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Anyone With Dental Phobia?

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 2/8/2016 10:52 PM (GMT -5)
Hello,

I had a few traumatic dental experiences and became phobic of going to the dentist. The problem is I need to finish a route canal that needs to be capped, but cannot get myself to go due to fear of the injection, the heart racing, and feeling trapped and out of control while in the chair. I worry that I might pass out, as I have gotten lightheaded during the procedures before and it terrifies me! Any suggestions/advice for anyone who has dealt with this?
Posted 2/8/2016 11:10 PM (GMT -5)
JM,

You may need to ask your doctor for a one time prescription of a benzo to help you relax enough to go to the appointment.

You'll need to have someone drive you anyway, right?

So asking for a small scrip of say, 3 or so pills is reasonable.

If your doctor is unwilling to prescribe this for you...

...you can ask about the options the dentist/endodontist can offer to help you relax you.

Best wishes...I feel ya on this one!

S.C.
Posted 2/8/2016 11:26 PM (GMT -5)
Thanks, SC!
Posted 2/8/2016 11:29 PM (GMT -5)
I actually took klonopin for my previous two appointments, but was hesitant to take more than .50. However, .50 did not take the edge off enough! Oh the joys of anxiety! Fear of fear and then more fear of side effects causing more anxiety and uncertainty! Lol!
Posted 2/9/2016 12:13 AM (GMT -5)
Right?!? I totally get that!!

Call your doctor AND dentist ahead of time and ask what the maximum safe dose for the procedure would be.:)

Cheering you on!

S.C.
Posted 2/9/2016 12:27 AM (GMT -5)
Thanks a million!
Posted 2/9/2016 5:00 AM (GMT -5)
Hi

Yes I hate going to the dentist.

I am quite lucky as my dentist is very understanding of my anxiety and is good at putting me at ease.

Hibee
Posted 2/9/2016 7:43 AM (GMT -5)
I agree, you can ask help from your dentist also, I am sure they are going to understand your anxiety and help! Good luck with your appointment, I hope all goes well.

For me, I'd rather sit on dentist chair for hours and get any procedure without sedation, than having medical tests and scans in a hospital -.-'
Posted 2/9/2016 8:57 AM (GMT -5)
I completely understand. I had to get my first fillings 3 weeks ago. I was anxious going into it, but thought I would be ok. He numbed the area, and as he started drilling I had a panic attack, started bawling, and tried to rip his hands out of my mouth.

I ended up having to pace back and forth in the office for 20 minutes so I could calm down enough to finish. They did suggest that next time I ask for a benzo script.
Posted 2/9/2016 10:09 AM (GMT -5)
Thanks for everyone's replies and suggestions.

Countingstars, this is pretty much what happens to me too! Ughh, so sorry you are experiencing this. I have klonopin, but am hesitant to take too much and a small does isn't effective enough.

My dentist is nice and patient, thankfully. However, I am still terrified :/
Posted 2/9/2016 5:49 PM (GMT -5)
I have always had a fear of dentists. I put off going to the dentist until I can't stand it anymore. I get very panicked and feel horrible but I force myself to concur the fear small steps at a time. I have been offered meds to calm me but I refuse as I want to face this head on. I hope that you find some relief in this.
Posted 2/10/2016 12:15 AM (GMT -5)
Dawngrump,

Thank you so much for sharing this with me, as this is the boat I am finding myself in. When you say that you face the fear using small steps, what does this approach look like for you? I have to go back to the dentist asap for a crown fitting and want to apply this logic too, if possible.

Thanks :)
Posted 2/10/2016 11:00 AM (GMT -5)
If your dentist understands your needs, I'd like to think the dentistry would allow you to listen to music during the procedure. Every single time (even for a cleaning) my dentist lets me wear my headphones and CD player. I listen to soothing music that helps distract me.
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