Going to the dentist - why do I always do this to myself?

[Surfinpiratee]

I just got back from the dentist. It had been a while since my last check-up. Four and a half years since my last check-up, actually. I hate going to the dentist. Absolutely hate it. I can't stand the sounds of the place, I never like the flavor of polish they use, and I just don't like to go. So, I build it up in my mind to be this horrible event and psych myself up so much that it takes forever before I ever make another appointment. Then, when I do finally make an appointment, I absolutely dread it, assume the worst, and just drive myself nuts thinking of all the things that could possibly be found. Then I go, and there is absolutely nothing wrong. Not even so much as a cavity. Why do I do this to myself? Why can't I just be a normal person who goes to the dentist every 6 months and gets on with my life? Anyone else a major dentist wuss?

I'm the exact same way. I've NEVER had a cavity. So why I always think they're going to find something wrong is beyond me! Heck, I don't mind going to the Gynecologist one bit! That place makes more sense to me to be scared of! Ha!!

But yeah, it's been like, 4 years since I've been to the dentist. I really hate them. Like, a lot.

 

[minkydog]

I just got back from the dentist. It had been a while since my last check-up. Four and a half years since my last check-up, actually. I hate going to the dentist. Absolutely hate it. I can't stand the sounds of the place, I never like the flavor of polish they use, and I just don't like to go. So, I build it up in my mind to be this horrible event and psych myself up so much that it takes forever before I ever make another appointment. Then, when I do finally make an appointment, I absolutely dread it, assume the worst, and just drive myself nuts thinking of all the things that could possibly be found. Then I go, and there is absolutely nothing wrong. Not even so much as a cavity. Why do I do this to myself? Why can't I just be a normal person who goes to the dentist every 6 months and gets on with my life? Anyone else a major dentist wuss?

Me. I've been known to throw up in the parking lot. I have severe dental anxiety. What works for me is a dose of Xanax, nitrous oxide as soon as they take me back. They turn it up relatively high, put ear phones on with the TV turned to the Food Channel, and cover me up with a fuzzy blanket. Seriously. And that's just for cleaning and Xrays.

Recently I had to have a root canal and a crown. You can just imagine my fear. They gave me some serious sedation and I swear, it knocked me out. They said I was conscious but I don't remember a thing. Now, that's my kind of dentistry!

 

[Pikester]

I'm with all of you. I too had a horrible child hood experience where a tooth was pulled with out Novocain and since then I have total anxiety about visits. I didn't take care of my teeth when I was young so all my fillings are starting to break down, I've had one molar pulled, have had to get replacement fillings to get rid up decay under the old ones, a root canal and have to wait to get the crown in the new year because that is when my insurance kicks in again. I'll be driving over an hour tomorrow to see the dentist about the tooth I got the root canal in to make sure how it's been feeling is normal. I do keep my teeth very clean now but the damage was done.

 

[Handbag Lady]

Medication for anxiety, Hypnosis. & Sleep Dentistry. Maybe, some aid can be considered.

But they won't let me in drunk!

 

[BadgerGirl84]

I'm glad to know I'm not the only one! I would rather go to ANY doctor than the dentist. I would rather get a shot every day for a year than go see the dentist. It's absolutely ridiculous, but there never really is anything major wrong. I've only had one filling ever, and that was when I was 25. I have never needed a root canal, a crown, a bridge, or anything like that. I hate the sounds of the scraping and the spit sucker thing. I hate the way the polisher feels and sounds. And I am absolutely terrified that they will find something wrong, have to drill some, pull some, do some root canals, etc. Of course, if I would just be diligent and go every 6 months, the anxiety before each appointment MIGHT be worse. I mean, I work up in my mind that I haven't been in so long that they HAVE to find something wrong. Ugh. I wish I was not a mental nut when it came to the dentist. At least I am in good company, though.

YESSSSS. I could have written this myself. I had been really good about going every six months (they day of that appt it always seems like the fastest six months EVER!) despite my fear and hatred of it. Then I missed an appointment like 2 years ago, then I was pregnant so I told myself to skip it b/c they can't do the x-rays, now I say I can't go because who would watch my baby....excuses, excuses...

 

[undertheradar]

The weird thing is, I KNOW THIS. It happened to my aunt. Still, they need to come up with a shot that can just get me in the front door first. Like most fears, mine is totally irrational. But it is still a fear nonetheless.

We know a great dentist in Newbury Park who is the best we have ever used. Send me a PM and I'll give you his info.

 

[MouseLover]

I have tremendous fear of dentist too. Going every six months as a child , I nearly always needed fillings. My baby teeth had no enamel. I now haven't been in 3 years and I dread it due to pain and costs. I'm sure I need a root canal and crown. Last time I had that procedure it cost me $800 out of pocket after insurance paid. That was several years ago. I just cannot afford to go right now. Even if that means losing my tooth.

 

[lauradis]

But they won't let me in drunk!

velum? sp mother little helper pills.