Struggling with extreme anxiety... no turning back

[c R I s G R z]

I just began the process of (all-on-four) implants on both my upper and lower arch. Surgery was last friday and I am currently healing from having ALL my teeth extracted and 7 implants (one more coming). The appointment went well even though I was extremely anxious and wanted to flee. I went home with temporary dentures that still do not fit, so dealing with having no teeth at the moment is a whole different experience. There are still numerous visits and procedures to come for the next 4-6 months. I explained my anxiety to the dentist when scheduling my initial appointment and they assured me they could take care of me. I have already had 5 visits and still have to continue to explain how frightened I am and even had to reschedule a visit yesterday. They asked me to come in for a "scan", which I have had before. No big deal, right? I show up and all of a sudden they are pulling out needles and scalpels and are ready to cut in my gums. I FREAKED OUT and had to reschedule. The dentist tells me I will be fine and don't need sedation, but he clearly does not understand my anxiety. Trouble is, I have already paid them over $20,000 and cannot go anywhere else. I am stuck with them and they are stuck with me. In three days (my rescheduled appointment) I go in to have the upper implants exposed. They have to cut and stitch. For me that is enough to make me anxious and want sedation. I still need to have one more implant inserted in about a month which my dentist says I don't need sedation. Then in about 3-4 months, go back to have the lower implants exposed. Not to mention all the other visits of attaching the implants and fittings. I couldn't even go to the dentist to have my teeth cleaned, hence the reason I am in this mess. I am doing my best to be tough and just let them do there work, but the minute they break out the tools, I lose my mind. I do not deal with anxiety in other aspects of my life, so I am having trouble coping with this on a daily basis. In my mind, I know everything will work out for the better in the end, but am having a hard time focusing on anything but my upcoming procedures. I am having regrets, even though it needed to be done. I can't turn back now, obviously, but my anxiety is making it difficult to move forward. I feel stuck! How can I get my dentist to stop encouraging no sedation and just hear me? Is it unreasonable for me to want sedation for these visits that they have to cut and use needles??? Please help me handle this anxiety!

 

[letsconnect]

Hi @c R I s G R z , it sounds as if you know exactly how you can get through this, which is great ! If sedation works well for you, then surely that's the way to go (as long as you can afford it, obviously).

I'm trying to figure out if your dentist did the surgery last Friday, or someone else? It sounds as if you had sedation for that visit?

 

[c R I s G R z]

@letsconnect Hi, thank you for your reply. I did have my main surgery last friday. I had IV sedation for that. It is the upcoming visits to have the impants exposed and still another inserted that I am anxious about. It involves cutting the gums and stitching around the implants. Anything that involves needles, scalpels, etc freaks me out. The dentist tells me I do not need sedation for those and doesn't even offer nitrous. I just cannot control my nerves when it comes time to sit in the chair.

 

[letsconnect]

You are the best judge on what works for you, and it sounds as if you've figured it out . So your dentist does offer sedation, but just doesn't realise quite how strong your fear is, and how much you'd prefer the sedation option? If so, maybe writing him an email or letter with the information you gave in your first post might help:

I couldn't even go to the dentist to have my teeth cleaned, hence the reason I am in this mess. I am doing my best to be tough and just let them do there work, but the minute they break out the tools, I lose my mind. I do not deal with anxiety in other aspects of my life, so I am having trouble coping with this on a daily basis. In my mind, I know everything will work out for the better in the end, but am having a hard time focusing on anything but my upcoming procedures. I am having regrets, even though it needed to be done. I can't turn back now, obviously, but my anxiety is making it difficult to move forward. I feel stuck!

Maybe he is worried about the additional cost which he deems "unnecessary", but as long as you're prepared to pay for it, surely it's not an unreasonable request!

 

[sarasue71]

@c R I s G R z
We are having the same procedure. I have X-rays May 1st and then the uncovering May 8th. My oral surgeon didn't even hesitate and scheduled it to be done under IV sedation. My whole dental team has really listened and worked to understand my dental phobia. Please keep explaining to your team that sedation is helpful for your well-being! In the beginning I had to explain that this isn't just your average "scared of the dentist" feelings but down right terror. Once they started hearing me everything to this point has been smooth sailing. Good luck and don't let them talk you out of whatever makes you feel safe!!

 

[c R I s G R z]

Uppers were attached yesterday. Definetely a speak adjustment, but they are not at all uncomfortable.

 

[sarasue71]

@c R I s G R z
They are beautiful!!!! Congratulations!!

 

[sarasue71]

I think what I'm looking forward to most is not having my palate "smothered" by all the plastic from my upper denture! Keep me posted on the healing! I'm not far behind