Scared, Scared, Scared Over Every Little Thing

[haeshin]

I went to the dentist recently because I've been feeling a faint, dull ache in my upper left back tooth where I had tooth decay and a filling to treat it, one that came and went at random. Now the ache seems to move around while focusing on the back teeth. The dentist said that it was most likely nothing but plaque, food bits, and my gums adjusting to the removal of wisdom teeth. I have to give it time and floss that area properly. However the removal was a year ago (how long could it take for gums to adjust?) and every little wrongness in my mouth gets me too terrified to sleep. What if I actually need a root canal or have some other problem? Everything I've heard of sounds huge to me! I heard that not everyone who needs a procedure feels pain, which I don't, so I'm scared. Anything that last for more than a few seconds keeps me wondering and awake at night, which seems bad because I heard that anxiety can amplify a discomfort so it feels worse than it really is!

After going to the dentist for various reasons almost constantly the past year, I'm nearly as tired as I am scared. Why won't it end or at least give me a decent break time? It will never end, will it? There's no such thing as only going every six months for a cleaning, is there? Not for me. Those are the kind of depressed thoughts that are beginning to go through my head, even though my experiences with the dentist so far have been fine. Everyone's nice and friendly, though I'm still too embarrassed to mention my anxiety. I'm just sick and tired of having to find the guts to call AGAIN, spend sleepless nights until the appointment AGAIN, and drive there full of anxiety AGAIN and do all the waiting AGAIN with the (metaphorical) axe hovering over my head, and feeling terrified while the dentist does his exam AGAIN!

They say you can overcome a fear with exposure to it, but I really don't think it's working with me.

 

[carole]

I had a period a few years back where I just couldn't stay away from the dentist for 6 months. I needed treatment then something else cropped up and so on and so on. My last appointment was last month and at long last after about 3 years I got the 'see you in 6 months'. I am so chuffed it is like a big weight lifted.

I am sure you will get to this stage at some point, you only have so many teeth so by the law of averages it has to end.

I think it might be better if you explained to your dentist how you feel, that way they can help you. If you don't feel you can tell them in person then write and post it addressed to your dentist c/o the dental practice, or send an email explaining.

It feels like it won't end at the moment, but it will one day.

 

[AbbyH85]

I totally understand how you feel. That constant anxiety is TERRIBLE. I have to get 4 extractions of Friday and the only thing remotely helping me is a glass of wine or a beer at night to sleep.

It's always been like this for me, Im usually okay until a few days before and then it hits.

Even worse I'm not even close to done, I need 4 more too teeth pulled after this. Then some fillings and I will be done hopefully.

We will both be okay though, I swear the anxiety is always worse than the actual dental work. Hang in there and keep us posted.