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Does anyone else find dental work utterly traumatising?

2 replies

Normansglasseye · 17/06/2025 14:40

That's probably an exaggeration but I do truly despise having any dental work done.

I've just come back from a deep filing on my left upper last molar (which was so hard to reach and has triggered my tmjd pain) and a lower molar filing on the same side. I'm embarrassed to say that I now feel weak and shaky and utterly drained.

Ridiculous to feel.this way when I'm 52 have given birth twice with no pain relief, had two colonoscopies, a gastroscope, 5 hysteroscopies and a uterine ablation, all with only local anaesthetic yet I'd still rather go through any of those again than dental work.

I even had a secret panic attack mid way through and my hands went numb. None of this was helped by the fact it's a new dental surgery for me and the dentist, although very professional, was curt and not friendly at all. They applied the most vile tasting liquid when they used the suction thingy, it was the most sour chemical taste and was dripping down my throat, I gagged several times on it (never tasted anything so vile at other dental practices).

I'm now waiting for the left side of my face to come back to life which is another feeling I despise.

I really wish I'd not eaten a lifetimes worth of sweets when I was a child, I hardly touch them now but the damage is done I suppose.

Anyone else despise having to endure dental work?

OP posts:
KeepTalkingBeth · 17/06/2025 14:48

It's not just you. I refuse to call fear of the dentist a phobia because it's not irrational. It's perfectly reasonable to fear and deeply dislike having someone a step from a stranger perform painful, unpleasant procedures inside your mouth, while you are expected to remain still, and paying a fortune for the whole ordeal.

My dentist is lovely and I have only one filling. Still I can only get through procedures by using breathing and meditation techniques. Like you OP I am worn out after the whole adrenaline spike.

Normansglasseye · 17/06/2025 15:01

KeepTalkingBeth · 17/06/2025 14:48

It's not just you. I refuse to call fear of the dentist a phobia because it's not irrational. It's perfectly reasonable to fear and deeply dislike having someone a step from a stranger perform painful, unpleasant procedures inside your mouth, while you are expected to remain still, and paying a fortune for the whole ordeal.

My dentist is lovely and I have only one filling. Still I can only get through procedures by using breathing and meditation techniques. Like you OP I am worn out after the whole adrenaline spike.

It's awful isn't it?

I'm annoyed with myself tbh. I moved away from my previous dentist practice as they were struggling to keep their NHS dentists, the wait is so long. My DC are still.woth them and I've just booked DD in as she's overdue but the next appointment isn't until Jan '26.
I needed treatment quick as I was in pain and managed to get in to this one but it hasn't been a great first experience with them. I was practicing my meditation whilst in full panic mode but it wasn't helping today sadly.

I'm hoping the previous dentist will take me back.

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