AW: scared sh!tless about going to the dentist

babyglo350 · April 2014

I haven't had a cavity filled since I was kid. They found one now and I know I need novacaine. I'm freaking out. All I remember is pain and tears when I was a child at the dentist. I'm 28 years old and I wish my mom was with me. I feel like I may have a mini panic attack. This is totally stupid. I know that. But I'm so scared that I'm procrastinating to leave the house. I may even cry. Sorry but just typing it out is helping me come to grips.

Taymiller · April 2014

I hate the dentist with a firey passion and have had a lot of fillings and a root canal but as much as I drag my feet and cry during the appt, I always feel better after. So as much as it sucks just rip the bandaid off and do it. I am scheduling my cleaning today which I hate hate hate but I will have happy teeth after

babyglo350 · April 2014

I'm legit freaking out. But I'm fully aware of how ridiculous it is. I'm going but if I can't handle it I'm gonna leave. Thanks for the advice.

Savvy122 · April 2014

I completely understand your fear. I'm so terrified of the dentist due to a previous traumatic experience that I've put off going for much longer than I'd like to admit. I don't have any advice for you, but good luck today!

Susanrush13 · April 2014

My gums were WAY swollen and infected around my wisdom teeth so my dentist put me on an antibiotic and scheduled three visits of teeth cleans and fillings. The first two visits I had shots to the gums to numb every thing (he only worked on half the mouth at a time) and the third will be tomorrow to "polish" them.

It sucks but I'm happy I did it. Teeth feel better and it's over.

k2k2tog · April 2014

You can handle it, I'm sure of it. Let your dentist know about your anxiety about this and make sure you speak up if it hurts. I have always found the worst part of a trip to the dentist is the injection of the local anesthetic right at the beginning. Once you're frozen, you might as well let the dentist finish.

Honestly, I wouldn't wait 'til after LO is here to deal with this... cavities that require filling don't just go away, so you might as well deal with this now. You can do it!

BMaidPlanner · April 2014

They topically numb the area (like gel on a q tip) before giving you a shot to numb it further. I didn't feel anything.

I am waiting to get something done after birth because they need to xray and wanted to wait.

Taymiller · April 2014

Yes take care of the cavity with a filling before you have to get a root canal, they are not fun!

ElTrain5 · April 2014

Oh honey, I am right there with you with the needle phobia. Usually I take a Xanax and get the gas to help but I'm still jumping out of the chair. The only advice I can give you is to let them know ahead of time about the phobia, and ask if you can come into the office when you'll be able to get right in, and if they can get you started ASAP so there's no waiting. You just walk in, sit down, and they do it. Then it's over and you can relax. Sorry you're going through this, I know it's the pits

brooklyngirl46 · April 2014

I have a lot of work being done (yay for having dental issues from birth due to being a preemie!). I think every one of my teeth has had a cavity.

What helped me last time was thinking of my LO, and focusing on how what I'm doing is good for the baby. I tried to focus on feeling the LO move/kick/swish, and that calmed me down a lot.

I also always try to take a tylenol if I can, just before I go in. It helps with any minor aches/pains, etc.

Cherylwang · April 2014

I like when they put the numbing cream on before they do the shot then you barely feel it. I got a cavity filled when I was pregnant. It was no big deal. Try to relax.

Kinipela7 · April 2014

Cavities are no big deal - you can do it!

MrsAy · April 2014

I also hate the thought of going to the dentist and always feel a hole in my stomach before I go to an appointment but as a pp said you always feel much better afterwards.
I'm actually going today too, I didn't take care of a cavity I had before I got pregnant and about two weeks ago I started with a pain that was so unbearable I had to go to the dentist right away and now I'm in for a root canal. It's not only painful but also super expensive.
Just make sure your you check with your OB before you get any procedures done, mine made the dentist called him and explain everything that was going to be used just to make sure it was safe for the baby.

jtaylor199 · April 2014

I have never had a cavity (I know, I'm special), but my husband has had his share. If it's the initial needle that you're concerned about I know that our dentist does this weird thing where they pinch and shake the side of your mouth while doing the injection. He said you can't even feel it. It might be worth asking if they have a technique they can use at your office. I'm sure you'll do fine and you'll feel much better after. You really don't want that infection to spread to other teeth!!

owlcup · April 2014

If you can, bring headphones! I find the worst part of getting a cavity filled is listening to the drill. It makes me squeamish now just thinking of it.

Good luck! The dentist sucks but your teeth will thank you!

babyglo350 · April 2014

Ok ladies. I did it!!!! The dentist almost didn't want to to do it because my heart rate was so high. She gave me a few mins to calm and she talked me through the whole thing. It took longer the get the shot than it took to drill the tooth. However, I was white knuckled the entire time. Lol. The sound of the drill almost sent me over the edge. Then she said one little thing that absolutely changed my attitude. She asked me " what are you going to do when you give birth?" I chilled out after that. Lol. Thanks for all your support. I thought I was being a big baby but it was and is a legitimate fear for so many of us.

Taymiller · April 2014

@babyglo350 - Good job!!! Be careful not to bite the inside of your mouth now for the next couple of hours

CherSomething · April 2014

Aww See it wasn't that bad.

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