elmhar

I've had a lot of fillings & crowns over the years. Starting in my late teens, I would sporadically need more injections of local to stay numb.

This started becoming a more serious problem around age 32. I would have to shop around for dentists as a lot of them would not believe I was in pain & would continue trying to work while I was (literally) jumping out of my skin with pain.

A few yrs ago I tried to get some dental work done in Canada with a new 'more powerful' local that isn't yet approved here in the USA. No dice. The first tooth attempted was a composite filling repair, and as we could not continue, the dentist just added some overlay material to reduce sensitivity where it had worn thin.

Now at age 52, it's extremely difficult for me to get numb. I've gone to the 'best dentist' in my city -- the one most of the dentists go to themselves. He recommended Halcyon beforehand to reduce anxiety. It was a very painful filling, though small & superficial.

I've tried the locals with epi & without. They seem to not take strongly, at all, and what little effect they do have is gone within minutes. I've tried relaxation tapes, music, distraction, self-hypnosis ... nothing seems to work.

The only thing that has worked well for root planing is a high-fluoride concentration solution called 'dentin block.' Unfortunately, it was through use of this product that I discovered I have serious fluoride issues contributing to my fibromyalgia ... I am almost bedridden for several days with muscle, tendon, & joint pain after its application.

I'm stumped what to do, other than have the teeth pulled under a general when I need work done next ... which would be a pity as they've had lots of care & are in good shape. Dentists are horrified when I mention the possibility. However, I just don't know what to do. I'm not in urgent need of work at present, but I want to prepare for the eventuality.

I have tried to network & find others with this problem, but maybe they don't exist.

Any ideas?