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Honored Contributor
Posts: 33,056
Registered: ‎05-17-2010

I found out the other day I need to have a root canal (?!?!?). I've been lucky these 71 years and other than a cavity here or there, no big issues. Childhood bad experiences of being tied into a dentist chair (brother, too) & fear of unknown over take me and I always freeze with fear just to get a cleaning.

 

I always had my DD (hygienist) and her dentist take care of my teeth for the 20 years she lived on this coast. I was visiting her at least every 4 months anyway.  After she moved, I panicked getting used to a new dental practice here. 

Now a root canal? OMG!!! I haven't slept well and have had nightmares about my upcoming three (3!!!) appts. Yes, I arranged for nitrous....lots of it until unconscious if necessary. DH is driving me there and home. 

Anyone else have such a debilitating fear of dentists?

Super Contributor
Posts: 270
Registered: ‎09-10-2019

Re: STILL FEAR THE DENTIST!!!

I never had a fear of dentist until I had 2 of my wisdom tooth removed. The next day after  removal my face was swollen and the pain was unbearable. This was before there was an internet that you could look up instructions for yourself. I was not given instructions or any paperwork to read. My husband was there and he wasn't given instructions. I had never even had a cavity before so I didn't know I couldn't drink anything hot so I got a dry socket. In defense of Dentist this was at a military hospital. At that time the dental plan only covered for basic care off the base. To get any kind of oral surgery you had to go on waitlist to have student dentist from the air force work on your mouth. I had a root canal done 15 years ago and that was done by a Dentist and it went very well. You will be fine. 

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,595
Registered: ‎12-22-2013

Re: STILL FEAR THE DENTIST!!!

[ Edited ]

@Shanus 

a root canal is NOTHING!!!! I got a few numbing pinpricks with local anesthesia-felt like nothing..I just averted my eyes.  You don't feel any pain. Since the nerve is dead, afterwards you feel no pain!  It should be done by a specialist in endodontics.  I am assuming it is a lower molar?

Contributor
Posts: 71
Registered: ‎05-07-2010

Re: STILL FEAR THE DENTIST!!!

Try not to worry too much.  My husband has had two root canals, and he said he has never felt a thing....was never in any pain as they numb you up very well.  

 

I hear you though.  For a cleaning, I have to take half of a Xanax .  Doesn’t put me to sleep, but I’m not as nervous having anything done!

Honored Contributor
Posts: 18,767
Registered: ‎03-13-2010

Re: STILL FEAR THE DENTIST!!!

Nope!    I have an upcoming appointment for several implants.  (My only FEAR  is what the TOTAL BILL WILL BE!!!)

♥Surface of the Sun♥
Honored Contributor
Posts: 33,056
Registered: ‎05-17-2010

Re: STILL FEAR THE DENTIST!!!


@Justice4all wrote:

@Shanus 

a root canal is NOTHING!!!! I got a few numbing pinpricks with local anesthesia-felt like nothing..I just averted my eyes.  You don't feel any pain. Since the nerve is dead, afterwards you feel no pain!  It should be done by a specialist in endodontics.  I am assuming it is a lower molar?


 

@Justice4all  It's an upper right molar. "Gas" for me...I want to know and feel nothing. If they could do the nitrous in the parking lot to get me inside, it'd be even better. Lol

Honored Contributor
Posts: 33,056
Registered: ‎05-17-2010

Re: STILL FEAR THE DENTIST!!!


@AbbyK wrote:

Try not to worry too much.  My husband has had two root canals, and he said he has never felt a thing....was never in any pain as they numb you up very well.  

 

I hear you though.  For a cleaning, I have to take half of a Xanax .  Doesn’t put me to sleep, but I’m not as nervous having anything done!


 

@AbbyK   Oooh! You just reminded me I have a Xanax for 10 tabs I never took for a non-stop flight to Seattle last year....Doesn't it interfere w/ any other "sedation"?

 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 11,193
Registered: ‎07-21-2014

Re: STILL FEAR THE DENTIST!!!

I have had the fear of the dentist all of my life! I can get a tooth filled and checkup ok but anything else and I am terrified!  Wish you the best with your appt.

Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light. —Helen Keller
Honored Contributor
Posts: 19,346
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: STILL FEAR THE DENTIST!!!

Dear @Shanus while I don't look forward to dentist visits, I've never had them cause me anything more than mild discomfort. All I can tell you is that I've had root canals, cavities and crowns put on with just freezing the area with minimal pain.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,036
Registered: ‎07-25-2010

Re: STILL FEAR THE DENTIST!!!

I have had a root canal done before.,,,it is  truly not painful.   They swab some kind of numbing agent on the gum before they give you a couple pricks (Novocain)....and you won't feel any pain at all.

 

i never had nitrous, so can't speak to that.  But I do understand having fear of something that most people take in stride.  You can try to rationalize it all you want, but the fear is still there.  Not easy.

 

Sending you a cyber hug, and I will think good thoughts for you.  I hope when you have been through it and actually experience that it wasn't bad, that it will help you be less nervous in the future.  🌷