow you will know that your sofa isn't just for anymore~

It isn't going to hurt. The hardest part will be getting yourself there, and we all will be thinking about you and holding on tight .....

Tomorrow after your appointment you'll be able to come back here and post YOUR OWN SUCCESS STORY and we'll be waiting to on you for getting it done.

Can't wait for that part!

Sue

 

[MissMi]

Re: 4 weeks of procedures...starting tomorrow

So the extraction went well. Thanks to all of you who replied to my post. Your words were very reassuring. I went into the office feelling very confident and calm.

They used some topical stuff first, so I didnt' even feel the shot. Most of my time was spent waiting for the area to numb. The actual extraction took all of two minutes, no kidding.

I offically love my dental office. It's like a spa and they had tvs and a lady who massaged my hands while I waited. Everyone was so kind and patient with me. I feel much better about going back, now that I know I'm in such good hands. Now, I really don't think the root canal will be as painful as the extraction. Definetly longer and more complex, though.

I'm a little worried about how to take care of the extraction site. It's just a little hole, and I worry about it getting bruised or infected. And I wonder if it will always be concave. I'm taking darvocet, which upset my tummy a little when I first tooking, but it seems to be effective. And I wonder how long I have to keep chewing on gauze.

Thank you all again for all your feedback. You really helped make the experience less stressful for me.

 

[dodgem21]

Re: 4 weeks of procedures...starting tomorrow

well done. glad it all went ok for you. i dont know about extractions so cannot help you there.

 

[FinnishGirl]

Re: 4 weeks of procedures...starting tomorrow

Don't worry about the extraction site. Forget about it and it'll heal fine. I chewed on gauze for about an hour or maybe less.

 

[colgate smile]

Re: 4 weeks of procedures...starting tomorrow

well done on surviving the extraction - hope the site heals well

 

[MissMi]

Im having numerous fillings tomorrow, and I have questions. I just realized that the procedure will requre drilling and im pretty nervous.

1. Do you get to choose what filling to get?
2. How long does one filling take?
3. Will the dentist definetly numb the area or do I have to ask?
4. Could I still get a cavity with fillings?
5. Is the procedure painful?

 

[Mary]

Hi and try not to worry

1)I am not sure if you get to choose which filling.
2)Every time I have gotton fillings they have never taken real long....kinda depends but fo me they we're about 30 minutes.give or take.
3)You shoulden't have to ask...he needs to numb you to do the pocedure.
4)I believe that you can , or at least the tooth can still decay if its neglected...just be sure to brush and floss
5)The procedure should be painless and maybe only a smidge sensitive for a day or two after

Try not to worry you will be fine and feel so proud and good about yourself when it's done.
Do post and let us know how it went for you.you'll do great I will be senidng you positive energy tomorrow.

 

[brit]

Im having numerous fillings tomorrow, and I have questions. I just realized that the procedure will requre drilling and im pretty nervous.

1. Do you get to choose what filling to get?
2. How long does one filling take?
3. Will the dentist definetly numb the area or do I have to ask?
4. Could I still get a cavity with fillings?
5. Is the procedure painful?

I agree with Mary's answers but would add:
1. This should be discussed with you especially as the costs vary but often a dentist will have a strong preference as to what they consider best in any particular tooth.
2. Anything from15 to 30 minutes - if doing several at once in same part of mouth could be quicker.
3. In most western countries in the world YES absolutely...there are some EU countries (not UK) which shall remain nameless - where they may ask you if you want anaesthetic - such dentists would not be my 'cup of tea' ....yikes - you mean, if I said I didn't you'd be quite happy to hurt me while doing this?!
N>B> Lots of stuff can be done comfortably without anaesthetic thesedays for instance I went to the same dentist for 12 years a while back and he only ever gave me one injection and that was for a root canal...he was a totally painless dentist.
I>M>V> part of being a good dentist is to have the patient's comfort as a main concern and telling a patient when a procedure needs numbing to make it painfree...most fillings would fall into this category.
So long answer but yes this isn't something you should worry about.
4.Nothing to add
5. It is not supposed to be, so if you feel anything untoward be sure to raise your hand immediately to alert the dentist so they can investigate and give more LA if required....don't assume they can tell you are comfortable if you don't say anything...there is no need to grin and bear it.

You'll be fine. I found my last filling appointment quite relaxing actually - I'm not mad either well maybe only just a little bit.....same goes for cleanings too these days. I've said it before....with the right practitioner, it is easy peasy especially once major stuff is out of the way.

 

[MissMi]

Thanks to you both for repsonding to my thread so quickly!
Once again this board has come through in reassuring me and easing my anxiety.

I don't expect it to be too painful. Last week I went in for an extraction and I never felt any pain from the LA shot to the post-op. So, I'm confident my dentist will take good care of me in that department. I'm just not looking forward to the drilling. But I'll look at this as a stepping sone. I have a root canal coming up next week, so it's almost like the procedures are increasing in duration and intensity....hopefully not in pain.

Anyway, I'm sure I'll have another success story by noon tomorow.

Thank you guys again!

Mia

 

[dodgem21]

i had a filling done with out numbing as i was more frightened of a needle in my mouth but it did not hurt. please do not worry about the drill its not to bad perhaps you could take an mp3 player to the dentists so you cannot hear the drill being used as i think it is the noise it makes that frightens some people all i could feel was the water from the drill and the dentist applying pressure my filling took 15 minutes.

 

[brit]

I'm just not looking forward to the drilling. But I'll look at this as a stepping sone. I have a root canal coming up next week, so it's almost like the procedures are increasing in duration and intensity....hopefully not in pain.

Mia

The handpiece doesn't sound as loud as it used to and you can maybe desensitise yourself to it by focussing on how much you trust the person wielding it.....if as in the case of your current dentist you know they are invested in your comfort...you can give the benefit of the doubt and view it as a noisy piece of equipment but ultimately no big deal...especially once they've finished! But on the other hand you wouldn't happily get into Steve Martin's dental chair (in that film which shall remain nameless)....the handpiece is the handpiece....it is how it is used and by whom which makes the difference. The same is also true for ultrasonic scalers, hand scalers, syringes and anything dental really...with the right practitioner it is all fine, and you could get sedation for anything too extreme.

I don't think the procedures will be increasing in pain at all...numb is numb. Afterpain may vary but you can always head that off by taking painkillers straightaway before it strikes.
I'm sure you are going to do great...extraction would be my least favourite procedure because it seems destructive rather than restorative. So in my book the worst is over with already.

 

[MissMi]

The procedure went great!
I took you all's advice and went with my questions and they answered all of them and then some. The entire procedure was painless, and the drilling wasnt bad at all. I got four fillings and it took less than an hour.

Some one recommended I take my mp3 player, and that worked great. I'm taking it to the dentist with me from now on.

I have my first root canal on Tuesday, and I'm more assured than ever that it'll be just fine.

Thank you guys again for all your answers and advice!
Mia