TERRIFIED of the dentist

1994girl · 2022-10-01T10:37:24+00:00

Hi there. So I've now been to the dentist for about 12 years. Last time was around 2009 when I was about 14. Long story short the dentist numbed the wrong tooth area and I felt all the tooth extraction. Also had braces off and was never given a retainer. He did a runner about 10 years ago after numerous complaints and the dentist has been closed for a number of years. I have just had a baby so I'm entitled to free dentistry until next year. However I am absolutely shit scared of the dentist and know I need a few teeth possibly taking out. Can I request general anaesthetic? And i've never had sedation but does this help with tooth extraction??!

Icecreamandapplepie · 01/10/2022 11:40

You can have an intravenous sedation.

Don't know anything about it.

Try and go while it's free. I've been where you are.

londontonyc · 01/10/2022 11:47

Hi! That sounds like an awful experience, I'm not surprised it out you off going! I had my wisdom tooth extracted on Thursday. The dentist could have done it but I wanted sedation so she referred me to an NHS clinic close by. They gave me 60% of a general anaesthetic and I can honestly say I remember nothing about the procedure. They have a quick chat, put the small cannula in the back of my hand, lay me back in the chair, and the next thing I knew I was sitting up in a chair being wheeled to recovery. They said I might be aware of pushing or pulling but honestly, I just lost 10 minutes of my life. Absolutely no memory of it. Have had no pain whatsoever since. These people do extractions all day, every day so are super efficient and a much better option than your regular dental practice. Cost was £65.20 on NHS. I can totally understand why you're nervous but I hope this helps to settle your fears. Don't hesitate!

Original poster

1994girl · 01/10/2022 13:03

londontonyc · 01/10/2022 11:47

Hi! That sounds like an awful experience, I'm not surprised it out you off going! I had my wisdom tooth extracted on Thursday. The dentist could have done it but I wanted sedation so she referred me to an NHS clinic close by. They gave me 60% of a general anaesthetic and I can honestly say I remember nothing about the procedure. They have a quick chat, put the small cannula in the back of my hand, lay me back in the chair, and the next thing I knew I was sitting up in a chair being wheeled to recovery. They said I might be aware of pushing or pulling but honestly, I just lost 10 minutes of my life. Absolutely no memory of it. Have had no pain whatsoever since. These people do extractions all day, every day so are super efficient and a much better option than your regular dental practice. Cost was £65.20 on NHS. I can totally understand why you're nervous but I hope this helps to settle your fears. Don't hesitate!

Thank you so much.x

OP posts:

milawops · 01/10/2022 13:21

I was petrified of the dentist. To the point that I was 30 years old and had to take my mum in with me otherwise I couldn't make myself walk through the door. My dentist did all my check ups but if I needed treatment I had to be referred to a specialist clinic for sedation as it wasn't available at my normal dentist. All I remember of having my tooth removed is that I kept telling my mum I'd been to the zoo and ridden on a lion so they obviously gave me the good stuff

ImJustNotMeAnymore · 01/10/2022 13:29

I was where you are. Utterly petrified to the point of being sick just at the thought of going. I took my children ever since they were babies so they won't have the same fear. Now I go because the ten minutes in the chair is less frightening than living with tooth pain.
please go, even if you have just a quick sit in the chair. Talk to your dentist or receptionist. They can help if they know.

DoingJustFine · 01/10/2022 13:34

Sedation is amazing!

But what also cured my phobia was listening to music - LOUD music - on headphones during the appointment. Honestly it's a total game-changer.

I went from full-on phobia/needing sedation every time, to enduring deep fillings and intensive gum treatments wide awake. Music is your friend.

Plus I listened to loads of "cure dental phobia" hypnosis stuff on YouTube.

It's not my favourite place to be by any means, but I'm not crying or avoiding it anymore.

Be warned though: sedation isn't usually available during an NHS appointment. You'll probably have to make a private appointment for that (with the same dentist), and then everything you have done will be charged at private rates, not just the sedation. Or they can refer you to a hospital and it'll be free, but you'll have to wait.