In Grave Danger - Dental Health Message Board

themisiek1 · 07-01-2008, 12:08 AM

Misiek here, again. I' am 17 soon to be 18 years old.

I need to see a dentist. End of Story. I need to see a dentist. I' am terrified of dentists. I can not explain how bad my phobia is. I made the decision of going 10 minutes ago and have already thrown up 3 times. Everything is blurry, I' am sweating profusely. My heart is beating out of control.

I haven't even picked up the phone or made an appointment. Just made the decision. This is all serious, no joke.

I heard about this new dentistry where they use anesthetic on you. What does everyone think? If I could be unconicous and not have to see anything be done that would be the goal. As if I was asleep. I know about pain afterwards but during it would be good if I was out. I would volunteer to have someone hit me over the head with a brick if I had to.

Any help is appreciated. I need a way of finding listing. I have been hitting walls. Its for Newark, New Jersey. Anything within 2 hours driving range is good. Please help anybody. I need a dentist AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

bergerbaby · 07-01-2008, 11:00 AM

why do you need to see a dentist? are you in pain? if you are ,get some recomendations of family or friends for a good dentist
but your first visit ,will only be just checking your mouth and x-rays ,thats it !!

also a good dentist will not hurt you !! if after your first visit ,he has to do a filling etc,and your still worried and scared ,then ask to have the injection ,it will cost you ,but be worth it if you are in desperate need for dental treatment

but if your teeth look ok and your in no pain ,then dont bother going dentist

Evie4 · 07-01-2008, 12:29 PM

Some people are terribly afraid of the dentist...I know one. This is my opinion from what I know, but no dentist is going to put you under general anesthesia when you need to get routine dentistry. Your dentist can prescribe a sedative when you need work done. I've never had gas, I'm afraid it might make me sick--but I hear other people like it. That may work for you. There are other options as well, but they don't "put you to sleep". Bottom line, you need to find a gentle dentist who will listen to you describe your anxiety problems and work with you.

I have to mention that you (and this is just my observation) are overreacting. Getting sick over only having made the decision is new to me. I understand building up the anxiety to go, but getting this worked up in deciding to go makes me wonder if maybe you should seek some counseling to help you. Is it possible you react this way to other things in your life? Just a thought.

When it comes to healthcare...you have to do your homework. You need to talk to people about how they like their dentist. Nothing is better than hearing people's first hand experience.

Thelma-Louise · 07-01-2008, 09:07 PM

There are quite a few dentist in the NJ/NY/CT tri-state area that practice sedation or "twilight" dentistry where you are either put to sleep or given nitrous oxide and novcaine injections - I see ads in magazines and newspapers all the time so start searching for one or asking friends, family or other drs for a referral - even call dental schools and universities in your area - I know there is one in NJ - and they may be able to offer a referral as well. They may be pricier than regular dentists and insurance may not cover all the costs but its better than not getting dental care at all. A lot of people have a phobia of dentists - and other things as well - so don't worry too much about what other people think - and do what is best and what works for you.

It might be best when you do finally go see the dentist that you just schedule a consult - no exam or xrays or treatment of any kind - just talk to him/her and explain your problem and see if you feel comfortable with them, etc. Find out what kind of sedation they use, if they participate with your dental insurance plan, can they give you names of other patients you can talk to and discuss their treatment by this dentist, etc. It might take you a few consultations to find the right dentist for you. Good Luck.

Evie4 · 07-01-2008, 09:37 PM

[QUOTE=... sedation or "twilight" dentistry where you are either put to sleep or given nitrous oxide... [/QUOTE]

I just wanted to mention...I just had a family member have all their upper teeth removed recently. I think the method was what is referred to as "twilight". She said the procedure was over and it was as if they had just begun. However, as she explained, and is my concern for themisiek1 is the anxiety leading up to the appointment when the work is to be done. Her fear was so great her blood pressure shot up (and it normally runs low). She was making herself sick before she ever got to the office. Her fear doesn't come from bad experiences, she is just deathly afraid.

I do understand your fear. Thelma-Louise gives you excellent advice. It is really important that you "shop" for the right dentist. Another thought is to look for a dentist that works with lots of children. Such dentists are typically very easy to talk to and very patient...also used to working with patients with fear.

It is good to hear that even though you have a phobia, you still find dental care to be necessary and you want to take care of your teeth. Some people just simply won't go...and that is very sad. You are braver than you know!!!