Dentist questions...?

Question

I'm 19 years old. I know that I should be past fears of dentists and doctors by now, but I'm not. I was taken to the dentist when I started kindergarten (forever ago) and then again in the 6th grade. Now I'm married and my husband found out how long it had been a month ago how long it had been since I had gone and he made me go. When I got to my appointment, I told them I suffer from anxiety attacks and that I was scared and they treated me really badly like I was pathetic for being so scared, not to mention they REFUSED to let my husband go with me even as afraid as I was. Then I found out that I need 5 crowns and several fillings...even scarier for me!!! I'm TERRIFIED and I cant understand why. I'm definitely going to a different office b/c of the way I was treated, but I'm uneasy about the nitrous oxide, the Novocaine, Valium and all the other stuff....EVERYTHING! I know this sounds silly coming from a grown woman, but I really am afraid of this and I do not understand why. Do any of you have any advice. I'm definitely getting all my work done soon so it can just be over with, but I'm so anxious that I CAN NOT sleep and it is the only think I think about. I have a BAD case of what they call "white coat syndrome", but how do I overcome it...other than with time. Any advice for getting through these next few dentists visits? Anything to help!!! Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

I have the same thing...plus a weird immunity to pain killers....so when I had to have my wisdom teeth out...well....let's just say I made it an interesting day for the doctors. Just take some valium, have a nap, and know that it will all be over soon. There's nothing else you can do!

Try to think about the feeling of relief you'll have after everything is over.

Answer 2

No, it doesn't sound silly, I know exactly how you feel. I don't like men doctors most of the time, and I don 't like the dentist either. What you need to do is just go thru the yellow pages, start calling up dental offices and tell them your situation. Tell them if you are going to get fillings and you want need your husband in there for support, do tell them you suffer from anxiety. It will be ok, they are not all bad! {hugs} Get better soon, you can do it!

Answer 3

I used to have anxiety attacks at the dentist (it's hard to fight the urge to just get out of the chair and leave - although I never have)  The longest I ever went without seeing the dentist was four years but I go every six months now.  Here's the stuff that's helped me.

Find a sympathetic dentist, if they treat you like c**p don't go!  Just the simple fact that you can express your fear to the dentist will be a big load off your mind.  A good dentist will also explain things, and inform you along the way, a large part of anxiety is not knowing what's going to happen.  I've found the drug called Klonopin to be a big help in really calming me down and I asked my primary care doctor for a small amount to help get me through anxious times.  It's best to try the drugs out at home under controlled circumstances so you know exactly how it will feel.  I take a very small dose just 0.25mg.  I also take an ipod and play some of my favorite music during the visit.  You'll find that you hold a lot of tension in your legs, arms, etc... remember to check them every once in a while and just let them relax - you'll be surprised how much this really makes a difference.  I distract myself big time.  I take a hobby or movie that I like and play it in my mind. If it's a hobby like computers or photography, I'll retrace the steps of a complicated procedure and that totally takes me out of my anxious loop.  Once you make it trough the first time, you'll get better with each visit.

Again - dump the mean guys, and interview a new Dentist.  Don't even have any work done the first time just go there and talk and get familiar with the office and let them know of your needs.  They deal with anxious patients all the time and they welcome the chance to make you feel more comfortable. You're going to do really well, give yourself some credit for facing your anxieties - bravo!