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Original poster

Any dentists out there? Terrified!

18 replies

Cowardlycustard2 · 18/07/2017 09:04

Hi I need a hand hold, I have a dental procedure later this week and have got myself into a complete state about it. I have got a dental cyst near the root of an upper molar. It isn't painful but dentist says it needs to go as can damage bone if left. I am having root canal treatment on tooth and cyst removed. I have already tried to go through with it once and got in such a state the procedure had to be abandoned. I've now been prescribed Diazepam to take before I go. Does anyone have any experience of something like this? Thanks for reading x

OP posts:
Judydreamsofhorses · 18/07/2017 19:12

I am NOT a dentist, but recently had root canal (although no cyst). It takes a while, but you will be properly numb and won't feel it. (If you do, the dentist can easily top up the anaesthetic.) The part I found most difficult was that the dentist used a latex dental dam to prevent any bacteria getting into the open tooth, which felt a bit claustrophobic. In my case I was just getting over a rotten cold and pretty choked up, so I don't think that helped. I am a really nervous patient so I asked the dentist to talk me through it at every step, and she also gave me time checks - "we"re 1/3 of the way through", "another ten minutes and we'll be done" - which was really useful. My dentist told me to raise my hand if I needed a break as it was quite a long procedure. My jaw was pretty tired afterwards from keeping my mouth open for so long, but I think that is totally normal. In my surgery they have music on, but maybe taking an iPod with music or a podcast might help you relax? Good luck!

Original poster
Cowardlycustard2 · 19/07/2017 07:39

Thanks Judydreams that's good advice I will ask them to do same, it def better if they talk and explain what they are doing don't know why you would have thought it would be better not to know Grin . The procedure isn't until tomorrow and I have already woken up feeling sick with nerves goodness knows how going to get through next 24 hours xx

OP posts:
TupperwareTat · 19/07/2017 07:52

Go & get some rescue remedy to put on your tongue all day from Tesco or the Stress relief tablets.

You will be fine, I was terrified & didnt go for 10 years.

Ive not long finished orthodontic work, extractions, a new bridge & fillings. 2 years of treatment, due to a wonderful gentle (male & female) dentist & orthodontist.

Flowers
Original poster
Cowardlycustard2 · 19/07/2017 11:10

Thanks Tupperware it's great you have been able to overcome your fear I really hope I can do the same. What really scares me is the drill and they said there is a lot of old filling in the tooth and they will have to drill it out first Shock. Not tried the Rescue Remedy before but can get some today. Does it really work? Thanks x

OP posts:
TupperwareTat · 19/07/2017 17:48

I think it works, try not to worry.

Put your hand up when you want them to stop at anytime, its all worth it, I promise! Flowers

Judydreamsofhorses · 20/07/2017 20:11

How did you get on? I am having mine extracted tomorrow morning and am in a right tizz.

Original poster
Cowardlycustard2 · 20/07/2017 20:32

I have had it done this afternoon, ispent 2 hours in chair I have survived! It was absolutely fine so pleased! I was dreading so much, sprayed Rescue Remedy until mouth was numb and took some headphones with me and listened to music whilst they were doing it which really helped. Could hardly hear drill. Def great distraction from what's going on with loud techno music blaring into ear drums hopefully have not sustained any permanent hearing loss as a result Grin Dentist was lovely. It's all such a relief to get over with. Thanks for your support xx

OP posts:
Original poster
Cowardlycustard2 · 20/07/2017 20:34

Ps, good luck for tomorrow. At least it's in the morning and hopefully will be over very quickly x

OP posts:
Judydreamsofhorses · 20/07/2017 20:46

Really pleased it went well! I am phobic about needles so that is the worst bit for me. Usually the nurse holds my hand but she is on holiday this week and I am too embarrassed to ask a stranger!

TupperwareTat · 20/07/2017 21:24

Well done! Huge huge achievment Wine

Original poster
Cowardlycustard2 · 21/07/2017 09:21

Hi Judy can you ask another member of the staff to hold your hand? I am sure it is something they do all the time don't be embarrassed Flowers hope it all goes well will be sending you positive affirmations!

OP posts:
Maeb · 25/07/2017 15:43

Hi Cowardlycustard2 , how are you now? I'm so sorry I didn't check in last week as I would have virtua-hand-held you!

Listening to music really helps - when I had my bridge removed and replaced a few months ago it was awful...I was in the chair for 2 hours...they used a chisel and hammer at one point! The music helped drown out the drilling of my skull...Shock

What's the next stage in your treatment?

I took what you said re bone block surgery (ie waiting a few years as the procedure may improve) and am now looking at bridges and how natural they can get them.

Hope you're recovering well! Flowers Bear

Original poster
Cowardlycustard2 · 25/07/2017 22:42

I had the second part of the root canal treatment done today and I have survived Grin. I have to say it wasn't an experience I would care to repeat in a hurry, 3 hours in the chair! The dentist said it was one of the worst he had ever done, apparently my teeth don't have normal nice straight canals and roots but odd shaped twisty ones, why am I not surprised! However I have survived the experience without too much trauma and can't believe I actually got through it without any drugs/sedation though did have to cling to lovely dental nurses hand for a bit. As far as the bone graft/implant goes I am going to leave mine for a bit as dentist advised that the grafting materials are improving all the time so give it a couple of years and also time to save up for it as well. Luckily it's a back tooth so can't see it but eating a bit uncomfortable with that particular tooth missing. My aim is that despite having genetically challenged teeth and growing up in the dark ages of dentistry (1970s) one day I will have a smile to be proud of Smile. If I can get through it than anyone can xx

OP posts:
TupperwareTat · 26/07/2017 06:47

Well done agaiin OP! Im very impressed. Wine

Maeb · 26/07/2017 15:46

It's just horrible having lots of hands and instruments rummaging around inside your mouth isnt it! I hope you're recovering well. Lots of rest and soft foods for you!

Judydreamsofhorses · 26/07/2017 18:54

Well done, cowardly! I got my tooth out on Friday - it was pretty grim (it came out in bits with so much digging about) and my mouth is still pretty sore. The dental nurse held my hand the whole way through, and I started crying when it was finished. (So embarrassing.) I'm back in this Friday to check it's okay, and suspect I will need further work on another tooth. Urgh.

Original poster
Cowardlycustard2 · 26/07/2017 20:29

Thank you everyone, Judy that sounds like an awful experience for you I hope you are OK today? Well done for getting through it. My mouth really sore today as well living on Pot Noodle! xx

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Judydreamsofhorses · 27/07/2017 21:44

I am back tomorrow. I feel like the extraction has healed okay, but have other teeth that hurt and am scared I am going to need more out. I think the nerve on my lower jaw (where the extraction was) is irritated as if I touch the bottom of my chin I get a fizzy feeling in my bottom lip. This is a nightmare - until April I'd had nothing bar checkups every six months for years, now it's like my teeth are falling apart.

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