HELP!! Dentist tomorrow?

dj417002 · Post by **dj417002** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 9:17 am

I've to get a tooth extracted tomorrow and I am really nervous about it, Its not really about getting the tooth out, more about being trapped in the dentists chair, What if I have a panic attack, HELP, My dentist is an attractive lady, younger than me, I don;t want to look like a big bady

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 9:33 am

Hello,
I know how you feel, I get this way at the doctors as well, what I have found was to be honest with them, let him or her that you suffer from anxiety I bet that takes some of your fear away from you as well, they are professionals and they deal with this all the time. Good luck Tomorrow!

Debbie

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 10:01 am

Years ago, during the heights of my anxiety, I spent time in a dentist chair getting a root canal. Realizing how long the proceedure was going to take, I was very anxious. I did end up having a panic attack in the chair and it just came and went. It was actually very empowering to know that I could just have an attack and nothing bad would happen. I remember my trips to the dentist...I would tell them on my way to the chair..." I hate coming here. It gives me so much anxiety" and when the dentist would hear me, they would say "you are not alone. Many people feel that way. You will be okay. I promise".... it made me feel better knowing I wasn' the only one who struggled with it. Try to relax and just give yourself persmisson to feel whatever it is you are going to feel. It's okay to be anxious.
Isometric Relaxation Exerices are most helpful.
You can do them anywhere and very discretely.
If you want to learn how check this out -
<A HREF="http://www.sound-mind.org/IsometricExercises.html" TARGET=_blank>ISOMETRIC RELAXATION EXERCISES</A>
I would encourage you to do these exercises along with telling yourself the truth. Use this time as a time to practice!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 11:14 am

I told my dentist that I suffered with panic attacks and extreme anxiety and I was worried about being "stuck" in the chair. He was very understanding and actually told me all the steps he was taking (a crown prep) and how long each would take. He even asked if I wanted to take a break. I was in the chair about 1.5 hour and did not panic. I did not even need to take a break. I was glad I told him and glad that he walked me through each step.

Good Luck
Lisa

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 11:30 am

I have terrible dental anxiety, a lot of it is having to go to the bathroom over and over, and the embarrassment of it. Here are some things I've done that helped a lot. I was still a bit anxious and still had to take a trip to the bathroom but not nearly as bad.

1) No drinking or eating at least 2 hours before appointment. If thirsty just sip or swish with water.

2) Took the homeopathic remedy Gelsemium (available at all health food stores)

3) Did vigorous exercise within an hour of going to displace as much nervous energy as possible (I used my rebounder)

4) Prayed a lot before the appointment.

I think getting a cap/crown is worse than a root canal because it takes so long for them to prepare the tooth for it. I remember being in the chair for 2 hours once and did have a short panic attack out of nowhere. The root canal was just a bunch of drilling which didn't seem to take nearly as long. I believe an extraction shouldn't take long at all.

Also wanted to mention, I use the adrenaline free numbing agent. The kind with the adrenaline makes my heart race, all dental offices should have the one without adrenaline for those with allergies and sensitivities. Also known as epinephrine.

You will do great - keep taking deep breaths and try to distract your mind as much as possible. I know it's easier said than done, but just try and remember that in a few minutes from now you'll be back in your car on your way home. It's only "a few more minutes".

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 11:42 am

My daughter goes to a dentist that deals with anxious patients by giving a script for Valium and also using some sort of relaxant "gas" during the procedure. Personally I would only use that as a last resort, but my daughter thinks it's great. When she had her wisdom teeth extracted, a simple procedure not requiring an oral surgeon, they overdid it and she began throwing up in the chair. Then her husband had to physically carry her out the back door so as not to scare the other clients.

~Michelle~ · Post by **~Michelle~** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 12:20 pm

Yes, I can't use the nitrous or anything else that alters my brain, I tried it once and they gave me too much and it was a bad reaction. I actually had wisdom teeth pulled with the local anesthetic only.

Between that and me not wanting to use mercury, x-rays and flouride most conventional dentists don't care for me as a patient. I'm now looking for a dentist who happily uses safer materials.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jan 14, 2009 5:11 am

Well I went, I felt a bit nervous in the waiting room, but once I got in the chair I was fine, I ended uo getting 3 filling

the only thing that hurts is my bank balance, £200 for 3 fillings

Whats that in $ about $400

Be-Positive · Post by **Be-Positive** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 10:05 am

I too as well had a dentist appointment yesterday and I had to go for my second visit for a root canal. The first visit went so smoothly...I was so empowered from the night before going to a big music concert and making it through that i really didnt have much on my mind. BUT...I started having all these obsessive worrying thoughts yesterday about a limitation that I was going to work on AFTER the dentist (that didnt turn out to be bad at all BTW) that i had an anxiety attack in the chair BUT I lived through it..once again..and thats what you have to remind yourself...to underreact..know that it will pass and dont feed the panic with fear. Best wishes tommorrow..you will be fine. I know it sounds hard but try not and make a big deal out of it..

Jeremy · Post by **Jeremy** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 10:44 am

Good for you dj & Marie! You both did well.