S
scuderia
Junior member
- Joined
- Apr 8, 2025
- Messages
- 2
- Location
- Sacramento, CA
Hi everyone,
As the title suggests, I'm finally facing something I’ve put off for over a decade: going to the dentist. It’s been more than 10 years since my last visit. In that time, I cracked a molar and—out of sheer fear—never got it checked out.
I’ve always known that my teeth needed serious attention, and deep down, I wanted to eventually get Invisalign. But that was never going to happen unless I got my dental health in order first.
After lots of searching, I found a local dentist who specializes in patients with severe anxiety. Just booking the appointment felt like climbing a mountain. The night before the initial visit, I was crying, gagging, and doing everything in my power to cancel. And this was just the consultation.
But somehow, I made it. I let the staff know ahead of time that I struggle with an intense gag reflex, dental fear, and even a fear of choking during procedures. Thankfully, they were incredibly kind, gentle, and understanding. They made me feel as comfortable as possible during the exam.
The results weren’t great, but not surprising:
They also offered IV sedation using Midazolam, which will be paired with Fentanyl. I’ve been prescribed another sedative to take the night before to help me sleep.
Despite all the reassurances, the anxiety is real. My procedure is scheduled for this Thursday, and I’m counting down the days, hours, minutes, and seconds with a mix of dread and determination.
If anyone here has gone through similar procedures—especially under IV sedation—I would deeply appreciate any tips, experiences, or even a few kind words. Just knowing I’m not alone would help a lot.
Thank you all in advance.
As the title suggests, I'm finally facing something I’ve put off for over a decade: going to the dentist. It’s been more than 10 years since my last visit. In that time, I cracked a molar and—out of sheer fear—never got it checked out.
I’ve always known that my teeth needed serious attention, and deep down, I wanted to eventually get Invisalign. But that was never going to happen unless I got my dental health in order first.
After lots of searching, I found a local dentist who specializes in patients with severe anxiety. Just booking the appointment felt like climbing a mountain. The night before the initial visit, I was crying, gagging, and doing everything in my power to cancel. And this was just the consultation.
But somehow, I made it. I let the staff know ahead of time that I struggle with an intense gag reflex, dental fear, and even a fear of choking during procedures. Thankfully, they were incredibly kind, gentle, and understanding. They made me feel as comfortable as possible during the exam.
The results weren’t great, but not surprising:
I need two root canals (including the cracked molar)
Several fillings
A deep cleaning
Wisdom teeth removal (scheduled separately)
They also offered IV sedation using Midazolam, which will be paired with Fentanyl. I’ve been prescribed another sedative to take the night before to help me sleep.
Despite all the reassurances, the anxiety is real. My procedure is scheduled for this Thursday, and I’m counting down the days, hours, minutes, and seconds with a mix of dread and determination.
If anyone here has gone through similar procedures—especially under IV sedation—I would deeply appreciate any tips, experiences, or even a few kind words. Just knowing I’m not alone would help a lot.
Thank you all in advance.
