Dental work - I need a crown and Im crapping it, advice and/or hand holding please

[dillinger]

Ok I had a root canal about 3 years ago, was scary but all went well, Ive since had a new dentist and he says that he recommends I have a crown fitted to protect it. All makes sense etc Im just so worried about the work!

I think I'll need another root canal too, and I know Ive already had one, and this will sound stupid but I think I was so much more at ease with my old dentist, for one thing his practice (practise?) was light and airy, classical music etc He was a private dentist that had a few nhs patients but unfortunately he changed to being completely private and thats why I had to find another dentist.

The dentist I have now is very nice and knows Im nervous, but his room is tiny and dark, his dental nurse isnt very smiley and little things like that make the problem worse I think. Im trying to ignore all those things that I cant change, and I know you get what you pay for - I cant afford private so here I am.

Anyway sorry for all of the bolleaux, tell me its ok having a crown fitted!

Well as a lifelong member of the "scared wuss at the dentist" club, I feel your anguish

My current dentist is fab - light airy room, nice music playing, smiley staff etc.

Previous dentist was, like yours now, small, dark, silent and with somewhat "stern" staff.

However, I have had a crown fitted in both places, and they were both fine - no difference in terms of physical discomfort.

I think if you've already had a root canal (gulp) then a crown will be fine. The worst 'pain' I had was having to keep my mouth wide open for so long - had a clicky jaw for a little while afterwards.

Also, I think the anticipation is the worst - I'm a sweaty nervous wreck beforehand, but once I'm in the chair, and there's nothing I can do, I find I relax.

You will be fine

If you have survived the root canal the crown fitting is easy. Honestly! I say that as a dental phobe.

Try some Bach's Rescue Rememdy. Works for me. You don't feel it working but then it dawns on you that you aren't nervous any more, or at least not a panicky nervous wreck like I am!!

If it really really bothers you could you afford £70 or so for sedation?

Why don't you take your ipod (or borrow one) and listen to music throughout?

Thankyou for your replies.

I will defo have my rescue remedy with me! I dont have a spare £70 to even consider sedation, maybe Im actually not as nervous as Im telling myself? I find Ive spent so long worrying about every little thing ever that sometimes I feel I should be nervous, even though I might not be, if that makes sense?!

Unfortunately I dont have an ipod (am I the only one?!) or know of one that I could borrow. Maybe I'll see if hes got a radio in there I could listen to.