I have an appointment in a week, and I’m really looking for some reassurance from others’ experiences here...
I’ve been referred for IV sedation (so not total unconsciousness) after my dentist was unable to complete a root canal and later a filling because I felt pain during both appointments. I already have severe anxiety of the dentist to the point I feel nauseous and terrified just thinking about it, but these last two appointments actually hurt, so it’s made it worse for me!
So for sedation...I know it’ll make me relaxed, but does it actually help with physical pain? Also I’m really worried that I’ll still feel so anxious anyway, the sedation won’t actually work (because my body/mind will be too worked up to let it)...is that possible?
I just don’t want to go and be subjected to another horrible experience. I know I need the work done (I’ve already had issues with the root canal tooth in waiting) and I do want to get it done, but I am absolutely terrified to the point I’m losing sleep.
hi jen475, you are in luck. i am as scared as you are and when i get novacaine, they have to give me an extra dose. this is what happenes to me and ive had it several times. you sit down, everyone is talking, they put the little, bitty, needle in your arm (you wont fill IT) and people are talking and wham,,,,you are out....not just a little but out. when you wake up it likes, what? its over? they may even tell you you wont go to sleep but i always do. NOW< theres another way called nitrous oxide. they place the crappy thing over your nose and you take some deep breaths and you dont actually go to sleep but you feel no pain and you dont care what they are doing b/c youre busy with your own little thoughts. then when done, they give you straight oxygen for a minute and then your head is clear and youre fine. Im telling yoiu both in case they change their minds. put im like you and im 67 yrs old. they laugh at me at my dentist ofc. just for a cleaning , i come in and say , ok, i took my klonopin!!! good luck to you . calm down. it will work. they know how anxious you are, believe me.
Thank you for your response! I’m glad to hear. They don’t do the oxide at this dentist though so only IV, and I’m not worried about the needle just so long as the stuff they’re putting through it works! Last time I had to get topped up with the Novocain, the entire side of my face was numb and when they were poking my tooth, I genuinely couldn’t feel anything. But the moment they started with the drilling - that was like lightning!!! The drill is the worst part. So long as the IV will stop the pain/noise/everything about the drill, I should be fine...still get sick at the thought though.
repeat something to yourself over and over....like "im gonna br fine at the dentist" That way your brain hears something positive and by the time you go , your body should react positively, too. (well, you know....i had to say that. lol good luck)