this fear is driving me crazy

[wishonastar]

Im new here and i need help and understanding. I have panic disorder and agoraphobia. And i have extreme dental anxiety to the point i cant function. Im afraid of everything. I live alone and have no support ot help. I can go for weeks without seeing or talking to another human. So about 2 weeks ago i started having horrible pain and swelling in my gums and a bad tooth. I don't leave the apt and i have a visiting physician who comes here. I called them and begged for an appt so someone could look at this and tell me that im not going to die. They won't come . in fact they won't even return my calls. Everytime i get a pain in my mouth my panic goes crazy and so does the pain and i can't stop it. What can i do. Im so scared of tooth and gum pain and having to go to the dentist i think im having a nervous breakdown. I hate dentists and my insurance makes it even harder because fewer dentists are taking it. There isnt an oral surgeon within 50 miles that takes my insurance so even if i could work up the courage to go which i doubt theres no where to go.
Please help im terrified

 

[Dr. Daniel]

Hi,

I guess you are from the states and surely some of the members of this forum will give you practical advice about the insurance issue.
In most cases one can reduce the infection/inflammation and pain with antibiotics. That will give you some ease for a few weeks/months. However, for a definitive solution only a dentist can help.
It might be a good idea to be treated under sedation. I am not a big fan of this approach but your situation (extreme anxiety and extreme pain) justifies sedation. If you choose this approach, most probably you will need to visit the dental clinic twice: once for intake and treatment plan (maybe also a receipt for antibiotics) and the second time for treatment. So even if you need to travel a long distance, within two visits you can remove infected teeth.

 

[FearfulInMA]

Each state is different when it comes to what Medicaid will pay for in terms of dental work. Are you able to do some internet research to figure out exactly what is covered? In many states it's quite limited and in others less so. Either way, it will be good to know exactly what is covered so you know what your options may be.

 

[wishonastar]

Thank you both for responding. You are right the only way im going to be able to get anything done is to be asleep so i don't know what they are doing. As far as the medicaid in ohio it covers very little. I had my social worker check for me and so far she hasn't found anything. Its sad and makes me mad. Dentists made us this way by being cruel and hurting us then they tell u your going to die if you don't get this taken care of. How are you supposed to do that when your scared to death and no one will help you. I cry every day about this. Its awful

 

[FearfulInMA]

I know that a social worked checked for you, but you should also be able to search online and fine exactly what is covered under OH Medicaid for dental and under what circumstances, if any, they cover sedation.

 

[lizd]

I'm also uninsured, on a very tight budget, and needed some serious dental work done this past fall. I ended up making an appointment at a local dental school, and have been thrilled with the quality of care I've received (and the fact that I can afford it!). In general, I'm paying 25-30% less for all of my care than is standard in my area (Portland, Oregon). Many universities and community colleges have dental clinics that offer lower cost care, and some will accept insurance or Medicare. Local public health clinics also offer dental care, or can help you to be seen by a dentist. Finally, many churches and charities offer day-long dental outreach clinics, where patients can receive free or very low-cost urgent care donated by local dentists. I know that your panic disorder and agoraphobia make seeking dental care incredibly challenging for you, but I'm so glad that you've found this site, and that you're taking steps to be seen by a dentist--good for you! As hard as this process is, you are going to feel so amazing once your appointment is over and you don't have this fear looming over you. I wish you all the best!