Do You Suffer Severe Anxiety When Going To The Dentist?

[seedling]

My old dentist anxiety has returned now, with having PTSD.

Thought I got over it little by little over the years except for the minor fist clenching and sweaty palms at the beginning. Now it is back on me again.

I have a great dentist who always gives me extra anesthetic because he knows my teeth are sensitive. He's careful not to poke around hard etc...

But now I've been a real wimp and am afraid of how it will be if I have to have a tooth pulled or something major done. I've always been a pretty mellow patient, what with his easy way and cheerful attitude. Not sure what to say to explain the change.

Had the gut clenching sick anxiety going in with the kids for our cleanings this summer.

Good luck on Tues, pandora

 

[anni]

That's something I thought. seriously, was maybe 'just me'-or not many, anyway-from leaving this stupid thing alone to grow tentacles for years, It didn't make sense that non-trauma related things also got included in things-which cause-anxiety. So frustrating! At least the dentist thing did become better, so was fortunate there. It can happen-just doesn't feel much like it at the time, I know.

 

[pandora]

Well it is sunday...two more days! Freaking anxiety has taken hold but I just have to keep telling myself that I can do this, I am strong! Now...I just have to beleive that. Still silent treatment from my Mom, as usual, hopefully she comes around before tues.

 

[seedling]

Hang in there pandora. And weak or strong, you are you and you will make it.

 

[anni]

Wednesday isn't that far away, either. It'll all be over by then-you can do this. Just what I have to keep telling myself if have to do anything court-related. Sounds like it's the same exact thing with the dentist for you. It's over soon.

 

[pandora]

Well..on monday I deceided to clean the entire house as I knew I was going to be out of comission for a few days and then yesterday the headache started and by noon I could not stop vomitting. I am not sure if it was because I was so scared or because of me overdoing it monday. I had to cancel and now go in two weeks. Now I have two more weeks to worry about this...So, it will be over with two weeks from saturday! My mother is in nice mode again..I will see how long this lasts! I swear she has numerous personalities and I never know what I am going to get! Life...my life, stressful and my ptsd cup is overflowing!

 

[Tess_Durbeyfield]

When I was a child I had a sadistic dentist who would pry my mouth open and strap my arms to the chair. my mother just watched while I screamed and cried. Now I can't get any more than a cleaning with out nerve pills and nitrous.

 

[seraphimfelldown]

I have always asked my GP for a decent dose of Valium before I go for the appointment to get things taken out. (Not the one where they look to see what they're going to do.) Some dentists also do "twilight sleep" but it costs a bit more tho. But you don't remember anything. You need a friend you can trust to go along with you for both of these methods so you know things are ok.

 

[Srain]

I've had my own issues with going to the dentist. Usually I have to drive myself meaning I can't take anything :eek:...I ALWAYS reschedule at once and as many as 3-4...they know it, I know it, my husband is usually surprised :rolleyes:...wtf? I eventually get in there because I know I have to. I hate the blinding lights, the water in my face, the sounds, the face near mine, it's all just YUCK!! I look away the whole time or close my eyes.

My Daughter IL sent me a picture of the kids' dentist office...it's a replica of the hometown football stadium! It's ADORABLE and FUN. My baby has to have his tooth pulled and some worked done but there he is playing and smiling! :) Not like me, I'll tell you that!!

I'm grateful his experience is different than mine.

Rain

<Edited to follow on from post before deleted post. By Amethist>

 

[AngelaMarie]

Last time I went I had a panic attack!:confused::eek:

 

[Sandra]

I remember when I still had my own teeth I used to go this special dentist that would put me out while he worked on me. I had no regrets doing it that way believe me.

 

[pandora]

OMG...I forgot about this post....that was like a year ago. I had 4 teeth pulled in three sessions, with three fillings. I did one without medication and cried and shook the entire time. All of the other, I had conscious sedation and the last appt my boyfriend sat in the room to make me feel more comfortable. I made it through and actually have had no pain in my mouth since all the teeth were pulled and fixed. The down side of this story. I have been able to eat this year again..I have gained 25 pounds. i am not happy about that...lol. I made it..I am strong! I just have to keep telling myself...I am strong. Some days it could not feel any more the opposite.....I should post this under success stories though!