by troubled mind 27 Replies latest jw friends
So you're set! I worked for dentists too. I always go to my cleanings. I once assisted on the extraction of all of a man's molars. The roots were black, and the flesh smelled horribly when touched. He didn't brush his teeth or get regular cleanings. So he decided to get them all out and get dentures.
Get your cleanings!!! And work some valium out of your doctor. Or some Nerve Tonic from the natural pharmacy.
momz
I have phobias, but not about dentists. We had a good dentist when I was a kid, so I think that's why I'm not afraid. I am afraid of the novocain shot, but the dentist I have now explained that the novocain contains something like adrenalin that some people are sensitive to. It makes me feel scared and shaky. Now that I know that, I can talk myself out of some of the anxiety.
You reminded me of ancient history. My father was in the Navy, and we were sent to Guam to live for three years. Everyone had to have injections (small pox? typhoid? don't remember what it was for but I still have the scar.) My younger sister had to be tied down with sheets and even with that it took four corpsmen to hold her down while she got her shot. She was two years old!!!
Last year I went to the dentist for a cleaning. Just a cleaning. It stresses me out so badly to be at the dentist's office. I clenched the arm of the exam chair so hard that I broke it off!
Next time I went in, the dentist had brought in a paraffin wax treatment machine for my hands for relaxation and had an aromatherapy neck pillow waiting for me! I'm still tense but I haven't broken any more of the furniture.
StAnn
so I agreed to make an appointment for cleaning and check up .....
Come to SE Okla, and I will do it. It isn't that bad. I will be nice. Got a CDIB card??
Hortensia, ask the Dr. for a local anesthetic, without epinephrine. He should have it in his office. Call before to make sure. The big advantage to epi, is less bleeding, and longer acting. But for a filling, with no bleeding, and the Dr. gets in the room, within 10 - 15 minutes and starts working, there is no reason to need epi.
But to alot of dentists, it is habit, and laziness. Just give the same thing to all, the tooth that is extracted will clot, just fine, just a couple of minutes later, and if they want to take a break, after giving you the shot, they can. You will still be numb an hour later.
I always work with the non-epi local. I just feel more comfortable. If a person has high blood pressure, the constricting arteries, could be dangerous. I would just rather not be responsible. Bleeding?? Of course!! Big Deal. Patient is numb. Not enough to worry about. Rinse them in cool or cold water, it stops.
I LOVE going to the dentist and having my regular clean and polish. Even when they had to give me a filling and put this huge ass needle into my mouth it wasn't too bad. I've just got a good dentist me thinks.
Ask for the laughing gas
I have a friend who is terrified of dentists. She worked around it by finding a very quiet, patient, gentle dentist. They work out ahead of time how to prevent any pain.
I really like the dentist I have now, and the treatment has improved greatly. I was delighted to find out that he numbs the area with a topical anaesthetic before he slides in the needle. He frequently asks if I can feel anything.
I'm afraid of lizards. changeling :)
