Suggestions for the dental phobic

[fab4fan]

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I had a very traumatic experience a few years ago at a dental appt., so bad that I have not been to a dentist since (approx. 3y). I know that I have at least two small cavities, plus the work that was done by the bad dentist is going to have to be repaired.

I've always been anxious about going to the dentist, but now I'm terrified. I know I'm going to have to knuckle under and just go, but I can't even figure out how to find a good dentist, let alone one that will have the patience to deal with someone who is petrified. If I had my druthers, I'd be knocked out, but I don't think anyone in my area offers sedation other than for dental surgery. Nitrous isn't an option; had it once before and had a bad reaction to it.

Any suggestions as to how to pick a good dentist and how to get past my fear...before my teeth fall out?

 

[duh?]

I had a very traumatic experience a few years ago at a dental appt., so bad that I have not been to a dentist since (approx. 3y). I know that I have at least two small cavities, plus the work that was done by the bad dentist is going to have to be repaired.

I've always been anxious about going to the dentist, but now I'm terrified. I know I'm going to have to knuckle under and just go, but I can't even figure out how to find a good dentist, let alone one that will have the patience to deal with someone who is petrified. If I had my druthers, I'd be knocked out, but I don't think anyone in my area offers sedation other than for dental surgery. Nitrous isn't an option; had it once before and had a bad reaction to it.

Any suggestions as to how to pick a good dentist and how to get past my fear...before my teeth fall out?

It's sad that you had such a bad experience. If you don't mind waiting 4 more years (4 MORE YEARS!!! ) I'd love to fix your teeth and help you get over your fear. 😀

Seriously, You might want to talk to friends and family about their dentists and get their opinions. Good luck.

 

[fab4fan]

Thanks for the offer, but I don't think I can wait that long! 😀 (too bad there isn't a toothless smiley)

I have asked around, but I thought it might help to get some feedback from people who are in the profession. I looked around in the Yellow Pages, too, but everybody looks like a "nice guy" in those ads; they could make the Marquis de Sade look like Mr. Rogers.

 

[OMFSCardsFan]

Thanks for the offer, but I don't think I can wait that long! 😀 (too bad there isn't a toothless smiley)

I have asked around, but I thought it might help to get some feedback from people who are in the profession. I looked around in the Yellow Pages, too, but everybody looks like a "nice guy" in those ads; they could make the Marquis de Sade look like Mr. Rogers.

I sometimes prescribe two Valium 10mg tabs to the really jittery middle-aged women prior to their appointments. One to take the night before to help them sleep, and one to take the morning of to take the edge off. Someone has to drive the patient to the appointment. You may be able to find a dentist to do that for you. I find that the anesthetic works much better when the patient isn't shaking uncontrollably or ripping the armrests off the chair.

 

[aphistis]

I sometimes prescribe two Valium 10mg tabs to the really jittery middle-aged women prior to their appointments. One to take the night before to help them sleep, and one to take the morning of to take the edge off. Someone has to drive the patient to the appointment. You may be able to find a dentist to do that for you. I find that the anesthetic works much better when the patient isn't shaking uncontrollably or ripping the armrests off the chair.

This is what I was thinking. Is there a reason not to use triazolam or alprazolam, to lessen any hangover?

 

[toofache32]

Just out of curiosity, what made the experience so bad? And how do you know the work will need to be "repaired?"

In my humble experience so far, these problems usually boil down to miscommunication between the dentist and the patient. Sometimes the patient isn't made aware of what the experience will be like and therefore the patient doesn't know what to expect. Strangely, there is amazing comfort in the dentist telling you before the procedure that you will feel lots of pressure/pushing and feel vibrations....but that also this is different from pain. Some patients are so apprehensive that they interpret ALL sensation as pain if the dentist hasn't warned them what is to be expected...even if the patient is only experiencing pressure or vibrations.

Then again, you may be a good candidate for sedation dentistry. I've only had 1 person in the past 3 years that has been SO apprehensive that he wouldn't even let us start an IV to give sedating meds. He was re-appointed with preop oral anti-anxiety meds to get the sedation going.