Yup, I am a grown woman and very scared of the dentist. I just woke up in the middle of the night with a bad toothache. I already have a dentist appointment scheduled in 36 hours. Scared of the dentist anyways, but I'm pretty sure I need at least one (and probably two) root canal and maybe other work. With switching insurance, getting pregnant, and having an infant, I didn't end up going to the dentist for a few years. I want to be a good role model for DS when it comes to health, but I am terrified of the dentist and my upcoming appointment! Not sure of the point of this post, it's just that it's 3am and I can't sleep because my tooth hurts.
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Sorry you are in pain. I too hate the dentist. I didn't go for 5 (!!!) years. I finally ended up going this year because my gums were receeding from a previous tongue piercing. It was hurting so bad and had been for at least a year. I've been to the dentist about every two weeks since February (consultation, 2 deep cleanings, gum graft, follow up, and another appt later this month).
Honestly I still hate it. But the anxiety about it and pain I went trough all that time putting it off was so much worse. I feel better now that I got taken care of.
Also they gave me a vallium before the gum graft surgery. I cried in the periodontist's chair when he told me I had I get it done I was so freaked out! So if you are really really scared maybe that would help. I hate taking meds/drugs but it really helped.
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@Katrocap: Just think about how much better you're going to feel once you've been and you have a plan for getting the work done!
When I had my root canal done I made myself a playlist of relaxing music to listen to and I took some pre-emptive pain relief before the appointment. I also find that thinking about a dentist appointment is worse than the actual appointment!
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Hugs
Maybe your dentist is able to give you a general anesthesia/laughing gas? I know some dentist do so with anxiety patients... -
I'm the same way- I would honestly rather go through labor and delivery again than have a dental procedure. (My husband says I'm remembering labor and delivery incorrectly if I think this is true)
I have a cleaning today and a.) I've been dreading it for weeks and b.) I'm terrified that they'll say I need another gum graft (I've had one already) and/or find cavities.So I have nothing of value to add, just that I totally feel you on the dentist fears. Hugs.
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Ugh, I really hate going to the dentist too, and I've never had any problems to actually make me worry! My SIL works at a dental office, and is crazy obsessed with dental health, so she always makes me go - I start dreading and freaking out like a month before each appointment!
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Omg I hate the dentist! What helped is finding one that sedates me
it isn't covered by insurance but hey, I need what I need.
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I hate the dentist too, even if it's just routine cleaning!
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I'm so sorry. I hate the dentist SO much, and thanks to constant vomiting from morning sickness, the enamel on my teeth was damaged. My first pp appointment, I had SEVEN cavities. UGH.
Hoping you need minimal work and the pain goes away soon!
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I'm so sorry. I don't hate the dentist, but I do get anxiety before big procedures.
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I hope it all goes smoothly! Do you know if they offer laughing gas? It might help to even call ahead and ask. As soon as you walk in, let them know you are nervous, at least they can be extra helpful in reassuring you. And definitely plan to bring headphones and something to listen to, for me half of the anxiety is about the noises so drowning it out and having something else to concentrate on helps. I hope you feel better soon!
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Thanks everyone for the support and well wishes!
@cole: Thanks! I definitely will let them know I'm nervous. I do that every time I have blood drawn and it helps.
@redsmarties: Thanks! I'm worried about the effect pregnancy had on my teeth, too. Sorry about your 7 cavities
@kemma: I am trying to think about how much better I will feel. Not knowing what's wrong feeds the worrying. I like your playlist idea. A special dentist mix to look forward too!
@pumuckl: I appreciate the hugs!
@mamaj: Glad to hear I'm not the only one who puts off the dentist! Although I'm very sorry about your gum graft surgery. I'm glad you're getting better, though. You're right, I'm sure the anxiety and pain ahead of time are much worse than the actual dental treatments.
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I have always hated the dentist so imagine my horror when I went in with a toothache after having my second baby and I needed two root canals and another couple fillings. I actually posted about the first one here and I got great advice -- root canals are seriously not as bad as they sound! The whole time I got all the work I was just going "woman up! You had a natural childbirth!" And also "mmmm, lying down in this chair is awesome." (Of course that was the sleep deprivation talking hahah. Good luck!
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@mamimami: Thanks for sharing your experience. Were you able to BF while on antibiotics? I'm pretty sure I'm in the same boat as you were (root canals and fillings). I've had a root canal before and reading up on the procedure helped - a little. I definitely have sleep deprivation and little time to myself. I'll just have to convince myself that my dental treatments are "me time" to relax!
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@Katrocap: I didn't take any antibiotics!
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If you can, take some ibuprofen for the pain or ice the area that hurts. I know all about teeth issues... I've had multiple root canals, crowns, and implants. I just have genetically bad teeth. Hope it's nothing serious! Hang in there!
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@Katrocap: I'm still anxious about the dentist, too, but I have a great one who told me that any good dentist will make you feel good/relaxed/comfortable. She's given me Ativan for when I'm extremely anxious (this was in the very beginning of my appts with her), and she completely numbs/relaxes me when it's show time. I usually leave feeling really silly because it's not a big deal.
But I'll be anxious the next time, too!
Hope it goes smoothly and they help with not only your tooth, but the anxiety as well. -
I hate the dentist too!! I was fine as a kid and young adult- my irrational fear started in my mid 20's! I need to have a tooth checked (it has been hurting for awhile) and I keep putting it off since I am too scared to go!
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@Katrocap: did you try googling sedation dentistry in your area? They'll give you meds to relax you, or you could ask your PC dr for a dose of something to take the edge off. Good luck!
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I went to the dentist on Thursday and found out I have to have a filling, a root canal and a tooth extracted! Yikes. I had the root canal on Friday and, even though I was TERRIFIED, it went as smoothly as possible. Truly, after the anethesia, I didn't feel any pain. And the toothache is now gone. I still have to have the two other procedures, but I feel much more confident that there is a plan in place.
@cheert16: I was fine as a kid and young adult, too! I had a bad experience with a dentist in my early 20s and have had dentistophobia ever since.
@rachiecakes: Thanks for the advice. The endodontist I ended up seeing was so helpful and really worked to ease my fears. Made a HUGE difference!
@erwoo: I think I must just have genetically bad teeth, too. I've had many procedures, like you, and don't think I have particularly bad oral hygiene habits.
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Just commenting in solidarity. I am absolutely terrified of the dentist. Like even thinking/talking about it right makes my heart beat fast & my hands get tingly. Ugh. I get it, girl.
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Go get some clove oil! Honestly my teeth were so sore last year that I would have ripped them out myself, clove oil really saved my sanity.
I am also suffering from real fear from the dentist after it taking 2 hours to pull one tooth a few years ago. it was so horrific. Last year I had to get root canal treatment and was shaking like crazy in the chair. It was really not bad at all, once I was numbed up you have no idea what they are doing anyway. Really, you will be fine, once you are there it's nothing as bad as you imagine.
it isn't covered by insurance but hey, I need what I need.
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