no subject

[taimatsu]

I forgot to mention, yesterday I checked my college pigeonhole, and I had in it a note from the dentists' asking me to make a check-up appointment. That means it was about 67 months since I last went - and six months since they told me I should have my next-to-front tooth filled. I was too scared to have it done then, and still haven't. I have had a lot of dental work done at one time or another, but I've never got over the 'needles in the mouth' thing, and drills are even worse. It doesn't help that I've only had back teeth done before, and I have a feeling that a front tooth will be worse. I guess I could ring up and explain that I'm an 'anxious patient' but I just don't want to go, at all, ever, no way, uh-uh, not nohow.

But I need to get this tooth sorted or it will get worse and then get really bad and then have to be pulled out or something. what should I do?

Comments

[mhw.livejournal.com]

You should call your dentist and tell them that you're anxious. They have plenty - or should have plenty - of experience of people in your situation. I had to persuade my mother for MONTHS to visit her dentist not so long ago. She was treated so carefully and kindly that she then wanted to know why she'd made all that fuss :)

If you really can't bear being conscious during the procedure, there's always the option of general anaesthesia, but you may have to be referred to a hospital dental clinic, since dentists are in general highly reluctant to give general anaesthetics any more.

Having a friend along to hold your hand and be ressuring may also be a good idea, as may having a personal stereo with your favourite relaxing music. Discuss strategies with your dentist - I promise they'll try to make it as easy as possible for you. At least, if they won't, it's highlly indicative that it's time to find yourself a decent dentist :)

[taimatsu]

I suppose if I *do* chicken out, I could always get it done whenever I get my wisdon teeth done, which should be this summer by rights, but might not be till Christmas now I'm working. But that ight be silly. Yes, I'll call tomorrow and say 'Help, I'm scared!' :)

[lnr]

It's also possible to have work done under sedation, where you're not actually put to sleep but just very relaxed, and not aware of any pain. You usually need someone to take you home and look after you after it, since you're not very with it, but it's certainly an option and a slightly less drastic one at that. I think the advice to tell your dentist how nervous you are is very good.