Calling dentists - advice please!

[Janstar]

dd1 (14) always passes out if she has to have a needle for any reason. She is so scared of them that she begins to cry if we even talk about it.

Now the dentist has told her she needs a filling. She made a scene in his surgery, crying and running out of the room, slamming the door. He decided to refer her to a clinic where she could possibly have the filling done under general anaesthetic.

I went back to the dentist yesterday when other family members had their checkups and the dentist was saying to me that it seemed a bit over the top to have a general just for a filling. I agree. I tried to talk to dd just now about it but she started crying again. When I mentioned the risk factor of GA she said she didn't care, she couldn't face the needle and she wouldn't go without anaesthetic.

While I know she is a child and I am responsible for making the sensible decision for her, it must be remembered that she is the same size as me and cannot be physically forced into anything, IYKWIM!

I was wondering if there is anyone out there who knows more than I do about the risks of anaesthetics in this application and what you think I should do. I know there are some dentist mumsnetters and would appreciate your advice, before I send off the referral form.

[Lisa78]

Am not a dentist but what about a one off sedative - valium or the like? The dentist can prescribe this and I have had similar in the past
I know it seems over the top but if she is scared, she's scared!
Can't believe some MNers are dentists....

[Janstar]

bump

[Tinker]

Could you try hypnotherapy, learn relaxation techniques?

[noddy5]

she would have to have a needle for the anaesthetic anyway so maybe a mild sedative would help Some dentists are ready for v nervous patients mine is as I am absolutely terrifiedI have found taking codeine type painkillers before I go helps

[kid]

She sounds just like me, I pass out at the sight of needles let alone having to have one! I once had a filling done without having a needle and I didn't go back to the dentist for 6 years! There are some dentists that use laughing gas to relax their nervous patients. I have been prescribed valium in the past for a blood test but in all honesty it didn't help at all (it just made my feet feel heavy). I think the best option for you daughter would be hypnotherapy. That way she will overcome her fear (hopefully).

[jessicarabbit]

Have you considered bribery and corruption? (your daughter not the dentist obviously ) Or are they too old for such wicked parental manipulation at 14?

Miy eldest is nearly 10 and a little bribery still goes a long way.

My youngest 6 has a lack of enamel due to my pregnancy problems and in spite of very restricted diet ever since babyhood has had dental checks every 6 months and Xrays every 2 years but she has teeth like butter and recently had 5 out under GA. They wouldn't do it under a local...I would have done anything to avoid the GA. She was fine but ANY avoidable GA is one too many IMO.

Particularly scary moment is signing the form stating that you understand the risk of brain damage and death!

If you absolutely have to go down the GA route absolutely insist it is done in hospital not the dentist surgery. Then you have proper anaesthetists (2 in my DD's case) and all the back up necessary right on hand if there is a crisis.

[SarajaneA]

Your poor dd1! I had the same phobia from 12 years of age where I have fainted from fear at the dentist's surgery and that's after the injection. The dentist then prescribed a sedative but my mother would give it to me 5 mins prior to the appointment for a filling and it needed probably 1-2hrs to work so it was hopeless as I would be a wreck at the surgery (lightheaded, stomach churning and weak at the knees) and then I would go into a deep sleep when I got back home once the sedative kicked in. Having said that I would recommend a sedative. Does your dentist give painless injections, ie numbing the gum before inserting the needle? If not I can recommend 2 who are superb, one in London N10 and the other in London W1. Don't know where you live but I have had fillings with both over the years and the injection is PAINLESS!! Whoopee!!!!! And I am so proud of myself!!

[kid]

SarajaneA - If she is the same as me, its not the pain of the injection but just the thought of it. I refused to have blood tests during my pregnancies because of my fear of the needle. I know they don't hurt but the thought makes me all light headed. I have to lay down and have someone with me if I have to have any needles. It is a terrible but common phobia to have. I hope my kids haven't picked up on my phobia as I'd hate for them to have it.

[Janstar]

Thank you for all your replies - yes it is the thought of the injection that worries her.

I still don't know what to do. How long would hypnotherapy take to work? I have to deal with this before the tooth decay worsens.

Anyone else got anything to add?