Posted by shar on April 29, 2003, at 10:44:26
In reply to Re: Dental phobia YES, posted by coral on April 28, 2003, at 11:28:56
What Coral said but for different reasons. I have extremely sensitive teeth (especially cold) and have since childhood (never could eat a popsicle). So, what Coral said about making sure they understand you are not just "nervous" is THE most important thing (or at least equal to having excellent qualifications, which all my dentists do).
My original dental trauma was military dentists, and others from the bad old days who didn't believe 'little' cavities needed novocaine, and said everything wouldn't hurt. I also have thinnish enamel, which means I've always had cavities even when I've been obsessive about taking care of my teeth. Strangely, shots have never bothered me, which seems to be what most dentists expect me to freak out about. But, get that whiny little drill going and my body says "I'm outtta here!!".
I always end up crying at appointments, even for cleaning, even with nitrous to the max (plus the 10 mg. of valium I take before I go without telling them, because then they want someone to drive you home). I explain to them that the nitrous does not relax me (I'm stiff as a board and sweat the whole time), it just keeps me in the chair. I'm alert and asking questions the whole time.
I always do extensive research on dentists, and correspond with them prior to going if they have email. If they don't have email I set up a consultation visit first away from any equipment to talk about my 'condition.' And pain meds, etc.
One time I was in the waiting room for a root canal appointment (not my current dentist) and there was a boy of about 7 sitting in another chair crying. He had been brought out of the exam room to calm down. The nurse/reception person was saying "it doesn't hurt" and all this bullshit. Then she looked at me and said "does it?" Big mistake. I said well, yes it can hurt, and it can be upsetting to just be in there, and it took a lot of courage to do it." So I got a very dirty look from the nurse, but the kid seemed better.
GOOD LUCK! You are not alone. You have my deepest sympathy.
Shar
> And, with good reason, too!!!! I have quad nerves and tiny canals! Bad combo. Too many root canals to count, all my teeth are crowned.
>
> My technique is first, to make blasted sure the dentist understands that what I'm telling him/her is true and listens.
>
> I take nitrous to the max, and require extra injections of the local - my dentist used a new one last time.... Serra or something like that, (I can find out if you like). It was great! I also take head phones and listen to an engrossing piece of music loud (my favorite is War of the Worlds) --- it's a modern opera... sort of LOL, as well as a blindfold, and I dab a bit of perfume in vaseline under my nose. I request the use of a bite block. All of these devices are designed to keep me from hearing, seeing, smelling, and I can clamp my jaw without worrying about taking off someone's finger.
>
> Also, I never leave w/o a pain script and immediately go home and apply cold (frozen peas work wonderfully).
>
> You have my sympathies....
>
> Coral
poster:shar
thread:222890
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030426/msgs/223140.html