I've been on antidepressantes for 18months and now I have incredibly painful teeth that are starting to crumble. I need a root canal on 4 of my teeth and 2 removed. But...
I have a massive fear of the dentist! I have panic attacks just booking an appointment and can't sit in the chair! I need to stand up to be examined. I know I need all this work done and I'm in constant pain.
The antidepressants mean my teeth will continue to crumble.
So I asked my dentist to sedate me and remove them all now to save months of severe pain and panic and I got told it wasn't an option.
To me its a logical option. I'm in so much pain and so scared. Therapy hasn't helped.
Somebody please help?!?
Can you speak to your GP or if you have a psychiatric nurse or consultant. You could also speak to an advocate at MIND. I've suffered with panic attacks and also have a fear if dentists, though not quite as bad as yours, I understand how you must be feeling. You need some support with this problem especially as you're in physical pain too. Try to get someone to help you with this as the pain and situation won't go away. You need a professional of some sort to listen, help and advise. Maybe start with the clinician who prescribes the antidepressants. Hope this helps.
Hi, thanks for replying.
My doctor says its a dental issue so won't get involved. I've tried swapping types but these suit me best mentally.
I'd just like so much to be rid of my teeth and have dentures.
I've had as many councling sessions as deemed nessesary but still have this insane fear (stated when I had braces fitted and by a cruel dentist!)
Its getting me down :-(
I tried MIND but didn't find them very helpful. just wanted to sell my leaflets that I could lookup free online anyway.
Lost all faith in therapy sessions as not getting to the root of the problem.
Oh I do sympathise with you. Your problem in having the treatment by the dentist is a physical/mental health problem as it's the panic attacks you fear. As your doctor prescribed the antidepressants and presumably the counselling sessions he should understand your dilemma. Maybe try talking to him again for his advice or possibly another dentist more sympathetic to your issues even possibly an assessment with a private dentist if you could afford it. Even if just paying for assessment and advice it may be worth it.
Hi Bea. Just had another thought which might be helpful. You could speak to the NHS PALS (patient advice and liaison service). You could try the one for your local healthcare commissioners probably a PCT (Primary Care Trust). The phone number should be in your local area book or available on the NHS website. They will listen to your problem and if necessary liaise with dental service on your behalf. They will speak to you on the phone. Good luck!