In spite of my dentist phobia, I'm going to the dentist tomorrow

[Critters2]

I know it's irrational, and risky to my health, but I am downright phobic about going to the dentist. I even know when this started. When I was getting braces, the orthodontist took this hammer-like thing (small, but like a hammer nonetheless) and POUNDED on my front teeth to shape the bands around them. It HURT throughout my whole face and up into my forehead. I asked him to stop, and got "Now, that doesn't hurt". Well, it DID hurt!! And I have dreaded dealing with dentists ever since.

I had a great dentist in Iowa, whom I hunted up when I was in pain from a bad tooth. I once told him I was afraid he'd scold me for the condition of my teeth, and he said he never scolds and always works hard at pain prevention, otherwise people don't come back. He said "That's bad for my business and their teeth." And sure enough, he was meticulous about making procedures as painless as possible. So, I've gone back to him a couple of times (during my trips there anyway) since moving.

But now I know I NEED to see a dentist. And I'm going to gather up my courage and see a new dentist here. I have an appointment tomorrow, and frankly, I'm scared shitless. I know it's stupid and juvenile, but there you are. I told the receptionist that I'm practically phobic, and she said "Oh, it is a real phobia, and I'm glad you've told me. It'll help doctor during any procedures." Hmm. That seems like a good sign.

At any rate, I could use good Lounge vibes, if you've got any to spare. And feel free to mock and ridicule me. I know I deserve it.

Thanks.

[skygazer]

1. You won't get any mocking from me

:hug: I can so relate - I suffered for many years from the same phobia and for the same reason. It all goes back to the braces and the unfeeling orthodontist I had at the time. Oh, how I dreaded those visits! and my mom was dying of cancer at the same time and I really think I combined the two in my mind. Horrible, debilitating phobia. I have few back teeth because of it, by the way - every time I had a problem, I'd wait until I couldn't stand it, go see an oral surgeon, get knocked out and have the tooth pulled.

I did eventually get over it in a completely bizarre way. My best friend also had the phobia and so we determined to overcome it. We found a dentist who advertised that he "catered to cowards" and we'd make our appointments for the same time. Safety in numbers. The dentist's office was in a gorgeous converted Victorian house and we'd get completely fried :smoke: on the way. Once we got there, we felt stronger because we were together and we'd focus on the architecture while the dentist gently worked.

I no longer need to be fried and I actually fall asleep in the chair now but it took years.

I hope this dentist is understanding and that it's not too awful for you. :hug:

[Critters2]

8. Getting fried. Hadn't thought of that, though I am going to take

an aleve before I go tomorrow, just in case.

Thanks!

[LostinVA]

11. Ask for some nitrous, or they may even offer it to you

I have a very mean dentist when I was a little girl, so I understand your phobia.

[mainegreen]

2. I love going to the dentist. I always feel great leaving there!

Like everything is in tip-top shape for another 6 months!
I'm weird, I know.

[MissMillie]

3. there are plenty of dentists who advertise that they cater to cowards

Mind you, I don't think you're a coward, but if you have a fear well, then hell, why not go to someone who is sensitive to that.

I hope you have found a dentist who IS sensitive to that. And I hope your experience is a pleasant one.

[Omphaloskepsis]

6. That is how I found my dentist..

A big ad in the yellow pages saying, "We cater to cowards."

He is a big fan of the Nitrous oxide. I can't say I have ever felt any pain when I go to him. What scares me most is getting shots. With enough Nitrous oxide I don't even know that I am getting them.

[Critters2]

7. I've seen that in phonebook ads elsewhere,

and actually looked for someone who said that, but found no such dentist here. This one's ad does say he uses "gas", so I'm hoping that'll help.

Thanks!

[ThomCat]

4. I'm glad you're going.

I hope it goes well, and I hope it's as painless as possible.

I've been blessed with great teeth. I've never needed major dental work, and I've only had a couple of small cavities in my entire life. I wish everyone had teeth as trouble-free.

Good Vibes! :hug:

[Critters2]

9. I inherited bad teeth from both sides of the family.

I envy you!!

Thanks for the vibes!

[Oeditpus Rex]

5. What you deserve is compassion

Fortunately, dentists have finally begun to realize this in the past decade or so.

I developed a dental phobia at 15, when I had a bad reaction to nitrous oxide. It was another 15 years before I saw a dentist, and, of course, by then I was well on my way to some pretty expensive problems. (I didn't like that dentist, either, as he rushed through a root canal, and the crown came off less than two years later.)

Eventually, I had problems that had to be addressed. I found a sedation dentist who, it turned out, was an old friend I hadn't seen in years. Sedation dentistry totally rocks. I just wish I'd found out about it 20 years earlier.

I wish you an excellent outcome, for both your mouth and your psyche.

Oh — I'd never go to a dentist who advertised he/she "caters to cowards." I find that choice of words very offensive.

[Critters2]

10. This dentist's ad says he uses "gas", so I'm hoping that's a good sign

along with the receptionist's respectful response. I think all of that bodes well. We'll see.

Thanks!

[quiet.american]

12. No mocking here - I suspect my dentist is a closet sadist.

I dread going, but do so because he knows how to work with my insurance, and after the ordeal is over, he seems to have done a good job. He also has no sense of humor, so his bedside manner leaves a bit to be desired.

[cwydro]

13. I am phobic too.

It is a terrible fear to have. Good vibes to you.

Funny you posting this, because literally I just decided this afternoon to make an appointment. God I dread it.

edit for typos

[My Good Babushka]

14. I go to the dentist a lot

And I always seem to have a lot of problems. My last dentist drilled into my gums and my mouth hurt for two months. I could taste blood! The dentist before that gave me a bad root canal. I had to have that tooth pulled out along with the very expensive crown I had on it. I really wish I could find a dentist that used gas, I'm sick of white-knuckling through every procedure. I don't think I'm phobic, but it's not the kind of pastime I'd recommend, either.

[Critters2]

15. Well, I went. And survived

although he didn't do much--x-rays and such. I wasn't impressed with his "bedside manner", and when I asked whether he uses gas, he said he'll use it if someone asks for it. And then he rolled his eyes. Hmmm... Also, and this seemed odd, he said there's nothing wrong with the tooth that's hurting. He said a tooth on the bottom left was bad, but that there was no reason for the upper left to hurt. But he did write a scrip for an antibiotic. I almost got the sense that was to appease me, but believe me I'm going to take it.

So, I may look for a second opinion. I may stay with him. I'm going to ponder it while I take my antibiotics.

Thanks, Lounge friends, for your support! You guys are great. Really!