Scared about major work this week

[Mamabear620]

Hello! So, due to a lifetime of dental phobia, childhood neglect and undiagnosed autism with major sensory issues, my teeth are in pretty bad shape. I’ve finally found a dentist I’m comfortable working with on moving towards full mouth restoration. In March I had my right side deep cleaned with 2 extractions (with Valium and laughing gas) and then in April I had my left side deep cleaned with 2 more extractions (only laughing gas that time) and then I had a standard cleaning in July with no gas. Last week I went to have 2 cavities filled and ended up having a panic attack and the laughing gas didn’t help and they couldn’t get me numb. I’m supposed to go back this Thursday for my front 6 teeth - 3 needing root canals and all 6 getting crowns. They will also do the 2 fillings I didn’t get last week. I am planning to take the Valium and laughing gas again but I’m terrified I’m going to have another panic attack. I’ve only had 1 root canal in the past and it was under IV sedation so I have no memory of it. I’m scared mostly because I don’t know what to expect fully from this appointment. 3 root canals and 6 crowns feels like SO MUCH but my dentist said to get the best aesthetic for making all 6 teeth match, I need to do it all in one go. Any insight as to what I can expect from this or how I can help myself prepare? Im just so scared. Thanks!

 

[letsconnect]

Hi @Mamabear620, does your current dentist offer IV sedation at all? It does sound like a lot in one go, even for a non-phobic patient. Your dentist is right regarding the aesthetic aspect, but I'm not sure why you'd also have to have the two fillings done at the same time.

 

[Mamabear620]

@letsconnect he wants to do those fillings since I’ll already be there, with the oral sedation in effect, and these 2 cavities are causing pain. He doesn’t do IV sedation.

 

[MagicDuck12]

@Mamabear620 Just reading all that i feel faint. I need a lie down.

I just hope you can have the sedation option and just face it head on and i really hope all goes well for you. no wonder youd be nervous, im shaking like a leaf at the thought of it.

People like you inspire me, i hope everything goes well for you x

 

[letsconnect]

That makes sense . Pity he doesn't do IV sedation! Have you had a chat with him about the oral sedation, and how to ensure that it works well?

 

[FrightenedJerk]

You mentioned several extractions. I'm curious whether you are getting implants for any of them, and if not, why. I'm asking because I need two extractions of major molars which are cracked, 3 and 19, and would like to get implants for both. I'm curious what factors into a decision not to get implants.

 

[Mamabear620]

@FrightenedJerk I can’t afford implants, I’ll be getting a partial on the bottom to fill in the gaps

 

[Mamabear620]

@Mamabear620 Just reading all that i feel faint. I need a lie down.

I just hope you can have the sedation option and just face it head on and i really hope all goes well for you. no wonder youd be nervous, im shaking like a leaf at the thought of it.

People like you inspire me, i hope everything goes well for you x

Everything went really well! I sat for 4 hours in the chair, got all 3 root canals done and placed 6 temp crowns!

 

[MagicDuck12]

@Mamabear620 i couldnt do it. I dont know how you did it. I wish i could learn from you. Id have most certainly passed out. In fact in the buildup to the appointment, id have probably lost 2 stones in weight

 

[cinders123]

Hi I've just joined here asi have a real phobia about dentists and as a result neglected my teeth I've suffering with depression and not taken care of my teeth as a result I knew my teeth were bad but thought they could get fixed my front tooth had gone bad then half it fell out waiting weeks for a dentist appointment eventually got one then went in it wasnt good news I've to get it pulled along with alot more on my front I thought they could be filled I'm still in shock to be told i need a full denture i hadn't been to the dentist since 2019 I'm going on holidays tomorrow dont want to go as I'm missing my front tooth as I already have a side tooth missing I feel.horrible about my appearance it just awful havent stopped crying since so then when I came out the receptionist questioned my extractions which made me think why is she asking me this should I get a second opinion any help on here I would greatly appreciate it thanks

 

[MagicDuck12]

Hi I've just joined here asi have a real phobia about dentists and as a result neglected my teeth I've suffering with depression and not taken care of my teeth as a result I knew my teeth were bad but thought they could get fixed my front tooth had gone bad then half it fell out waiting weeks for a dentist appointment eventually got one then went in it wasnt good news I've to get it pulled along with alot more on my front I thought they could be filled I'm still in shock to be told i need a full denture i hadn't been to the dentist since 2019 I'm going on holidays tomorrow dont want to go as I'm missing my front tooth as I already have a side tooth missing I feel.horrible about my appearance it just awful havent stopped crying since so then when I came out the receptionist questioned my extractions which made me think why is she asking me this should I get a second opinion any help on here I would greatly appreciate it thanks

Hiya Cinders

Enjoy your holiday. Take a couple of weeks off this forum and enjoy yourself. No one is going to pay THAT much attention to your teeth and don't let a tooth spoil what will be the highlight of your year.

An extraction isn't pleasant but it's fast at least and you'd be well looked after.

If you need dentures does that involve filing down teeth either side of the gap?

 

[letsconnect]

Hi @cinders123 and welcome!

I'd say it's always a good idea to get a second opinion before committing to potentially life-changing surgery, whether that be dental or otherwise.

We've got some tips here for finding and choosing a dentist:

How to find a dentist for nervous patients

Discover how to find a dentist who is good with nervous, scared or phobic patients - and who to avoid!

www.dentalfearcentral.org

How to find a high-quality dentist

How do you know if a dentist really cares about the quality of their work? Here is what to look for and expect from a high-quality dentist.

www.dentalfearcentral.org

Enjoy your holiday - people will be too focused on having a good time to pay much attention to the appearance of others, so don't let that hold you back from having a good time yourself