Dental Health & Cosmetics

Hi,

My name is Tina, I'm 35yrs old, I live in Northern California, I have a huge fear of going to the dentist that it becomes physical for me, I know there is a lot work to be done in my mouth since I have not been to one in a long time. I want to get my teeth worked on but what scares me is if I have to be put under or that laughing gas. I would probably have to go to a low cost or school to get my teeth worked on and afraid if they know what they are doing.

If anyone has words of encouragement or suggestion, let me know,

Thank you,

Tina

Glad you found us Tina and hope I can allay your fears a bit.

Fear is probably the number one reason why many folks avoid seeing a dentist. There are so many now that cater to fearful patients that there is no shame in telling them up front.

Are you uninsured? Is that why you mention going to a low cost/dental school? No matter where you go, be sure to ask for credentials (it is your right) and if you don't feel comfortable, leave!

Of course you already know that you've put yourself in a more perilous position by avoiding dental care for so long, right? Call a few places and be sure to tell them of your fears and that you've not seen a dentist in a while.

What about anesthesia scares you? Maybe you had it years ago and had a bad experience, but remember that technology is always changing and improving. I've had a lot of dental work done with 'twilight' sleep. I think I am awake, but before I realize it, the procedure has been done and I'm finished! Great stuff, if you ask me. LOL

Please feel free to ask whatever other questions you have and I'll try to answer, or find information for you. Better to get a late start with your dental care than not at all!

CL of  Back & Neck Pain, Stomach, Digestive & Bowel Disorders and  Dental Health & Cosmetics

 

Hello,

Thanks for replying to my post, your so nice and super supportive, I don't have insurance that's why I said low cost place. I've never had anthesia where your completely out before and it scares me to death, that I might not wake up.

Tina

Aw, thanks Tina!

Honestly, the type of anesthesia that might be used is very short acting and is in and out of your system quickly. Have you ever had Novocaine to numb any area of the mouth? Depending on what needs to be done, you might not need anything. So much has changed and improved over the years!

Here is some general information that you might find helpful...

http://oral.health.ivillage.com/oralsignssymptoms/dentalpain.cfm

Low cost doesn't have to mean poor quality! Be sure to call places and ask what their criteria is, what type of training their people have...if it is a dental school, the teacher/dentist has to oversee everything that is being done.

Please continue to post and let me know when you've made that first appointment...I'll be here to support you as much as you need.  If I didn't suggest it before, another good way to learn more is to scroll through past posts and see what subjects and concerns have been brought up here. Just about everyone has concerns when it comes to dentists!

CL of  Back & Neck Pain, Stomach, Digestive & Bowel Disorders and  Dental Health & Cosmetics

 

hi tina :)

i'm a dental hygienist (i just graduated). i've been a dental assistant since 1997 and have also had my fair share of dental work including laughing gas (nitrous oxide), anesthetic (numbing solution), and complete anesthesia (knocked out). all of which had no side effects or complications. laughing gas and anesthetic are very safe. and complete anesthesia is rarely used in dentistry unless there is actual surgery involved.

dental school- everything done in a dental school is overseen by supervising dentists so no 'bad dental work' would be allowed, their grade is on the line. however, what you save in money you pay for in time. a regular procedure could end up longer that a regular dental office.

i have some questions for you:

when was your last dental cleaning?
what type of dental work have you had done in the past?
did you have a bad dental experience that made you afraid?
do you currently have any dental concerns such as pain or loose teeth?

35 is pretty young so it's possible you may not need such extensive dental work as you may think. you may want to start out with a dental cleaning and a check up and ease yourself into the actual dental work itself.

believe it or not there are dentists out there who specialize in working with anxious patients.

take care :)