Phobia and EXTREME nerves - can I do myself harm by NOT seeing a dentist? PART 1

[JC45]

Hi I would appreciate some advice.  This has been on my mind for a very long time now, and I really do not know how to proceed. I know I need help.

I am 45, and am absolutely unable to visit the dentist through fear. I simply cannot go, and have made appointments and cancelled over the years, even to the point of running out of the waiting room.  I think this extreme phobia started when I was a child and had less than gentle school dentist, and I had a root canal treatment on a molar at the age of 30 which I found to be incredibly painful and I felt very out of control.  This phobia has built up over the years, I used to be OK...I never enjoyed the visits but I could cope.  But for the last few years I have just felt unable to go, even the thought of that metal 'pick' they use the check-up is enough to get my stomach churning.

[Jerome Bogin, D.D.S.]

I can appreciate where you are coming from. Unless you are lucky you will have to have some dental treatment in your life time. certainly you need to have your teeth cleaned. I am sure you are aware that studies have linked a number of diseases that have a direct relationship with dental disease. That being said I would suggest you find a dentist that adminsters IV sedation that will allow you to be treated.The quicker you seek out this treatment the less treatment you will need. `

[JC45]

Part 2
I don't have great teeth, none of my family do, but I am scrupulous with my gums and teth, I limit my sugar intake, I floss, I use Listerene and I do everything to ensure good mouth health.

This is the point when the dentist here will probably suck in his breath and shake his head, but for the last two years, I have been having pain with a rear lower wisdom tooth. This tooth is amalgam filled.  I have had slight nagging pain after chewing, sometimes I will have pain  out of the blue for no reason which goes away with pain killers. I have Amoxycillin for a recurring sinus infection which I take whenever I get pain and this seems to send it off for another few weeks.  Recently whenever I drink hot liquid it hurts for about ten minutes then the pain ebbs. I now have a permanent but copeable, dull ache in the corner of my jaw and a hot feeling around my ear.    

Can I get bone  or jaw problems from not seeing a dentist?  If I leave it long enough, will the tooth die on it's own?

How can I get over my fear, I would LOVE to be able to sit in the dentists chair and get all my teeth checked.  I am quite vain, like all women probably, and although my front teeth are great I know they will not stay that way forever. I need a scale and polish apart from anything else.  

I live in Scotland and my NHS dentist will not provide sedation. I tried taking diazepam tablets for the root canal, but as soon as I felt pain all the effects of it seemed to wear off.  I just know this tooth is beyond help and I will need another root canal, but I can't bear the thought on such a big back tooth.

I am grateful for ANY help
thankyou
JC

[JC45]

PS I am SO sorry to have posted such a long comment but I felt I needed to explain all.  Thanks for your patience

[mike1105]

you may want to consult a psychologist, or you may have to pay to be sedated if it is not covered by your insurance.

[irun5k]

Dear JC,

I can (partially) relate to you and I definitely sympathize with you.  I've always had a fear of dentists, doctors, etc. and have had several incidents during even routine visits because of my lack of comfortability.

For me personally, I've always put my health as #1 and have fought my way through fear to show up for appointments and sit through treatments.  A few times I've passed out initially, but then I'm usually okay.  Recently I've gotten better about this.  In the past I had ignored medical conditions to the point where the condition was one of the most severe cases my doctor had seen, when I finally went.

I generally try to compartmentalize the treatment into a given amount of time.  For example, my dentist appointment might last an hour and a half, tops.  By keeping this in mind I can mentally put that hour and a half into a bag, tie the top, and throw it away.  I contrast this to a terminal illness or something that isn't so easily forgotten about after a treatment.

Sometimes, planning a reward for myself a couple weeks after the treatment or visit helps also, if it is something you can think about during the visit.  Anything to take your mind off what is actually happening might help.  Although, I think the reward helps more in the lead up to the appointment.  

I really wish this type of problem got more attention.  I know I have struggled with it and I know a lot of other people do as well.  Those who don't have this problem tend to write it off.  Well, we are normal people.  Nobody is perfect.  Everyone has something in life they struggle with.  Telling us to just "get over it" is like telling a life-long alcoholic to just quit drinking.  It is aways easier on the other side.

Anyway, find a good dentist, and let them know about your concerns.  If you find an office with a caring staff, they will go out of their way to make sure you are comfortable.  I'm not sure if this helps.  But I want to let you know you're not alone and others have gotten through it.  Please try and see a dentist.

[pertykitty]

i understand from my days working as a dental asst. there are drs that prescribe valium, do sedation, and are very very loving and empathetic. and having a great asst is one of the best things you can find! she will stay with you, talk to you, and comfort you every minute you are there. you can get over this. i have helped many patients overcome their fear. i wish i could help you!! there are great dentists out there and you need to ask friends about where they go and how they are. call and talk to the receptionist on the phone. that can give you an idea too as to how their office is. please dont avoid the dentist. its so much easier in the early stages. maybe even hypnosis can  help you. i know a few that have fears from molestation or complete torture from many years ago, and with the right office, they are getting the treatment they need!

[JC45]

Thank you all.  I live in Scotland UK, and really, in my area dentists who practice IV sedation are not common. I am not bothered about the costs of private treatment, I just know I need to get this work done.

I am planning to make an appointment with my dentist in the next couple of days, but this is a huge step for me, I can't believe how much I shake even at the thought of lifting the phone.  How irrational is that. The last time I had treatment I was as rigid as a board and cried throughout which must have been awful for the poor dentist.  

I also appreciate the comment (I can't see the thread so sorry I can't mention the posters name) about putting the appontment time in a 'bag' and tying the top of it.  That makes sense to me.  It is after all, only a half hour appointment, and before I know it I will be back home.

Thnks all.