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Worried about sensations and sounds during a deep cleaning.

S

saikyouiku

Junior member
Joined
Mar 27, 2026
Messages
3
Location
Illinois
I am 22 and went to the dentist for the second time in my life about three weeks ago, but this was my first time in probably 10 years. I have two broken teeth, one on each side of my mouth, which are both in need of root canals. My latest appointment was just doing xrays and having the dentist do her general exam on my mouth, and she decided that I should have a deep cleaning done. This cleaning is scheduled for a little under two weeks from now, so I have some time to mentally prepare.
I am barely concerned about the actual pain and soreness that comes along with this procedure, and more anxious about the sensations I will be feeling. I'm aware that they will most likely numb me up very well but the feeling of metal touching my teeth makes my skin crawl. Flossing is difficult for me sometimes just because of the way it feels. I also worry about my mouth getting too dry, full of saliva, weird chunks of tartar touching my tongue, and swallowing these kinds of things.
What is the experience like? I have no idea or basis for what i should expect to feel. I'm also diagnosed with panic disorder which can throw me into some panic attacks that cause my whole body to shake uncontrollably for multiple minutes at a time, so I am worried about that happening with tools in my mouth.
I guess I'm just wondering how bad the sensations actually feel for other autistic/easily physically overstimulated people. What would you compare it to? What gets you through it when you feel your self start to panic mid-session?
Any insight or help is appreciated :)
 
I would also like to add that I have found a wonderful dentist that offers comfort items such as blankets, sunglasses, ear plugs, TV above the chair with all streaming services loaded onto it, and just overall prioritizes patient's comfortability. She and all of her hygienists are angels but I still worry it may not be enough to keep me from freaking out over the feelings in my mouth.
 
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