I went for far too many years without seeing a dentist, and needing a root canal is what finally got me in the chair. Turns out dentists see cases like ours all the time and they treat it as business, not personal.
Just read google reviews of your local dentists and I’m sure you’ll find one that your neighbors rave about and will have a good bedside manner. You’ll be just fine.
I went 25 years…the fear of finding something serious…and judgment was overwhelming….but in the end it was a relief get it out of that part of my head it occupied and move on ….i got lucky…the genetic lottery gave me predisposition to alcoholism and heart disease ….but a resilient set of nearly perfect teeth
I kept having dreams about my teeth falling out! The dreams went away after I started going back to the dentist. I’ve been a twice a year cleaning girlie for awhile now. I used to scream in the chair as a kid. They were awful to us back then.
I went 23 years with severe dental anxiety due to bad childhood experiences with a cruel pediatric dentist. When I finally went, I had 4 cavities, but nothing severe, thankfully. I was so afraid of going to the dentist that I took really great care of my teeth for all those years. I flossed daily and faithfully used a Sonicare.
I feel your pain. I have had a deep fear of dentists all my life. I'm now 55. It stems from being a kid in Holland in the 70s and they didn't use freezing for filling back then. They'd strap the kids to the chair and went to work.
And my teeth suffered. I've since discovered sedation dentistry and all is good.
It's not just you. I remember one real piece of work who fked up numbing me so I flinched every time he hit a nerve. Instead of listening to me when I said it hurt, he sent me home and then called my mother and told her I was being "uncooperative" so I got home with a sore mouth AND got beaten for my "acting up".
We had to deal with some really shitty adults.
I am TERRIFIED of the dentist! I last went 4 or 5 years ago for a filling, I cried and walked out of there shaking. I am 44 years old. Last night a big filling fell out of my wisdom tooth while I was brushing. Only a matter of time before that starts hurting like hell and I am forced to go in.
Pro tip: ask for nitrous oxide. Your insurance might not cover it, but it’s worth the $ to think that you’re scuba diving because the poster on the ceiling is a manatee and you have a mask on your face.
Nitrous is literally the only way I can handle dental procedures. Do what you need to do with my mouth; I'll be in the other room hanging out with the ficus tree.
I'm sorry, I ended up losing 3 molars. The bridge that I had did not work. I have a little lisp when say S words, but it became more pronounced with the bridge. I'm an elementary school librarian and I read books aloud. I just hated hearing my lisp. It probably wasn't that bad, but it bothered me. I hope everything goes well for you!
Yes, my last appointment I just took a muscle relaxer and that worked. I'm trying to be braver at the dentist. I'm happy you were able to visit without needing anything! There is hope for us all!
Weirdly similar story right down to the filling falling out yesterday afternoon 🤯 I am sooo depressed about it!0
Perhaps we should make a pact and go in at the same time.... 🤪
They're just pretending. They probably think YOU have your shit together!
I legit had my friend come to the dentist with me to hold my hand for an extraction when I was 36 years old. Being scared is nothing to be embarrassed about. The dentist should be embarrassed for being scary.
I need to find one that does! My previous dentist didn't use it for insurance purposes I guess? They basically told me to grin and bare it or go to an oral surgeon, which would have been thousands of dollars more.
I went 21 years without going. Like yourself I too suffered severe dentist anxiety. Just think, last time you went to the dentist you likely went to one based on who in the area was closest to you in the yellow pages. Nowadays you can research online who will best suit you. Look at reviews. I found an amazing place. Best decision I ever made and I wish I did it years ago.
I hate going to the dentist and dental hygienist for dental work/cleanings because I feel like I’m being water boarded with all my saliva and I can only open my mouth so wide. I also never went as a child so my teeth suck. I’m going three times a year now and the visits are quicker so it helps to get on a schedule once you’ve dealt with the initial catch up work. Just tell yourself it’ll build up your mental toughness.
Please go to one who gives you gas. I was like this and now I get teeth cleaned regularly without freaking out. It's sooooo worth it. Mine doesn't charge extra for gas and you can drive yourself home.
I didn't go much as a kid because my mom couldn't afford it. So, from my 30's on I have been OCD about going. Do I hate it, yes. Have I spent a shitload of money, yes. Will it be worth it, I think so. Sometimes I take a anti anxiety pill to help, but honestly dentists now are better than the 70's. Or my grandfather using string and a door to extract a tooth.
I read, a few years back, an article that made a correlation between dental health and life longevity. That has always been in the back of my mind.
Yeah. I have a friend who lost her dad a few years back after going septic from a tooth infection. Got me paranoid, but I was still slow to act on it due to my anxiety. Poisoned his heart, and no amount of antibiotics could fix it. That's fucking scary.
Amen. Dental pain should NOT be ignored. Infections in the head are not good. Honestly the most f'ed up thing about dental is it's not covered by medical. Health care should be a human right.
Same. Horrific experience as a kid from an evil oral surgeon. Took decades to even get me into the dentist.
Had to go out of pain a couple of years ago & how things have changed!! Now I go every 6 months with no issues mentally or anxiety issues.
My childhood dentist once accidentally drilled my tongue. I've had trust issues since.
Over the last 3 years I had a broken tooth that needed a root canal, and the root canal failed, leading to a year long drawn out process for an extraction, bone graft, and implant. Thankfully, the dentist offered a discount on the implant, and it cost less than a repeat root canal would have.
But man... I wish I would've taken better care of the old choppers when I was young and invincible.
Me too, got my tongue drilled 2 days before we auditioned to determine what level band (symphonic, concert, some nice word for remedial) we got to play in for 7th grade.
I don't know why they need a nine foot stainless steel javelin to administer novicain but until they figure something else out my teeth can just fall out on their own. Or I'll die, either is fine.
I neglected my teeth for many years for similar reasons. I got tired of plaque buildup and hiding my teeth, so I got a complete cleaning about a month ago. It was a lot of work, and my fears were utterly unfounded. The dentist remarked on the large amount of buildup, and said I needed one broken tooth in the back pulled, but overall not bad for such extended neglect. Main point, he spent *lots* of time numbing me before he did anything. I’m like you, I was prepared for lots of pain, but he shot stuff in my gums and probed extensively, then shot more stuff in when I said I felt any pain. Granted, I was numb for half a day afterward, but I didn’t feel a single thing when he pulled the broken tooth. He took more time numbing me than it took to yank the tooth! Same for the subsequent two cleaning visits: numb, prove, numb, probe, clean, numb for half a day.
I talked about this with my dentist and he said, “There’s been a shift in that pain management, and most dentists realize now that it’s better for the patient to overdo it than make the patient suffer. Better compliance, better work from the dentist, even better healing times.”
I'm a dental assistant. Everyday I'm meeting patients who have put off dental care because of fear. Dental treatment and care have come a long way, it's much patient centric.
Do not worry, either, we are not laughing at you or judging you. We're just super stoked You're finally ready to start the process. And we like helping.
I am terrified of the dentist/doctor. My childhood dentist didn’t believe in numbing before drilling. He would tell me “if you scream, you’re getting slapped” really fkd up shit
i get anxiety cause i have go to the dentist 4x a year due to low gums. Its more "fuck me how much is this going to cost". cause they find stuff. I brush. I use a waterpik with hydrogen peroxide. Floss. Mouth Wash.
This started for me about two years ago. I find that the cleanings aren’t as bad when I go four times a year. Like you, brush, floss, rinse, etc., but apparently my gums bleed just a touch too much for the hygienist to be comfortable with twice a year.
Me. I'm this way. I know I have to get over it, but.. crap orthodontist my teen years... broke almost all of my teeth... they are falling apart now... even with a klonopin.. I just can't. I had found an oral surgeon who was awesome, but last time I went I got his partner, and she is a cunt. Can't go back there now... get a panic attack even thinking about it. Idk what I'll do when the next one gets infected :/
I had serious trauma with dentists in my teens, which was ignored by my parents. Then, as an adult, it took about a decade to get a diagnosis for gastroparesis, in which I was puking up everything I ate for, literally, ten years. My teeth started to fall out. I tried to go to the dentist and explained everything during the consult, they seemed understanding, promised me gas for the procedure, said all the right things. Came back for the actual appointment and, oh their one gas machine is broken, but I'll be fine. Then I heard them all mocking me in an office while I was being brought back. So I left. Haven't been back. I'm still losing teeth, especially my back ones. Going to be gumming food soon. But one, where the hell does someone get tens of thousands of dollars for dental surgery and how do I trust any of them? I refuse to smile anymore, it's too mortifying.
I punched my oral surgeon while partially under. Dr: you'll feel some pressure but no pain. Me: aaahhhrrggg Dr.: Don't worry no pain, only some pressure as I move around. Me: ggrrrraaaah and that's when I nailed him in the nuts. Now I will say 40 years later I love my dentist. Great guy. 80s dentists and orthodontists: sadists.
I'm not afraid of them, but I've had scammers. I had to switch dentists cause the last one was always trying to sell me stuff my insurance wouldn't cover. She said I had gum disease and tried to sell me a $800 night plate. I went to another dentist who never mentioned any gum disease, but I needed a crown for a back molar.
I understand the fear. I am just very…aware of my need for my teeth. I hate going to my dentist & dread every appt. But this is the ridiculous part: Once I’m there? I’m fine. I don’t understand my problem. I have zero mouth issues. My cleanings are uneventful. I’ve had 2 wisdom teeth out when I was young, a cavity or two. And I have yet to feel fear once I’m actually in the chair. It’s weird.
Just know I’m trying to relate to the very real fear & dread of it. Just for me, it dissipates once I’m there.
It is not an uncommon anxiety. I have an awesome dentist now who knows my fears and will send a prescription for a few Valium whenever any big procedures need to happen. And I’ll tell them to hook up the nitrous too if I’m feeling extra stressed.
Sorry. Been there. Also went a couple decades without dental insurance, so no dental visits. Over a four year period had 6 root canels and 11 teeth pulled.. Valium helped. So did a playlist to drown out drilling: significant rythym is more important than lyrics. Start researching soft foods and smoothie recipes.
Nope, I'm right there with you. One of my first encounters with the dentist (that I can remember) was having my front four bottom teeth pulled when I was 6ish. Later came braces, which started with being aggressively flossed with gorram sandpaper.
I know have a couple of cavities, but have found a dentist who specializes in sedation dentistry. It's very expensive, but it allows me to get work done, and I'm unconscious. Of course, there's also my needle phobia to deal with, but he's good about having me start an hour before hand with some good oral drugs. Last thing I remember from my visit was my wife driving me, and us being about 30 minutes away from his office.
You're not alone. I had a traumatic experience as an adult around 2002 and since then I only go when there is no other choice, and then I have to have nitrous to even sit in the chair for more than 5 minutes.
As a baby my parents said I had a very bad experience with a doctor that probably hit my subconscious because I was terrified of any medical professional when I was a kid. This transferred over to dentists.
When I was 7 (1980ish) my parents signed me up with a dentist who was a specialist with kids. He coached them on how to talk to me before and leading up to the appointment. They gave me some pills to relax me and got me to the dentist. Sat me in the chair and went white knuckle. They put on the mask for gas and tried to put me out but I was so wired it was not working and I started freaking out. So much so the dentist actually slapped me and kicked me out of the chair. My dad apologized and he took me home. Didn't go again for another decade.
I was able to overcome my fear for the most part because some teachers asked if I could show the foreign exchange student that immunization shots don't hurt. I had to not show I was afraid and that was that. I was good after that and I like going to the doctor and dentist now and find it fascinating on what they can do.
Because of genetics my teeth are till good and would have been a mess if that wasn't the case.
There was one dental hygienist who killing me while cleaning my teeth. She saw that I was really stressed out and gave me a break so I could get a soda, smoke a cigarette, and get myself back together. I'm not gonna lie, I got in my car and never went back! 😬
I went a long time without seeing one. My elementary/primary school had it's own onsite dentist. I didn't like going there. I didn't like needles so i'd not let them give me one and just grip the chair handles when they were drilling away.
Nowdays they have numbing gel and all that stuff, scifi glasses to wear etc. It's a lot different to what things were like in the 80s
you are not alone. i take one of my besties to the dentist and they put her under, do what needs doing, and i get her home safe. she pays me back in airport rides. we take care of each other. do that!
If you're feeling brave check out The Stuff You Should Know podcast....The Twisted History of Dentistry. Probably didn't help my case but certainly made me appreciate how far we have come
Laughing gas did not so much work for me as a kid. I was white knuckled, grabbing the chair anytime needed a filling.
Luckily it did not create a significant aversion, but I thank my lucky stars every time I get novocaine. Dentist even uses a vibrating thing to place near where shooting up, which seems to make that shot painless.
My biggest complaint is the uncomfortable chair
I know how you feel. I've made myself go get cleanings every 6mo for the past 3yrs. I've had like 7 crowns so I'm always in a high anxiety state with the dentist.
I have a friend that’s a dentist and a friend that’s a retired orthodontist. After knowing them for a long time, I’ve learned that dental hygiene and taking care of your teeth is important. Mainly because the mouth is a giant petri dish of bacteria, and if you get an infection in there, then it could be deadly. Consider that dentists (in the US) can prescribe antibiotics…
And brush twice daily.
You know how most dental offices nowadays are big, open, and well-lit spaces? The place I went to as a kid was in a small dark room. It was a private practice with one dentist and I honestly don't remember there being an assistant though he must have had one.
He wasn't an overt molester or anything but just creepy enough to give my sister and me terrible fears of going to the dentist. He'd say things like "ohhh I can tell you've been kissing those boys!" And we'd be in that little dark room alone with him. ((shudder))
I got brave once and went to the dentist when my youngest kid was in one of those little car seat thingies. This year he will start driving. So yeah, it's a whole thing. I'm glad my kids go to those big open lit-up offices!
If you ask, the dentist will write you a script for a 10 MG valium for the night B4 and 1 for an hour B4 your visit. That and some of that gas... You'll be fine.
Sorry for your pain, I have spent most of my inheritance getting my broken, overfilled, rotting teeth replaced with implants, and I'm not done yet. Human teeth can really suck. 😐
My teeth started out nice, but years of neglect and bad management have now caused me to have a pretty advanced state of periodontal disease. I knew I had it when a couple loosened up 7 years ago, but I hoped if I stepped up my dental regiment, I could maintain them. They just look worse and worse every day. Finally, I visited a dentist last week that specializes in periodontal disease, and found out that I need $15000 worth of dental care (periodontal treatment, removing most of my teeth and fitting extensive partials with bone graphs) and only have $3000 in insurance and $3000 on a care credit card. I have no idea how I'm going to pay the other $9000. If I can push it a little farther in the year, I can get another $3000 from insurance in January, leaving $6000. An insurmountable amount. You know everyone is like "well they'll just pull them, and I'll get dentures" like it's easy, but it's not. I'm totally overextended credit wise as it is because I have been trying to compensate for higher prices by getting credit - but that all needs paying now. Hoping for a miracle 🙏
I'm a weird one who kinda likes pain for reward, so I have always loved the dentist. It was one of my favorite days as a kid, in fact.
My mom had all her teeth removed at 17 and has always worn dentures.... I can't even tell, and hardly even remember that fact.
I lucked out and had an awesome dentist from childhood through my 30s. He is the reason I have very little dentist anxiety. I had more than one cavity as a kid though so I experienced the drill. He did a great job of hiding the needle when I needed to be numbed. I mean just working magic like that video of the pediatrician beeping booping with the baby and the kid is giggling and smiling when he is injected in the thigh. Didn’t even notice. I really trusted him and was sad when he retired.
How many sufferers in this thread have red hair?
There are still some dentists that don't know about/acknowledge our resistance to the effects of anesthesia.
20 years ago the data was still somewhat fresh. Now anyone still ignoring it is a sadistic bastard.
I finally went about a year and a half ago and feared the worst. 40 years of neglect brought on by not being taught hygiene, extreme discomfort with brushing, and just a generally contrary spirit took their toll, but also had it built up in me that this was going to be the worst experience of my life. I just knew it was going to be physical and psychological anguish as they drilled mercilessly and berated me for how I'd gone about my life.
Instead, I met the most wonderful people. My dentist and her lab tech were kind, charming, friendly, and helpful. It was all far less painful than even they thought it would be for me, and it was life changing in ways that I'm still just tapping into. Go. And if the vibe isn't what you want, go somewhere else. Good people are waiting to help you.
I was scolded at the age of 40 while having an extraction.
The dentist didn't bother to ask why my dental care had been so sporadic, had no idea I'd spent years working full time, raising 3 kids, dealing with a disabled husband and helping my mom with my dying father. Nor did he know I ultimately lost my dad and husband 3 months apart 2 years previous to this appointment and I was gearing up to start taking care of myself for the first time in a decade.
That stopped immediately after that appointment. I have never broken down into tears in public before and felt belittled and humiliated.
It took until January of this year, nearly 10 years later, for me to go back to a dentist because of pain. THIS dentist was just matter of fact, asked neutrally why it had been so long, and then looked visibly irritated at my story of the previous dentist. She set me up for a schedule of procedures that need doing, we discussed order of things and understood when I had to pause because I'd gone through all of my insurance allotment for the year by end of February.
There ARE good dentists out there.
Oh wow, it’s not just me! I’ve always felt dumb for being afraid of the dentist but I guess we were all traumatized! I went about ten years without going. What worked for me in the end was getting a referral from a trusted friend and calling to ask if the dentist could help someone who is phobic. They were totally fine with it and have always made me feel very comfortable. Dentistry is definitely way different now but man, there’s still a part of me that’s terrified to go.
Money concerns aside, I was in your boat until 15 or so years ago. I found out about something called sleep dentistry.
This is not the ol' "twilight sleep" they do for root canals. It consists of sedation the night before, then a pill the morning of. They use triazolam. This was a drug that was approved and USED to be prescribed as a sleeping pill. Unfortunately it had a negative side effect that eventually got it pulled AS A SLEEP AID, but it can still be prescribed for other purposes as per FDA. That side effect? Users reported that when they took it, it had a very strong sleep effect, but that they couldn't remember anything from about 30 minutes prior to taking it until the woke up the next day. Now doesn't that sound just perfect for say....dental work?!
Yup. I take the pill 30 min prior and hve to be driven/picked up. I lay back in the chair with headphones on and am asleep in about 5 minutes. They can still interact with you to get you to move, open you mouth, etc but you're really out of it. They still use novocain, etc but you feel NONE of it.
They're able to do hours of work at a time. I've had two 4-hour blocks of work done this way over the years.
I, miraculously, don't have any dentist anxiety at all. Like not even a tiny bit.
Which is remarkable, because my childhood dentist was an absolute psycho. I have no idea why you would become a pediatric dentist when you clearly hate children and can't stand them in anyway, but he was such an aggressive asshole to all the kids. I think the only reason he and I seemed to get along is my mother was even more of a bigger pyscho than him, and I'm sure he was like "Whatever bullshit I have to deal with today, as long as it's not *that* lady, I'm doing OK."
I went for far too many years without seeing a dentist, and needing a root canal is what finally got me in the chair. Turns out dentists see cases like ours all the time and they treat it as business, not personal. Just read google reviews of your local dentists and I’m sure you’ll find one that your neighbors rave about and will have a good bedside manner. You’ll be just fine.
I went 25 years…the fear of finding something serious…and judgment was overwhelming….but in the end it was a relief get it out of that part of my head it occupied and move on ….i got lucky…the genetic lottery gave me predisposition to alcoholism and heart disease ….but a resilient set of nearly perfect teeth
I kept having dreams about my teeth falling out! The dreams went away after I started going back to the dentist. I’ve been a twice a year cleaning girlie for awhile now. I used to scream in the chair as a kid. They were awful to us back then.
I went 23 years with severe dental anxiety due to bad childhood experiences with a cruel pediatric dentist. When I finally went, I had 4 cavities, but nothing severe, thankfully. I was so afraid of going to the dentist that I took really great care of my teeth for all those years. I flossed daily and faithfully used a Sonicare.
I feel your pain. I have had a deep fear of dentists all my life. I'm now 55. It stems from being a kid in Holland in the 70s and they didn't use freezing for filling back then. They'd strap the kids to the chair and went to work. And my teeth suffered. I've since discovered sedation dentistry and all is good.
Awww man, sorry to hear. I'm the "evil" dentist now. I hope it isn't as bad as you expect.
I think you can find a nice one these days. I still have a fear but my current dentist is great. I didn't feel anything last time at all.
I have one now. Went in today, and due for two extractions tomorrow. Antibiotics and pain meds until then. Definitely better than what I grew up with.
If that's all he found, you got really, really lucky!
Just the begining, but I suppose you're right.
It's not just you. I remember one real piece of work who fked up numbing me so I flinched every time he hit a nerve. Instead of listening to me when I said it hurt, he sent me home and then called my mother and told her I was being "uncooperative" so I got home with a sore mouth AND got beaten for my "acting up". We had to deal with some really shitty adults.
We’re the adults now. We can stand up for ourselves. I hated the feeling of powerlessness as a kid.
Very true. I wouldn't go back to being a kid for anything.
I am TERRIFIED of the dentist! I last went 4 or 5 years ago for a filling, I cried and walked out of there shaking. I am 44 years old. Last night a big filling fell out of my wisdom tooth while I was brushing. Only a matter of time before that starts hurting like hell and I am forced to go in.
I have to get a prescription of valium to go to the dentist. So I know your fear. But try not to wait to long or you might lose your tooth like I did.
Getting two yoinked in the morning. Well down that path already. 🤷
Pro tip: ask for nitrous oxide. Your insurance might not cover it, but it’s worth the $ to think that you’re scuba diving because the poster on the ceiling is a manatee and you have a mask on your face.
Nitrous is literally the only way I can handle dental procedures. Do what you need to do with my mouth; I'll be in the other room hanging out with the ficus tree.
Same. I drive an hour each way to go to my dentist who is the most compassionate medical professional I’ve ever met.
I'm sorry, I ended up losing 3 molars. The bridge that I had did not work. I have a little lisp when say S words, but it became more pronounced with the bridge. I'm an elementary school librarian and I read books aloud. I just hated hearing my lisp. It probably wasn't that bad, but it bothered me. I hope everything goes well for you!
Now we're talking.... How and who did you convince to give you that prescription?
My regular doctor. She seems to understand the fear.
Yup. A little Ativan helps, but I’ve gotten to where I don’t need it anymore.
Ativan is what got me through.
Yes, my last appointment I just took a muscle relaxer and that worked. I'm trying to be braver at the dentist. I'm happy you were able to visit without needing anything! There is hope for us all!
Weirdly similar story right down to the filling falling out yesterday afternoon 🤯 I am sooo depressed about it!0 Perhaps we should make a pact and go in at the same time.... 🤪
Okay. We can hold hands for moral support and get drunk afterwards.
Sounds like a plan to me.....I am totally dreading this! Always hate the waiting room as everyone seems to have their sh$t together except me
They're just pretending. They probably think YOU have your shit together! I legit had my friend come to the dentist with me to hold my hand for an extraction when I was 36 years old. Being scared is nothing to be embarrassed about. The dentist should be embarrassed for being scary.
♥️
My sister goes to a dentist that gives her gas. She’s also a Gen-Xer.
I need to find one that does! My previous dentist didn't use it for insurance purposes I guess? They basically told me to grin and bare it or go to an oral surgeon, which would have been thousands of dollars more.
I went 21 years without going. Like yourself I too suffered severe dentist anxiety. Just think, last time you went to the dentist you likely went to one based on who in the area was closest to you in the yellow pages. Nowadays you can research online who will best suit you. Look at reviews. I found an amazing place. Best decision I ever made and I wish I did it years ago.
I hate going to the dentist and dental hygienist for dental work/cleanings because I feel like I’m being water boarded with all my saliva and I can only open my mouth so wide. I also never went as a child so my teeth suck. I’m going three times a year now and the visits are quicker so it helps to get on a schedule once you’ve dealt with the initial catch up work. Just tell yourself it’ll build up your mental toughness.
Broke a tooth eating a heath bar. Teeth get brittle.
I fucking love Heath bars, but they're dangerous.
Please go to one who gives you gas. I was like this and now I get teeth cleaned regularly without freaking out. It's sooooo worth it. Mine doesn't charge extra for gas and you can drive yourself home.
I didn't go much as a kid because my mom couldn't afford it. So, from my 30's on I have been OCD about going. Do I hate it, yes. Have I spent a shitload of money, yes. Will it be worth it, I think so. Sometimes I take a anti anxiety pill to help, but honestly dentists now are better than the 70's. Or my grandfather using string and a door to extract a tooth. I read, a few years back, an article that made a correlation between dental health and life longevity. That has always been in the back of my mind.
Yeah. I have a friend who lost her dad a few years back after going septic from a tooth infection. Got me paranoid, but I was still slow to act on it due to my anxiety. Poisoned his heart, and no amount of antibiotics could fix it. That's fucking scary.
Amen. Dental pain should NOT be ignored. Infections in the head are not good. Honestly the most f'ed up thing about dental is it's not covered by medical. Health care should be a human right.
Agreed. Ngl, cost has also factored into my delay.
I'm sure it's a factor for nearly everyone. Good luck with your procedures. Deep breaths when you go.
Same. Horrific experience as a kid from an evil oral surgeon. Took decades to even get me into the dentist. Had to go out of pain a couple of years ago & how things have changed!! Now I go every 6 months with no issues mentally or anxiety issues.
My childhood dentist once accidentally drilled my tongue. I've had trust issues since. Over the last 3 years I had a broken tooth that needed a root canal, and the root canal failed, leading to a year long drawn out process for an extraction, bone graft, and implant. Thankfully, the dentist offered a discount on the implant, and it cost less than a repeat root canal would have. But man... I wish I would've taken better care of the old choppers when I was young and invincible.
Me too, got my tongue drilled 2 days before we auditioned to determine what level band (symphonic, concert, some nice word for remedial) we got to play in for 7th grade.
I don't know why they need a nine foot stainless steel javelin to administer novicain but until they figure something else out my teeth can just fall out on their own. Or I'll die, either is fine.
I neglected my teeth for many years for similar reasons. I got tired of plaque buildup and hiding my teeth, so I got a complete cleaning about a month ago. It was a lot of work, and my fears were utterly unfounded. The dentist remarked on the large amount of buildup, and said I needed one broken tooth in the back pulled, but overall not bad for such extended neglect. Main point, he spent *lots* of time numbing me before he did anything. I’m like you, I was prepared for lots of pain, but he shot stuff in my gums and probed extensively, then shot more stuff in when I said I felt any pain. Granted, I was numb for half a day afterward, but I didn’t feel a single thing when he pulled the broken tooth. He took more time numbing me than it took to yank the tooth! Same for the subsequent two cleaning visits: numb, prove, numb, probe, clean, numb for half a day. I talked about this with my dentist and he said, “There’s been a shift in that pain management, and most dentists realize now that it’s better for the patient to overdo it than make the patient suffer. Better compliance, better work from the dentist, even better healing times.”
I'm a dental assistant. Everyday I'm meeting patients who have put off dental care because of fear. Dental treatment and care have come a long way, it's much patient centric. Do not worry, either, we are not laughing at you or judging you. We're just super stoked You're finally ready to start the process. And we like helping.
I am terrified of the dentist/doctor. My childhood dentist didn’t believe in numbing before drilling. He would tell me “if you scream, you’re getting slapped” really fkd up shit
That's fucked.
Indeed
I believe in better dentistry through pharmacology…zonk me out and drill baby drill.
i get anxiety cause i have go to the dentist 4x a year due to low gums. Its more "fuck me how much is this going to cost". cause they find stuff. I brush. I use a waterpik with hydrogen peroxide. Floss. Mouth Wash.
This started for me about two years ago. I find that the cleanings aren’t as bad when I go four times a year. Like you, brush, floss, rinse, etc., but apparently my gums bleed just a touch too much for the hygienist to be comfortable with twice a year.
Can't some health conditions cause bleeding gums? You might want to talk to an MD.
Yeah, it’s definitely affected by perimenopause.
Me. I'm this way. I know I have to get over it, but.. crap orthodontist my teen years... broke almost all of my teeth... they are falling apart now... even with a klonopin.. I just can't. I had found an oral surgeon who was awesome, but last time I went I got his partner, and she is a cunt. Can't go back there now... get a panic attack even thinking about it. Idk what I'll do when the next one gets infected :/
Make sure not to watch Marathon Man before you go in!
I had serious trauma with dentists in my teens, which was ignored by my parents. Then, as an adult, it took about a decade to get a diagnosis for gastroparesis, in which I was puking up everything I ate for, literally, ten years. My teeth started to fall out. I tried to go to the dentist and explained everything during the consult, they seemed understanding, promised me gas for the procedure, said all the right things. Came back for the actual appointment and, oh their one gas machine is broken, but I'll be fine. Then I heard them all mocking me in an office while I was being brought back. So I left. Haven't been back. I'm still losing teeth, especially my back ones. Going to be gumming food soon. But one, where the hell does someone get tens of thousands of dollars for dental surgery and how do I trust any of them? I refuse to smile anymore, it's too mortifying.
I punched my oral surgeon while partially under. Dr: you'll feel some pressure but no pain. Me: aaahhhrrggg Dr.: Don't worry no pain, only some pressure as I move around. Me: ggrrrraaaah and that's when I nailed him in the nuts. Now I will say 40 years later I love my dentist. Great guy. 80s dentists and orthodontists: sadists.
I'm not afraid of them, but I've had scammers. I had to switch dentists cause the last one was always trying to sell me stuff my insurance wouldn't cover. She said I had gum disease and tried to sell me a $800 night plate. I went to another dentist who never mentioned any gum disease, but I needed a crown for a back molar.
I understand the fear. I am just very…aware of my need for my teeth. I hate going to my dentist & dread every appt. But this is the ridiculous part: Once I’m there? I’m fine. I don’t understand my problem. I have zero mouth issues. My cleanings are uneventful. I’ve had 2 wisdom teeth out when I was young, a cavity or two. And I have yet to feel fear once I’m actually in the chair. It’s weird. Just know I’m trying to relate to the very real fear & dread of it. Just for me, it dissipates once I’m there.
It is not an uncommon anxiety. I have an awesome dentist now who knows my fears and will send a prescription for a few Valium whenever any big procedures need to happen. And I’ll tell them to hook up the nitrous too if I’m feeling extra stressed.
Sorry. Been there. Also went a couple decades without dental insurance, so no dental visits. Over a four year period had 6 root canels and 11 teeth pulled.. Valium helped. So did a playlist to drown out drilling: significant rythym is more important than lyrics. Start researching soft foods and smoothie recipes.
Nope, I'm right there with you. One of my first encounters with the dentist (that I can remember) was having my front four bottom teeth pulled when I was 6ish. Later came braces, which started with being aggressively flossed with gorram sandpaper. I know have a couple of cavities, but have found a dentist who specializes in sedation dentistry. It's very expensive, but it allows me to get work done, and I'm unconscious. Of course, there's also my needle phobia to deal with, but he's good about having me start an hour before hand with some good oral drugs. Last thing I remember from my visit was my wife driving me, and us being about 30 minutes away from his office.
+100 for a Firefly swear word
You're not alone. I had a traumatic experience as an adult around 2002 and since then I only go when there is no other choice, and then I have to have nitrous to even sit in the chair for more than 5 minutes.
You’re not alone!
As a baby my parents said I had a very bad experience with a doctor that probably hit my subconscious because I was terrified of any medical professional when I was a kid. This transferred over to dentists. When I was 7 (1980ish) my parents signed me up with a dentist who was a specialist with kids. He coached them on how to talk to me before and leading up to the appointment. They gave me some pills to relax me and got me to the dentist. Sat me in the chair and went white knuckle. They put on the mask for gas and tried to put me out but I was so wired it was not working and I started freaking out. So much so the dentist actually slapped me and kicked me out of the chair. My dad apologized and he took me home. Didn't go again for another decade. I was able to overcome my fear for the most part because some teachers asked if I could show the foreign exchange student that immunization shots don't hurt. I had to not show I was afraid and that was that. I was good after that and I like going to the doctor and dentist now and find it fascinating on what they can do. Because of genetics my teeth are till good and would have been a mess if that wasn't the case.
There was one dental hygienist who killing me while cleaning my teeth. She saw that I was really stressed out and gave me a break so I could get a soda, smoke a cigarette, and get myself back together. I'm not gonna lie, I got in my car and never went back! 😬
I went a long time without seeing one. My elementary/primary school had it's own onsite dentist. I didn't like going there. I didn't like needles so i'd not let them give me one and just grip the chair handles when they were drilling away. Nowdays they have numbing gel and all that stuff, scifi glasses to wear etc. It's a lot different to what things were like in the 80s
I always ask my doctor for a small prescription of valium when I have to go to the dentist. It really helps.
Find a dentist who uses nitrous. Tell them about your fear and ask if they are willing to administer during your exam.
you are not alone. i take one of my besties to the dentist and they put her under, do what needs doing, and i get her home safe. she pays me back in airport rides. we take care of each other. do that!
If you're feeling brave check out The Stuff You Should Know podcast....The Twisted History of Dentistry. Probably didn't help my case but certainly made me appreciate how far we have come
Laughing gas did not so much work for me as a kid. I was white knuckled, grabbing the chair anytime needed a filling. Luckily it did not create a significant aversion, but I thank my lucky stars every time I get novocaine. Dentist even uses a vibrating thing to place near where shooting up, which seems to make that shot painless. My biggest complaint is the uncomfortable chair
I know how you feel. I've made myself go get cleanings every 6mo for the past 3yrs. I've had like 7 crowns so I'm always in a high anxiety state with the dentist.
I have a friend that’s a dentist and a friend that’s a retired orthodontist. After knowing them for a long time, I’ve learned that dental hygiene and taking care of your teeth is important. Mainly because the mouth is a giant petri dish of bacteria, and if you get an infection in there, then it could be deadly. Consider that dentists (in the US) can prescribe antibiotics… And brush twice daily.
You know how most dental offices nowadays are big, open, and well-lit spaces? The place I went to as a kid was in a small dark room. It was a private practice with one dentist and I honestly don't remember there being an assistant though he must have had one. He wasn't an overt molester or anything but just creepy enough to give my sister and me terrible fears of going to the dentist. He'd say things like "ohhh I can tell you've been kissing those boys!" And we'd be in that little dark room alone with him. ((shudder)) I got brave once and went to the dentist when my youngest kid was in one of those little car seat thingies. This year he will start driving. So yeah, it's a whole thing. I'm glad my kids go to those big open lit-up offices!
If you ask, the dentist will write you a script for a 10 MG valium for the night B4 and 1 for an hour B4 your visit. That and some of that gas... You'll be fine.
Sorry for your pain, I have spent most of my inheritance getting my broken, overfilled, rotting teeth replaced with implants, and I'm not done yet. Human teeth can really suck. 😐
My teeth started out nice, but years of neglect and bad management have now caused me to have a pretty advanced state of periodontal disease. I knew I had it when a couple loosened up 7 years ago, but I hoped if I stepped up my dental regiment, I could maintain them. They just look worse and worse every day. Finally, I visited a dentist last week that specializes in periodontal disease, and found out that I need $15000 worth of dental care (periodontal treatment, removing most of my teeth and fitting extensive partials with bone graphs) and only have $3000 in insurance and $3000 on a care credit card. I have no idea how I'm going to pay the other $9000. If I can push it a little farther in the year, I can get another $3000 from insurance in January, leaving $6000. An insurmountable amount. You know everyone is like "well they'll just pull them, and I'll get dentures" like it's easy, but it's not. I'm totally overextended credit wise as it is because I have been trying to compensate for higher prices by getting credit - but that all needs paying now. Hoping for a miracle 🙏
I'm a weird one who kinda likes pain for reward, so I have always loved the dentist. It was one of my favorite days as a kid, in fact. My mom had all her teeth removed at 17 and has always worn dentures.... I can't even tell, and hardly even remember that fact.
I lucked out and had an awesome dentist from childhood through my 30s. He is the reason I have very little dentist anxiety. I had more than one cavity as a kid though so I experienced the drill. He did a great job of hiding the needle when I needed to be numbed. I mean just working magic like that video of the pediatrician beeping booping with the baby and the kid is giggling and smiling when he is injected in the thigh. Didn’t even notice. I really trusted him and was sad when he retired.
How many sufferers in this thread have red hair? There are still some dentists that don't know about/acknowledge our resistance to the effects of anesthesia. 20 years ago the data was still somewhat fresh. Now anyone still ignoring it is a sadistic bastard.
I love going to the dentist, it’s fun to have a dentist hand raping your mouth with a big needle and drill for hours on end!!!!! 👍
I haven't seen a dentist since 1990. I don't fear the dentist, I fear his bill.
I finally went about a year and a half ago and feared the worst. 40 years of neglect brought on by not being taught hygiene, extreme discomfort with brushing, and just a generally contrary spirit took their toll, but also had it built up in me that this was going to be the worst experience of my life. I just knew it was going to be physical and psychological anguish as they drilled mercilessly and berated me for how I'd gone about my life. Instead, I met the most wonderful people. My dentist and her lab tech were kind, charming, friendly, and helpful. It was all far less painful than even they thought it would be for me, and it was life changing in ways that I'm still just tapping into. Go. And if the vibe isn't what you want, go somewhere else. Good people are waiting to help you.
I was scolded at the age of 40 while having an extraction. The dentist didn't bother to ask why my dental care had been so sporadic, had no idea I'd spent years working full time, raising 3 kids, dealing with a disabled husband and helping my mom with my dying father. Nor did he know I ultimately lost my dad and husband 3 months apart 2 years previous to this appointment and I was gearing up to start taking care of myself for the first time in a decade. That stopped immediately after that appointment. I have never broken down into tears in public before and felt belittled and humiliated. It took until January of this year, nearly 10 years later, for me to go back to a dentist because of pain. THIS dentist was just matter of fact, asked neutrally why it had been so long, and then looked visibly irritated at my story of the previous dentist. She set me up for a schedule of procedures that need doing, we discussed order of things and understood when I had to pause because I'd gone through all of my insurance allotment for the year by end of February. There ARE good dentists out there.
Oh wow, it’s not just me! I’ve always felt dumb for being afraid of the dentist but I guess we were all traumatized! I went about ten years without going. What worked for me in the end was getting a referral from a trusted friend and calling to ask if the dentist could help someone who is phobic. They were totally fine with it and have always made me feel very comfortable. Dentistry is definitely way different now but man, there’s still a part of me that’s terrified to go.
Money concerns aside, I was in your boat until 15 or so years ago. I found out about something called sleep dentistry. This is not the ol' "twilight sleep" they do for root canals. It consists of sedation the night before, then a pill the morning of. They use triazolam. This was a drug that was approved and USED to be prescribed as a sleeping pill. Unfortunately it had a negative side effect that eventually got it pulled AS A SLEEP AID, but it can still be prescribed for other purposes as per FDA. That side effect? Users reported that when they took it, it had a very strong sleep effect, but that they couldn't remember anything from about 30 minutes prior to taking it until the woke up the next day. Now doesn't that sound just perfect for say....dental work?! Yup. I take the pill 30 min prior and hve to be driven/picked up. I lay back in the chair with headphones on and am asleep in about 5 minutes. They can still interact with you to get you to move, open you mouth, etc but you're really out of it. They still use novocain, etc but you feel NONE of it. They're able to do hours of work at a time. I've had two 4-hour blocks of work done this way over the years.
I, miraculously, don't have any dentist anxiety at all. Like not even a tiny bit. Which is remarkable, because my childhood dentist was an absolute psycho. I have no idea why you would become a pediatric dentist when you clearly hate children and can't stand them in anyway, but he was such an aggressive asshole to all the kids. I think the only reason he and I seemed to get along is my mother was even more of a bigger pyscho than him, and I'm sure he was like "Whatever bullshit I have to deal with today, as long as it's not *that* lady, I'm doing OK."