AIBU to be so scared of having a filling replaced ?

[Sandrayeo]

Hi,

I have a white filling on a bottom molar that needs fixing. The dentist will remove the current one and replace it with an inlay. My appointment is tomorrow.
Problem is I'm so scared of the dentist that I'm having a upset stomach (to be polite).

Never had 1 dental problem for the first 30 years of my life. Then I had 1 broken tooth and needed a root canal. The dentist did a palatal injection . Worst pain ever, and I gave birth !

Since then, I've been dodging the dentist as much as possible but pregnancy left me with small cavities. I went to a dentist that uses Nitrous oxide (sedative gas) but she did a poor job with the filling. Cavity resumed underneath and now needs to be replaced.

I'm going to a new dentist this time (recommended by friends) but he doesn't use laughing gas. I'm so scared...
Will it hurt ?

It shouldn’t hurt - well the initial injection might, though they may not need to do the type you mention - I’ve never found injections that bad. Once you’re numb it should be pain free.

I totally get it though. After one bad experience I’m terrified of the dentist, even though every other time it’s been pain free.

I always tell the dentist I’m very nervous. Some dentists are very good with anxious patients and really help put your mind at rest.

Good luck xx

I've just had to go in yesterday for a filling that had come loose! Temporary filling and proper one in a few weeks, my stomach also let me know in no uncertain terms that just living in the bathroom was a possible answer

My advice for these things is - remember, 24 hours after the appointment it will all seem unreal, the pain will be quick flashes and won't last, you can make it through to the other side. Focus on the thought of being you the next morning, when you're happy it's all sorted. Every twinge is one you got past.

Take a jumper in with you, a good woolly one, and grip it - it gives you something to squeeze the life out of if you need to that won't hurt your hands.

Tell the dentist how nervous you are - they will stop if you need a minute, but I think trying to stick with it as much as possible is the way to go so it's over quickly.

Eat beforehand! You wont be able to for a good few hours afterwards so don't go in hungry.

If the dentist was recommended to you, you will be fine! My dentist is brilliant! I needed 8 fillings after DD and never had 1 so was petrified! Didn't feel a thing and the injection wasn't even that bad either!