I have been avoiding the dentist for the last 4 years, because when I got a filling done, I asked that I be numbed with NON-EPINEPHRENE medication. After 6 shots, I got shakey, sweaty and my heart rate zoomed up very high. I jumped off the chair and downed two xanax. Now, because of the defered maintenance in my mouth, I broke my back molar. I'm in an absolute panc over going to the dentist. I'm tyring out a new dentist (recommended by my DD), which doesn't help my panic state at all. This is so silly! I never used to think twice about going to the dentist UNTIL peri, now menopause.

Anyone else feel the same about dentists (poor dentists)?

Yes, and the eye doctor. I hate going to either one. Maybe the eye doctor is worse for me because my eyes are so sensitive and they always want to blow that air in for the glacoma test.

Does the gas have EPINEPHRENE in it? If I'm having any work done I insist on the gas. I went last week for a cleaning and was wishing for the gas then. Not that it's painful but it is unnerving with all the noises they make. May I suggest popping a zanex right after saying hello. It may help.

omg, I hate that little air thing at the eye doctor too!

I'm going to pre-medicate before I go and then have within arms distance while in the chair. The nitrous oxide is an option, but I'm sure the drama queen in me will freak out about the gas too! Funny thing is that I have a very high tolerance to pain but no tolerance at all to anything that's stimulating, makes the heart race or makes me feel funny.

Good idea! I can't visit the dentist anymore without taking something before I go and even then, I'm still nervous. I hate having my eyes tested too -- I feel really uncomfortable when they shine that light into the eyes.

Yes count me in...it has been quite a challenge...trying to get the courage to schedule my next visit!

Best Wishes...

TJ

I can concurr with you all and tell you what I do: medicate!
There's an old saying I have grown to appreciate as my hypochrondisitis (is that a word?) overpowers my ability to think straight on certain occassions: better living through drugs!!

I went religiously to the dentist until a few years ago when, following a shot of novacane, I had a weird reaction and my eye and face begain twitching uncontrollably (only lasted a few minutes and it happened because it hit a nerve I was told but still, freaked me out). So the NEXT time in the chair what happens? A full-blown panic attack !!! There went my dental visits for a while

But then I needed a root canal and an extraction after a large filling fell apart taking with it the remainder of the tooth.....I explained to my new dentist I could not sit in the chair for these procedures without having a panic attack...so he prescribed valium and both visits went like a breeze....

And this coming from a woman who tries her darnest to stay clear of meds just for medication sake...But I came to the conclusion that I was doing my body more harm than good getting that stressed out and my heart racing and blood pressure shooting up, which isn't good at any age but especially as we get older

So the use of sedatives was the better choice IMO .....

Good luck all!!!!

Momz

I used to be terrified of the dentist and did not go for a period of time I am embarrassed to admit. Then I found a wonderful dentist who has the kindest and gentlest manner. BUT, even so, I always need a small amount of klonopin in order to get through having my teeth cleaned.

I found that I started to relax a little when I told the dentist straight out that I was terrified. He was great.

Yes, well I may have to take you up on that one lol...


TJ

I had a root canal done and when they numbed me my heart went crazy Now I'm so afraid but I need to go in. What are we to do? The tooth that is bothering me is the very one I had a root canal on 3 times, not to mention the expence.
Glen

I am dealing with a major dental phobia. I think it started as a little kid when I refused shots of Novocaine. I had many painful feelings. I went for probably 10 years without going to the Dentist until I broke a tooth and needed a crown. That Dentist could not get me numb, ended up doing a block that numbed the whole right side of my head. I now fear not getting numb, rather than the shots. Now my head says not to worry, but my body reacts with major panic. About 3 years ago, I found a gem of a dentist. He is totally sweet and painless, really does well with people who have dental anxiety. Slowly but surely I am doing better. I have only needed cleanings and annual exams up until now and have gone through them without major anxiety, just moderate. Now I need a crown and am putting it off for fear that I won't get numb. He has promised that he will do the major block but I am still scared. If you can get your hands on some Xanax, it does wonders for taking the edge off! All I can say is, be up front about your phobia with your new dentist, and ask for Nitrous if it is available. Good luck!

I AM THE SAME WAY I HAVE BAD TEETH PERIOD NEED THEM ALL PULLED. AND NEED TO GET DENTURES IN THE FUTURE. IF YOU NEVER SEE MY TEETH IN PICS THATS WHY. I AM GETTING TO THE POINT I THINK I CAN HANDLE DENTIST, BUT NOT QUITE YET.

Same here...all of a sudden nearing panic attacks going to the dentist!! Never really had a problem before just out of the blue sitting in the waiting room and thought to run away!! So every time I have to go now I never think about it until I'm in the waiting room and I do the breathing. All panic things I've taught my mind to not think about the issue until such time as I'm there and then deal with it. It took practice .......just wish I could turn off tremors and hot flushes now...

Cheers choco

Oy vay! I have two consultations for dental major problems next week! And yep, I panic, but I have always done the routine cleanings and exams. I can't abide the dental dam used for root canals; that really throws me into an anxiety attack, plus sends the TMJ into the stratosphere. A little over a year ago, I had a root canal in an upper back molar fail, the tooth got infected and needed extracted . I did not get a bridge because I had read that wearing one usually causes the tooth immediately in front and in back of the bridge to decay ... and I thought I had time before much moving occurred. Well, my upper teeth have shifted substantially, but not in the usual way. They have actually moved down, like they are going to fall out - the left side is now lower than the right. The pain and pressure on that side of my face has been ramped up just in the last week, including some swelling. I'm not sure what needs to be done, but I am looking at extensive work: grafts for gum recession, braces and a bridge or implant. I'm terrified!!!! I don't understand why the problems. Dentists always told me (prior to my 50's) that my dental hygiene was excellent.

Dear'Gia'
Yes I have exactly the same fear so down the Xanax before I go.It is not silly but a real fear.Actually the last time I went I told my Dentist how badly I was felling.He is only in his thirties but so kind.He got me a cup of coffee and said "Don't worry my Mom is going through what you are.'He then worked very slowly and gently and gave me some muscle relaxants to use before next visit

I was blown away with this young man's kindness.his mother is one lucky lady.

Hope u have a better experience next time and find someone really empathetic.It does make a difference.

God Bless
Elizabeth

Hi Ladies,
I work for a dentist. A female dentist. We see this quite often. If you let your DDS know before hand they can prescribe you a sedative. Or if you have xanax, klonopin etc.. by all means take one before you go. Most offices are VERY understanding about the fear. Heck I get anxiety at work all the time. I'm lucky in that the woman I work for is peri/meno and so are all of the rest of us there. Some days we are all amped up or hypocondriaed (sp) out. But please say something about the epi in the shot. There is a non-epi they can give you. No there isn't any epi in the nitrous gas either. But sometimes just the feeling weird from the gas can give one some anxiety it did for me.If worst comes to worst go to a dentist that can knock you out completely if need be.
Me ..I get fraked out just going to a regular Doc or GYNO. Give me
the the dentist over a PAP anyday.
Take Care

I feel the same about dentists, opticians and especially Doctors. I have just plucked up courage to go to the dentist (she is lovely, and I knew that). Now have to work on opticians and finally the doctors.

YES, Gia!! OMG... I couldn't go for a few years!! Definately PRE MEDICATE Also... tell them. Just say "I have a reaction to your drugs, and I have a panic disorder, this is a ******* nightmare for me, I've taken xanax and I may have to get up a few times while I'm here!!" Telling them will make you feel like less of a nutcase

Good Luck sweetie, and let us know how you make out.

And.... it's not silly!!! If you're silly then we're ALL silly

(((gia)))) I'm sympathizing with you BIG TIME girlfriend!! XXOXOXOXOXOXOX HANG IN THERE!!

I will join the club too!! I have big phobic fear of the dentist, and I need to go!! I have two broken teeth in the back.....yikes!! I didn't know until fairly recently that there is epi in novacaine, and that is what I have been reacting too all this time!! I would go in feeling fine, I would get the novacaine and just FREAK OUT!! Once I even left the office and went home, AFTER I was frozen!!! I really FREAKED!! I guess that was a panic attack, but you know I never thought of it as one. I have been back, had teeth cleanings and check up, but have not had any more work done, which I really need.

When my son went in and had his wisdom teeth pulled he was told to take 3mgs of Ativan!!!! I don't know if I would even be conscious on 3mgs!!! Maybe that WOULD be the state of mind to be in!!! HAHA!!!

I got some VALIUM (non generic) in order to premedicate. Although, xanax is good, valium is the bomb for these types of things IMHO. With one to two 5mgs, I will not care who's drilling in my mouth or the epi rush for that matter.

girls...have your dentist prescribe 10mg of valium. Take it 1 hour before arriving for your major procedure.....NOTE: you will need to be driven to and from your appointment. LMBO

You could come out looking like the bumble on Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer after all his teeth were pulled out...and you'd wouldn't give a hoo haa.

Hi, Gia,

Do you know if he/she used a non-epinephrine novacaine? Two years ago, I was being numbed for my root canal when I felt like I might pass out (this was after the fourth injection). I told the dentist, and he suggested a break to let me relax for a bit. On my next visit, he said that the novacaine would not contain epinephrine. I didn't have a reaction.

On my way out, I asked the assistant if she could write down the name of this novacaine w/o epinephrine for future reference. She wrote "Mepivacaine hydrochloride 2% levonordefrin 1:20,000".

Maybe you could call your dentist and ask if he/she has this.

Colleen

Honey
If it gets the work done I would down those three mgs just like your son!
I once had a very bad allergic reaction to the novacaine and literally went into shock.It is a horrible experience.I take un-conscious over that any time!
Seriously take anti anxiety medication before your Dentist appointment and be upfront about your panic attack and phobic feelings.I think you will find most of them to be quite sympathetic,and if not find some one more caring
So get that work done!
We need to see that lovely smile!

Warm Wishes
Elizabeth