Dental Phobia

[Neesy]

I guess I am in the minority. I love going to the dentist! I actually look forward to going twice a year to "catch up" with him. I've been seeing my dentist since he started his practice about 25 years ago, so it is like seeing an old friend when I go for my twice-yearly visit. I have had many things done to my teeth (bridgework, root canals, extractions fillings, etc.) and I still don't mind going to the dentist. In the end it all comes down to your trust in him/her, his/her chair-side manner and your threshold for pain.

I love Bill Murray!

 

[nate_watkins]

Did anyone else notice this thread is in Chattery Teeth?

 

[Neesy]

What disrespect? I laughed so hard!! Thank you for this story, it's really funny... And I am glad to know I am not the only one being so much afraid... My mom and friends tell me I am crazy in being this afraid of "such a trifle".

 

[fushingfeef]

I have no problem with going to the dentist, it's just regular maintenance to prevent worse things from happening, that's the way I see it.

Lina, you may want to find a dentist who specifically caters to people like you, there are a number in our area so I am guessing you should be able to find one. Several can do the whole process while you are put under, so you sleep the whole time.

 

[Walter Oobleck]

I wonder how many have been to a stand-up dentist...instead of a sit-down dentist like most operate today? Once dentists started sitting down to do their job, the rate of suicide dropped dramatically. Easier on the back, too...my guess. Why haven't there been any dentist cartoon super-heroes?

 

[addieprey]

Dentistry has come a long way since I first started going in the late 60's.

The technology has improved to the point where the pain is nothing much to worry about

. I just had an implant last November, and the day before yesterday I went for part two of the procedure to have the implant exposed (it sits below the gum line) and the screw that will eventually hold the crown put on. This involved some cutting and suturing but there was absolutely no pain. Even the shot of novocaine didn't hurt. If you are real nervous, you should ask for nitrous oxide (in addition to the novocaine) and if you have a mild sedative (xanax, valium etc..., by all means take one.

Remember, the longer you do nothing about a dental problem, the worse the condition will get. Then the treatment will be nore extreme than if you just got it taken care of when it first started bothering you.

You will be fine!

 

[Jojo87]

I called last week to the dentist and have an appointment this summer I don't know what date yet. I also might have a hole in one of my back teeth but
I am not sure and it scares me a little, cause last time they had to remove one of my back teeth cause there was a hole they couldn't fix and I pray that
if there is a hole this time, they can fix it and not have to remove it.

 

[carrie's younger brother]

I love Bill Murray!

I love that movie!

 

[GNTLGNT]

 

[Agincourt Concierge]

Good luck Lina. It is not too bad, but that is just my opinion. Lately I have been spending a lot of time at the dentists. I had a couple of sessions where I was in the chair for two hours. My dentist has these special glasses you can put on where you get to watch a movie (believe it or not!) while they are doing the surgery.

A tablet of Ativan (if you can get a prescription) helps immensely too, if you have dental anxiety.


I had something similar to this but instead of the big headphones I just had the little ear plugs or ear buds. It helps quite a bit!

and what film is playing .... "Marathon Man" ???

 

[Agincourt Concierge]

I have no love of dentists AT ALL .... I have too many ligitimate horror stories to tell ... so I won't ....

I've had only ONE decent one in all my years .... and he retired early due to health issues ...

Good luck .... I hope all works out ...

 

[Agincourt Concierge]

Did anyone else notice this thread is in Chattery Teeth?

no ... but that's pretty funny

 

[Lina]

Did anyone else notice this thread is in Chattery Teeth?

haven't thought of it. That's funny!

I wonder how many have been to a stand-up dentist...

Am I the only one that imagined a dentist telling jokes all the time? Stand-up...I am an idiot, I know.

 

[Walter Oobleck]

Actually...the last time I visited the dentist, for a cleaning...the dentist walks into the room like he always does, the hygienist pauses while he stands there and tells a few jokes or asks about sledding (snowmobiling) or on this visit...asks for advice about roof shoveling (snow)...then he grabs a picker and pokes at my teeth, says something about the rate of decay being slow...he says that each and every time...asks if I've been having any problems....quick head shake NO!...unless it keeps me up nights I don't confess to anything. He stands the entire time. But when he has to do something, filling or something, he is a sit-down dentist. Never considered if they stand or sit until a friend from Strawberry Point told me his old man was a sit-down dentist...and then I recalled from years ago, some of the old bucks that had me in their chair...they were stand-up dentists. $89 for a cleaning...we just got a copy of the bill yesterday...insurance paid.

 

[Neesy]

and what film is playing .... "Marathon Man" ???

Good one!

No I watched "Made of Honor" simply because I had already seen it and I knew I could not watch whatever movie I picked right until the end. I didn't want to be left 'hanging', wondering how it would end.

 

[Lisey Landon]

Am I the only one that imagined a dentist telling jokes all the time? Stand-up...I am an idiot, I know.

Me too!

 

[MadamMack]

 

[Lina]

I came back from the hospital. Good thing - I'm alive, the surgeon extracted my tooth... And he was scared himself I am a difficult case because I have problems with health and because I am so scared. But I did it. Now it hurts like hell... I hope it will get better soon enough. The bad thing I will have to go the dentist a few more times a couple of other teeth are bad...

 

[Lisey Landon]

I am glad you got this done, Lina! It will get better soon, but it does hurt for a few days. Be careful and don't try to chew anything before it has healed a bit. I used my blender and mixed all my foods into a soft mix for a few days after I had surgery. ((((((Lina)))))

 

[king family fan]

Glad to hear you had it done. Thinking about you. Hope it heals up quickly.