scared of numbness / panic attacks

[adambarker1981]

I am a person who suffers from severe anxiety disorder and am taking seroxat (paroxetine) for it. I have a hole in the side of BOTH of my upper back teeth and obviously I'm going to need fillings. The problem is, being a very anxious person I'm scared of going to the dentist to have this done. I suffer panic attacks in situations that I'm not used to, also including hyperventilation, nausea, palpitations, visual disturbances and generally freaking out!

I'm mostly concerned about the anaesthetic part of the procedure. I think I can handle the actual injection (with the aid of numbing gel) but it's what happens after that that worries me. I'm worried that I'll suffer a panic attack when the anaesthetic sets in as it will be a strange senstation I'm not used to. I do get numbness in my face during panic attacks sometimes and I'm worried that the anaesthetic will set me off into panic. I have some questions which may put my mind at ease a bit if someone could answer them for me...

How much of my face will actually go numb? Will I still be able to talk? How long will the procedure take? Will I get numbness near my eye area (as I need fillings in my upper teeth)? Will I be in pain after the numbness wears off? Am I likely to get any strange reactions to the anaesthetic?

I'm just so desperate for it all to go smoothly without any bother. Currently I'm getting aching in each side of my face and headaches also, I'm hoping this will sort out the problem (if I can get through the procedure that is!).

Any advice or support you can give will be greatly appreciated!

Thank you.

Adam Barker.

 

[Gordon]

Re: Help!

1) Upper teeth: usually an area about 2 square inches should be affected, depends on which teeth, how many are needing fixed at once and some other stuff
2)Yes
3) How long is a piece of string?
4) Maybe
5) Not likely
6) No

Sorry if that's a bit vague but your questions don't really lend themselves to straight answers. You would be best advised to see a dentist and ask what they think after they've had a look at your teeth, you'll get much more accurate information that way.

 

[letsconnect]

Re: Help!

Hi Adam ,

I'm mostly concerned about the anaesthetic part of the procedure. I think I can handle the actual injection (with the aid of numbing gel) but it's what happens after that that worries me. I'm worried that I'll suffer a panic attack when the anaesthetic sets in as it will be a strange senstation I'm not used to. I do get numbness in my face during panic attacks sometimes and I'm worried that the anaesthetic will set me off into panic.

The thing about panic attacks is that they usually come unannounced, but with something like local anaesthetic, you'll know beforehand that you're going to feel numb, so it's not as much of a freak surprise. Still, I can understand your fear that the sensation will cause a panic attack (a sort of "reverse" reaction, where the effect - i. e. numbness - actually sets of the cause - i. e. the panic attack).

I'd suggest you share your concern about having a panic attack with your dentist (a problem shared is a problem halved, etc.). Even if you did experience a panic attack then, the very worst thing that could happen would be that the procedure has to be called off (leaving you no worse or better off than before - you've got nothing to lose). Or if you can find a dentist who is willing to work with you and take things at your pace, you could have some local anaesthetic during one appointment without actually having anything else done - just so that you can get used to the sensation. If for some reason things shouldn't work out - there are always other options available, like IV sedation.

As Gordon said, it's sort of hard to be specific without actually knowing what's wrong with the tooth. A dentist who has seen you in person and had a look at your x-rays would be in a much better position to let you know what to expect .

Let us know if you have any questions or comments, or if you'd just like to vent!