Root Canal and Nervous

[erinh]

Hi All! I am scheduled for a root canal on Dec 28th and I am so nervous about it. I am not really nervous about the pain, just the fact that I am stuck in a chair for an hour or more. I have panic attacks when I am stuck somewhere and can't leave when I want too. Has someone had a root canal and experience panic attacks? I just need something to take my mind off of it and be able to sit in the chair and not experience a panice attack. Any suggestions would help Thank you!

[Guest]

I've had this issue before, and I know what you mean - it's all about being stuck and trapped in that chair.

What you can do, is tell them you get anxiety when you are trapped for too long and might need to get up in the middle. Since they won't be in your mouth the entire time, you can take this opportunity when the doctor steps out momentarily, or after the novacaine injection. The important thing is to let them know that you might need to take a 'short break'. It will put your mind at ease.

[Guest]

hey sweetie! i know you're scared. i let my dentist's office know i have panic attacks. they never missed a beat. probably because most people don't like having 105 instruments and people IN their mouth! remember - you, me, all of us (or most) don't really like going to the dentist. kind of makes me feel sorry for the dentist!

last month after 3 days of a radiating toothache, i begged my dentist for a root canal. i was that crazed from hurting! he filed a bit of the lower tooth off, said i would be ok in a few days and just wandered out of the room. bottom line to that story - or point? when you're in enough pain, you'll gut anything out - even a root canal! really.

remember to breathe, breathe, and breathe some more. you'll be fine. you won't panic. and when it's over, you'll be SO incredibly proud of yourself. a dime to a dollor you even ask yourself what you were so worried about anyway!