Fear Of Dentist

[Ann]

Can anyone please advise me (maybe Sqad?) of any calming measures I can take before having extensive dentist treatment tomorrow (2 root canal fillings and a possible extraction) I have a real phobia since nearly choking to death on a piece of beef 8 years ago. I used to be ok at the dentist as it's not the pain I dread, it is just that I have to keep swallowing (I think in my mind if I can swallow often I won't choke) I sit in the chair completely tensed, trying not to think of gagging and my nice (foreign) dentist is very understanding about it, but nothing helps. I hardly slept last night worrying which I know is extremely silly as some people go through far worse procedures and operations with such bravery! My neck also hurts in the dentist chair as I can't keep it in one position for long as it seizes up due to arthritis!

Would taking paracetemol help to calm me? or any natural remedy? Thanks.

[Sqad]

Your Dr might well prescribe Zopiclone or Valium which may well work, that is if you can make an appt before tomorrow.

Paracetamol would be of little help i am afraid, although it would be better than nothing....you could even try Ibuprofen.

Perhaps, if someone is going with you, a drop of....Scotch?

[Cloverjo]

I have a friend with a similar problem. She has to be sedated for even a check-up. I think the dentist prescribes it or administers it.
Ask your dentist. If he can't help, ask your GP for Valium.

[Ann]

Thanks both.

Sqad, sorry I don't like Scotch ... that would make me gag even more!! ;)

[gness]

Don't know if you can do this, Ann.....but my dentist in Canada had headphones and a choice of music for his patients to listen to...he reckoned it relaxed them.........

Bach Rescue Remedy is supposed to help in these situations....x

[atalanta]

I realise you hardly have time to make arrangements, but hypnosis can really help some people.

[gness]

^Nothing that sets you dancing or jigging though.....☺

[Ann]

Guess I will have to just grin and bear it .... and think of holidays in the sun!

[Bathsheba]

I've got a check-up this aft. I look forward to going, they're in new premises which I swear I paid for ;)
Good luck.

Baths
x x x

[Prudie]

I'd go with cloverjo, the dentist will have Valium. I'd ask, they are very understanding. You could also get some Bach's rescue remedy from Boots or a good chemist - I think it's useless but psychologically if you take it you might think it's calmed you.

I also hate the dentist but you are going to feel elated once you walk out the door afterwards!

[stuey]

Valium has been mentioned. Also, some dentists have the option of nitrous oxide in order to relax you.

[woofgang]

stuey i think in the Uk that nitrous oxide has been stopped because it requires an anaesthetist as well as the dentist.

[weecalf]

Best idea when you sit down grab the dentist by back of the thigh or some where and just say .neither of us is gonna hurt one another are we.

[J9PUR]

If you are going to take any form of sedative, you need to speak to your dentist ASAP. Your dentist can prescribe Diazepam (or preferably Temazepam) but they work best when taken the night before treatment, or at least on the morning of treatment. There is not much benefit in simply turning up for the appointment and making a request for anything then.

Nitrous oxide (inhalational sedation) again cannot usually be given 'on demand' and not all dentists will offer this form of sedation anyway.

[jennyjoan]

Anne - know the feeling - but you should have discussed your fears re sedation before this - my dentist is an anasthestist so that helps.

Sorry for digressing Anne

J9Pur - do you personally think bridges of teeth are good. The two teeth that they would be abridged to are strong (eye teeth)

[MargoTester]

Ann I too have a fear of not being able to swallow and I asked my dentist not to recline the chair so much. She now leaves the chair in a more upright position and I find that it helps a lot. I always used to think I was going to drown in all that water they run into you mouth but she gives me lots of breaks and I am much happier about going now.

[J9PUR]

JJ - bridges can be very successful in an appropriate clinical situation, and with good maintenance by the patient.

However, I speculate that you are asking if I think you should have a bridge constructed to replace your partial denture? If so, this is not something that I, or anyone her on Answerbank can answer. Sorry!

[jennyjoan]

Thanks for that - can I ask another question. Since I went to a private dentist can I now NOT go back to him and go to another dentist if I contemplate the bridges ie will another dentist take me.

[woofgang]

sure, you can go where you like. JJ

[J9PUR]

I completely agree with woofgang. You can seek opinions from as many different dentists as you, but there reaches a point when you have to accept the advice of one of them.

[crisper]

Hi Ann..I HAD a very irrational fear of Dentists.. but was recommended to one.. he is private.. but he talks to me to make sure i'm calm.. never.. ever keeps me waiting... or the hygenist..they are very gentle and understanding..and patient.. I even cried once..at the very beginning..lol.. and they were so kind and understanding.. I pay more than at an nhs dentist, but if you get the treatment I get.. its worth every penny...I've sat through having a crown.. fillings... hygenists appointments..and with each visit I get more confident!.. Hope your appoinment went well..and your feeling ok !..Mrs C x