Think I need to see a dentist, and very nervous

[CyborgRani]

I've always been rather scared of the dentist (especially getting an anaesthetic and the way the chair tilts back), something that was made worse due to a bad experience with a very unpleasant and impatient hygienist. Getting a filling shortly afterwards was more terrifying to me than any other dental experience for that reason (I remember getting a metallic taste in my mouth due to the pure panic and adrenaline that I felt going into the clinic), and I've become particularly phobic after a very bad experience that my youngest sister's ex-boyfriend once had, that I'll type in a much smaller font so that anyone who doesn't want to read it doesn't have to (it is particularly nasty, so if you'd rather not read it just cover it over):





Basically, when they went to anaesthetise his gums they somehow managed to get the anaesthetic down his throat instead. It numbed his throat and stopped him from breathing for a while, something that I'm now terrified of.





One of my molars has recently started hurting, and at first I thought it was simply due to my wisdom tooth coming through. However, on closer inspection it looks as though it definitely has some decay on it, and I just know that it'll get worse if I don't go to the dentist. Despite wanting to put it off forever I've decided to do the wise thing just now and tell my parents, but I already wish that I hadn't. The fact that the decay is on the side of my tooth facing another tooth means that I'm also worried that it's going to be really awkward to reach (it being right by my wisdom tooth means that it''ll be awkward enough anyway), and I'm just generally feeling scared of the whole experience. I'm not really sure what I'm hoping for when I post this, but either way, I felt that I should at least post here where I have a chance of hearing from others who understand how I'm feeling! ^^;

 

[carole]

Hello CyborgRani to the forum.

I don't know how long ago you went to the dentist but I think you will find things have changed. Most dentists are very aware of how scared and nervous we are and will do everything they can to put us at ease. All treatment can be pain free with the right dentist.

Hygienists do seem to be less careful than dentists and we do seem to read about them being rough. But there are a lot of good ones too.

A lot of us have had negative treatments and these can leave a fear of the dentist. It was unfortunate what happened to your sisters boyfriend.

I am very nervous but I manage to find a dentist that I can build a trusting relationship with and be able to get treatment I need done. If you look around and if you end up going to see one that does not make you feel comfortable then leave and find one that does.

The majority are good guys, you can explain about the hygienist before and ask not to see one straight away if a clean is in order. Or ask that she numbs you a bit so that any work done doesn't hurt. I hope you can manage to have a look around there is a section on her, if you click on the links tab at the top of this page there are recommended dentists on there, tried and tested by members of this forum.

Good luck

 

[chickenjen]

Hello there and.

If the position of the chair bothers you, you can ask your hygienist or dentist to work on you in an upright position. I don't like being lain down in the chair, either, so I ask both the dentist and hygienist to do what work they can on me in an upright position. There are times, of course, when they have to lay me down to reach something, but they warn me and tell me how long I must be in that lain down position.
You are doing the right thing by deciding to go to the dentist before things get worse. Because if you ignore them, they WILL get worse, and you'll need more complicated procedures to restore your dental health.
I agree with Carole..........there are many kind, compassionate and proficient dentists out there. You might need to do some shopping around to find one, but trust me, they ARE there.
Best of to you and many 's!!!!!!!

 

[CyborgRani]

My Dad booked the appointment today for Friday. I think the clinic that I'm going to has a Wand, which is good, and I'm only going for a check up at first, but I'm still so nervous! The fact that Dad didn't check who the dentist was hasn't help either; Mum originally asked him to book the one that she goes to, who is apparently really nice, but I have no idea what this one is like. I'll try and change the appointment first thing tomorrow, but still... gah! (I really don't want to do this, but I know I have to... I'm just so worried that they won't actually have a Wand, or that it'll hurt either with the Wand or without it, or that something will go wrong... )