Dental Anxiety

[CookieMonsterMommy]

I know, this sounds silly. But I have at least 3 big cavities (I can feel them with my tongue and see them in the mirror). Really it's to the point where I'll probably need a root canal. But I can't get myself to go.



I'm very anxious about going to the dentist....I mean, I lost sleep for about 5 days (2 years ago) before going for my cleaning...I was so anxious there that I was squeezing the hygenist's chair so much it shook.

And for some reason, lidocaine and novacaine (and the other caines) don't work as well on me. I literally need like 4 or 5 shots to feel numb. Some dentists don't listen to me when I tell them that, so I get the "Well, we'll try the regular does and see if that works"...then it doesn't, so I ask for more, and get a little more, which doesn't work.

But right now I'm in so much pain...I may as well be drinking the anbesol. Last time I had such a bad toothache, I opted (against the dentist's advice) to have the otherwise healthy tooth (last molar) removed, so that I could get the IV sedation and not have to go through the procedure. my insurence doesn't cover IV sedation for a RC.

What do I do? My mother has a Xanax i could take before I go, but....

I don't know....any advice?

Kelly

[Doodlebugsmom]

If you have insurance, or could afford private pay, could you see an oral surgeon? That way you could get general anesthesia. Or, I know my dentists offer nitrous oxide for nervous patients. They even provide it for cleanings if the patient is too nervous. Also, the Xanax couldn't hurt! Just make sure to mention it to the dentist if you take it.

[kamilla626]

Talk to your regular doctor about getting something like Xanax, Ativan or Klonopin, just as a one time thing.

A guy I used to work had a major fear of the dentist, but his doctor would prescribe a couple of Ativan for him whenever he needed to go. It certainly didn't make it fun, but it was more tolerable.