Third Scaling and Root Planing appointment on May 1

[Magicianscotty]

Hello everyone. My name is Scott. I am a 32 year old male with hereditary periodontal disease and an extreme dental phobia of the dentist. Well...I guess I wouldn't say "extreme" per say. But it is very significant. So I'd like to get help and advice but I also like to help others. In my case, I am able to get the X-rays done no problem with very little gagging...as long as I know that is all that is being done. However, on May 1st I will have the scaling and root planing procedure done for the third time in my life. This appointment is complete with periodontal charting (measuring of the pocket depths), the Novocain injections, laughing gas, and the actual procedure. Thankfully it's all being done in one appointment. So the dentist is prescribing me one 10mg Valium (diazepam) to take one hour before the procedure, then the laughing gas (if I need it once I'm in the chair) and of course the Novocain (lidocaine) injections. THEN the charting and finally the procedure. This is my third time having this done and I'm still nervous about it. Does anyone here have experience with Valium or a combination of Valium and laughing gas together? I've only ever had the laughing gas and I don't feel that did enough to combat my anxiety once in the chair. Nice to meet everyone. I look forward to seeing your responses.

 

[Filly]

Yes! I have gone through many dental procedures with the aid of Valium and laughing gas. For me, I prefer a little extra and take a painkiller as well. I suppose all of this may be needed due to 1) bad past experiences (i.e. not getting numb after injections) and 2) having partied a lot in my younger years (tolerance is high).

For deep cleanings and extractions, I want to feel as little as possible and be as comfortable as possible for as long as possible. A past dentist told me that I needed Valium as I had "the death grip" on the chair handles. I had already taken a Vicodin and told him so, but he said, "Well, you need a Valium too." SO this is standard procedure for me to take one of each and also ask for gas.

Best of luck to you. Go for the Valium and anything else they offer. If necessary, you can always tell them to back off the gas for a few minutes. I doubt you will want to do that though.