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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 17 of 17. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by leeran on April 28, 2003, at 10:32:30
I am sitting here in a near panic attack. Does anyone else go into a tailspin about dental appointments?
I have a dental appointment at 11:00 with a new dentist that I researched in my typical obsessive fashion, going through the list of providers one by one for an entire afternoon until I found something positive about one of them out of about 150 on the internet.
I have the directions to the office printed (20 miles away in a neighborhood I've never been to), copies of what our insurance company covers, and a bottle of Zithromax in case they require it before the examination (I have a very slight myocardial infarction and most dental offices require antibiotics before examination). I'm more prepared than when I went to the hospital to give birth.
Part of my anxiety stems back to a bike accident in college that ended up with a fixed bridge that's grown to six teeth over the twenty years since college. Plus, I have a broken back tooth that's going to require excessive work.
One attraction is that this dentist is a "sedation dentist," plus, he's an assistant professor at one of the large universities here - and he has a website (don't ask me why that's important - I think because I can safely sit at my computer and evaluate the situation beforehand). BUT, the "patient coordinator" said he (the dentist) could have his moods.
I dreamt last night that all my top teeth (not just the bridge) fell out in his hand, one quadrant at a time. I also dreamt about a weird bathroom incident wherein the dentist could look through a sixties type beaded door curtain and see me GOING to the bathroom and when I flushed, the water was designed to cover the carpet versus going down the drain (I have had "bathroom anxiety dreams" for years and they always crop up, I guess, when I'm facing a stressful situation).
Sorry to go on about this, but I was wondering if anyone else has this horrid anxiety about dentists and having your mouth pryed around with.
Posted by Tabitha on April 28, 2003, at 10:45:10
In reply to Dental phobia, posted by leeran on April 28, 2003, at 10:32:30
Sedation should help, no? I hate the dentist, but maybe not with that intensity. I have funny nerves on one side (so I was told) and despite the novacain (sp?) get awful twinges during fillings and a root canal, so I'm always white-knuckling it during a procedure on that side (Hmmm... maybe this story isn't helping... ) Anyway, I usually just try to focus on my breathing in the chair, and think of how relieved I'll feel when it's over.
Good for you for finding a dentist though. That's on my To Do list right now.
Posted by leeran on April 28, 2003, at 11:04:39
In reply to Re: Dental phobia, posted by Tabitha on April 28, 2003, at 10:45:10
Tabitha,
Actually, the breathing is a good idea, thank you!
I used to do yoga all the time and the breathing technique really helped when I had collagen injected. Believe it or not, the office manager was known to even come in and "hold the hand" of the patient, but it was the breathing that kept me in control . . .
Unfortunately, I haven't done yoga for the last 14 months and a lot of my anxiety has returned (I'm pretty sure there might be a correlation since I was able to be AD free during the months I did yoga). Maybe it's time to go back, especially with the prospect of dental work looming in the immediate future.
Thanks again, Tabitha!
p.s. If you're on the West Coast (Southern part) there are a lot of sedation dentists cropping up (which you may already know about).
Posted by coral on April 28, 2003, at 11:28:56
In reply to Re: Dental phobia » Tabitha, posted by leeran on April 28, 2003, at 11:04:39
And, with good reason, too!!!! I have quad nerves and tiny canals! Bad combo. Too many root canals to count, all my teeth are crowned.
My technique is first, to make blasted sure the dentist understands that what I'm telling him/her is true and listens.
I take nitrous to the max, and require extra injections of the local - my dentist used a new one last time.... Serra or something like that, (I can find out if you like). It was great! I also take head phones and listen to an engrossing piece of music loud (my favorite is War of the Worlds) --- it's a modern opera... sort of LOL, as well as a blindfold, and I dab a bit of perfume in vaseline under my nose. I request the use of a bite block. All of these devices are designed to keep me from hearing, seeing, smelling, and I can clamp my jaw without worrying about taking off someone's finger.
Also, I never leave w/o a pain script and immediately go home and apply cold (frozen peas work wonderfully).
You have my sympathies....
Coral
Posted by leeran on April 28, 2003, at 11:45:17
In reply to Re: Dental phobia YES, posted by coral on April 28, 2003, at 11:28:56
Coral -
Head phones! Yes, a great idea! Soundproofing!
THANK YOU!
Lee
p.s. Perhaps in May, when that appointment comes due, we can discuss pelvic exams . . .
Posted by maryhelen on April 28, 2003, at 16:35:16
In reply to Re: Dental phobia YES » coral, posted by leeran on April 28, 2003, at 11:45:17
leeran:
I used to be terrified to go the dentist. Now I actually look forward to it. Sounds strange but the reason is the nitrous oxide. I have never used cocaine before but by the way people talk about it the feeling has to be similar. If that is the kind of sedation you are talking about I don't think you have anything to worry about. If it is not high enough, I just ask him to turn it up. It is great too to have the relief from the depression if only for a short period of time.
All the best,
maryhelen
Posted by noa on April 28, 2003, at 17:28:37
In reply to Re: Dental phobia YES » coral, posted by leeran on April 28, 2003, at 11:45:17
Headphones do help. I once had a dentist (another place, another time) who gave me headphones to wear during dental work.
Posted by WorryGirl on April 29, 2003, at 2:07:33
In reply to Dental phobia, posted by leeran on April 28, 2003, at 10:32:30
> I am sitting here in a near panic attack. Does anyone else go into a tailspin about dental appointments?
>
I used to.> I have a dental appointment at 11:00 with a new dentist that I researched in my typical obsessive fashion, going through the list of providers one by one for an entire afternoon until I found something positive about one of them out of about 150 on the internet.
>
> I have the directions to the office printed (20 miles away in a neighborhood I've never been to), copies of what our insurance company covers, and a bottle of Zithromax in case they require it before the examination (I have a very slight myocardial infarction and most dental offices require antibiotics before examination). I'm more prepared than when I went to the hospital to give birth.
>I understand how you feel. If it comforts you at all, dentists seem to be much gentler than they were in the past.
> Part of my anxiety stems back to a bike accident in college that ended up with a fixed bridge that's grown to six teeth over the twenty years since college. Plus, I have a broken back tooth that's going to require excessive work.
>I had several horrible experiences, one of which involved having one of my back teeth removed with hardly any novocaine used. I believe that this dentist was a sadist. But after having so much dental work done over these past few years, I don't panic nearly as much as I did.
> One attraction is that this dentist is a "sedation dentist," plus, he's an assistant professor at one of the large universities here - and he has a website (don't ask me why that's important - I think because I can safely sit at my computer and evaluate the situation beforehand). BUT, the "patient coordinator" said he (the dentist) could have his moods.
>
> I dreamt last night that all my top teeth (not just the bridge) fell out in his hand, one quadrant at a time. I also dreamt about a weird bathroom incident wherein the dentist could look through a sixties type beaded door curtain and see me GOING to the bathroom and when I flushed, the water was designed to cover the carpet versus going down the drain (I have had "bathroom anxiety dreams" for years and they always crop up, I guess, when I'm facing a stressful situation).
>I have had dreams about my bridges and/or teeth falling out. I believe that I read that it means that you are afraid of growing older. But I always thought that mine had to do with my bulimia. Because of it, I lost a few teeth and have had extensive bridge work.
As for your dream about using the bathroom, maybe it represents that you are afraid that the dentist will see you in a vulnerable state. Could it be that this is what is actually causing your fear of dentists?
> Sorry to go on about this, but I was wondering if anyone else has this horrid anxiety about dentists and having your mouth pryed around with.
>
>
My husband dreads going to the dentist, too. He's not phobic, but close. His dislike of dentists goes back to when he was a child - he, too, had painful experiences.
Again, the dentists these days are very gentle, and you will most likely not even feel any discomfort. Take your med and you should be OK.
Good luck
Posted by fallsfall on April 29, 2003, at 7:51:42
In reply to Re: Dental phobia » leeran, posted by WorryGirl on April 29, 2003, at 2:07:33
What a service this board provides. I just made an appointment to have my teeth cleaned. Thank you for nudging me. I have hated the dentist since my late teens. The one I have now is a very nice, laid back guy. And the woman who cleans my teeth is pleasant and doesn't talk all the time. That's about as good as it can get, but I still hate going. The last time, both the doctor and the hygenist had a hard time believing that I was too depressed to floss. At that time I was having trouble eating and was getting no exercise. Those seemed more important to me (and my therapist). They really won't believe, 5 months later, that I still can't floss. Oh well.
Posted by maryhelen on April 29, 2003, at 9:47:11
In reply to Re: Dental phobia, posted by fallsfall on April 29, 2003, at 7:51:42
fallsfall:
I agree with you that this board provides a great service is so many different areas.
You know how you think that sometimes you are the only one that does or doesn't do something? I can't believe hearing you say that you can't floss your teeth while going through this depression. I can't either. In fact even brushing my teeth somedays is too much. I know when I am feeling a little better when I get the floss out but it usually doesn't last long.
It sure tells us we are not alone, in all aspects, trying to fight this illness.
maryhelen
Posted by shar on April 29, 2003, at 10:44:26
In reply to Re: Dental phobia YES, posted by coral on April 28, 2003, at 11:28:56
What Coral said but for different reasons. I have extremely sensitive teeth (especially cold) and have since childhood (never could eat a popsicle). So, what Coral said about making sure they understand you are not just "nervous" is THE most important thing (or at least equal to having excellent qualifications, which all my dentists do).
My original dental trauma was military dentists, and others from the bad old days who didn't believe 'little' cavities needed novocaine, and said everything wouldn't hurt. I also have thinnish enamel, which means I've always had cavities even when I've been obsessive about taking care of my teeth. Strangely, shots have never bothered me, which seems to be what most dentists expect me to freak out about. But, get that whiny little drill going and my body says "I'm outtta here!!".
I always end up crying at appointments, even for cleaning, even with nitrous to the max (plus the 10 mg. of valium I take before I go without telling them, because then they want someone to drive you home). I explain to them that the nitrous does not relax me (I'm stiff as a board and sweat the whole time), it just keeps me in the chair. I'm alert and asking questions the whole time.
I always do extensive research on dentists, and correspond with them prior to going if they have email. If they don't have email I set up a consultation visit first away from any equipment to talk about my 'condition.' And pain meds, etc.
One time I was in the waiting room for a root canal appointment (not my current dentist) and there was a boy of about 7 sitting in another chair crying. He had been brought out of the exam room to calm down. The nurse/reception person was saying "it doesn't hurt" and all this bullshit. Then she looked at me and said "does it?" Big mistake. I said well, yes it can hurt, and it can be upsetting to just be in there, and it took a lot of courage to do it." So I got a very dirty look from the nurse, but the kid seemed better.
GOOD LUCK! You are not alone. You have my deepest sympathy.
Shar
> And, with good reason, too!!!! I have quad nerves and tiny canals! Bad combo. Too many root canals to count, all my teeth are crowned.
>
> My technique is first, to make blasted sure the dentist understands that what I'm telling him/her is true and listens.
>
> I take nitrous to the max, and require extra injections of the local - my dentist used a new one last time.... Serra or something like that, (I can find out if you like). It was great! I also take head phones and listen to an engrossing piece of music loud (my favorite is War of the Worlds) --- it's a modern opera... sort of LOL, as well as a blindfold, and I dab a bit of perfume in vaseline under my nose. I request the use of a bite block. All of these devices are designed to keep me from hearing, seeing, smelling, and I can clamp my jaw without worrying about taking off someone's finger.
>
> Also, I never leave w/o a pain script and immediately go home and apply cold (frozen peas work wonderfully).
>
> You have my sympathies....
>
> Coral
Posted by shar on April 29, 2003, at 10:47:59
In reply to Re: Dental phobia YES » coral, posted by shar on April 29, 2003, at 10:44:26
Posted by leeran on April 29, 2003, at 12:22:14
In reply to Re: Dental phobia YES » coral, posted by shar on April 29, 2003, at 10:44:26
Our family dentist was the same way (no novacaine for a little cavity, as you so aptly put it). That old fashioned office of his with the chair in the middle of the room and the old-fashioned "spit sink" seemed like a torture chamber as a child.
There was a child with his mom in the waiting room yesterday. I felt so bad for him. He had tears running down his face and looked so woebegone.
Even the X-rays are agony for me. The little hard square of film digs into the soft area at the bottom of the mouth, or with the back teeth, it comes dangerously close to the gag reflex.
Oh well, for me - it's that time of year . . . Pap smear, dental work, and I need a mammogram.
We watched that movie "What About Bob" the other night so that expression "baby steps" is stuck in my memory! I get so overwhelmed by the enormity of my "to do" list that I have to break it down into less than bite-sized pieces. My husband and my business partner have a natural ability to prioritize and start/finish tasks in a methodical fashion and I know I probably drive them both batty, but they are both so patient.
As for me, I walk past the laundry room and remember there are clothes in the dryer, then I glance in the bathroom and see the toilet paper roll is empty, meanwhile, I may notice that the plant needs watering. By that time, I've totally forgotten what my original intent had been.
Of course, spending less time on this board would help - which is on my list of "things to do" (or not do).
p.s. I'm with you - the shots don't bother me as much as the grinding of the drill.
Posted by leeran on April 29, 2003, at 12:27:08
In reply to Re: Dental phobia/flossing, posted by maryhelen on April 29, 2003, at 9:47:11
I am the same way. When things are at their worst, I'm very negligent about dental care.
I know I have a toothbrush - and I know I have a mouth, but the idea of bringing all that together just seems like more time and effort than I can handle.
I have a six-unit bridge as the result of a bike accident, and it involves floss threaders which makes it all even more involved. Then, I know I should use the irrigator as well, so like many things - it becomes an overwhelming experience that's somehow rooted in my desire to do every little thing just so-so and failing miserable at all of it.
(That sounded really despondent but it was more of an observation, not a poor me-ish thing).
Posted by mair on April 30, 2003, at 17:20:31
In reply to Re: Dental phobia/flossing - true confessions » maryhelen, posted by leeran on April 29, 2003, at 12:27:08
A few years ago I was under treatment with a peridontist. During a regular check-up he told me that I had a tooth that might require a root canal. He took xrays and told me that he'd read them later and if I needed further work on this tooth he'd let me know. I never heard from him. A couple of months went by and I started to develop acute face pain. I saw a nurse first who thought it was a sinus infection and prescribed some anti biotics which really did nothing. Eventually I was referred to an ENT guy who took a CT scan and told me again that I had a sinus infection. I was treated with antibiotics again to no positive effect. I had a second CT scan which revealed that the sinus infection had cleared up. Next I was referred to an allergist who did a full range of skin tests, revealing nothing more threatening than a dust allergy. Eventually I was referred to an neurologist who wanted to prescribe ADs for pain management. This was now 10 months after the xrays were taken and 8 months after the pain started. During this time I saw the periodontist's hygenist at least twice and told her about the problems I was having with this face pain. Each time I visited a new specialist I told him that I was sure it wasn't a dental problem because I had been xrayed not long before the pain started. Eventually I made my way back to my regular dentist who took a new xray and told me I had a severely infected tooth. Finally I got a root canal and the pain cleared up almost a year from when it started.
I tried to get the periodontist to cover the cost of all the testing I had done. He refused pointing fingers at all the medical people I saw during the intervening year. I found out that shortly after my xray he stopped actively practicing for health reasons but kept his office open for hygenist work. (the hygenist never mentioned this) Anyway the perio guy said that MDs should have sent me to a dentist earlier. His excuse for why his hygenist never said anything to me was that I told her I had facial pain which hadn't yet been diagnosed. Of course, she's looking at the xrays which show the infected tooth but never put the two together, and never, for that matter, asked why I hadn't gotten the root canal which her xrays must have shown I needed. At least that would have clued me in that I had a dental problem. The perio guy also blamed me for not checking back after the pain started to see if it might have been related.
Of course there was not enough money involved to pursue him once he refused to take responsibility. I felt used and abused, and in the way I approach things, I felt stupid for having even tried to seek recompense in the first place and stupid for giving it up so easily when he told me he wouldn't do anything. I really think I didn't care about the money anywhere near as much as I cared that he wouldn't own up to a mistake. I liked him before and was extremely disappointed that he took the tack he did. Beyond that I think I was just looking for some acknowledgment that he screwed up, that his screw up caused me great discomfort and that he was sorry about it. To blame me and all the other people I saw was pretty low.
I've never liked going to the dentist. After this experience it took me ages before I hooked up with another perio.
Posted by coral on April 30, 2003, at 17:55:31
In reply to Re: Dental phobia/flossing - Horror Story, posted by mair on April 30, 2003, at 17:20:31
I began waking up with the most excruciating headaches.... Off to the doc - and a gazillion tests later... early diagnoses included arteritis, arthritis in the jaw, misalignment of my spine, this went on for a year. I couldn't sleep more than 3 hours without waking up from pain, which led to an increase of fast-acting, short-lived pain killers so I could function the next day. Prognosis: degenerative arthritis and nothing to be done but manage the pain.
We moved to a different city and I had a problem with a tooth. When I saw the dentist (after extensive research), he said, "What are you doing about the bruxism?" I said, "The what-ism?" He said, "Bruxism. You're severely grinding your teeth." I said, "No, I don't do that." He said when I was sleeping, I did, and furthermore, if I didn't do something about it, I'd suffer continued and severe erosion of dental enamel. Something clicked in me and I asked if it could cause headaches. He said that it could and that the muscles in the jaw were the strongest in the human body, comparatively. He fitted me with a splint and the first night I wore it to bed, I awoke without a headache after six hours of sleep.
There is NO arthritis in my head -- just bruxism that a simple, hard plastic device fixed.
Coral
Posted by shar on April 30, 2003, at 19:58:13
In reply to Re: Dental - Horror Story #2, posted by coral on April 30, 2003, at 17:55:31
Wow, I wonder how this stuff happens! You'd think bruxism would be a fairly simple diagnosis, and regular doctors that deal with face pain would be alert to the area of the mouth and everything that can go wrong there!
One of my worst is another face pain story. I thought it was a sinus infection because I live in an area where allergies and sinus infections are rampant, and it was reminiscent of when I'd had one before. I went to (over time, and as pain continued) the regular dr, ENT, minor emergency...and finally ended up at the emergency room with a huge, bulging pocket in the roof of my mouth. Yep, a tooth (in which I'd had a root canal) somehow got infected (possibly an incomplete job) and the stuff, I guess after filling up available space elsewhere, started seeping stuff into the roof of my mouth.
After months of excruciating pain--face pain is so bad--the tooth got pulled and relief was instantaneous (with antibiotics). I'd already been prescribed antibiotics (at least two courses of them over the months) for the 'sinus infection', but that didn't take care of the tooth problem. All the while I had been seeing my regular dentist, telling her about it, she had taken xrays....
I am grateful the pocket at least ended up in the roof of my mouth, pointing people in the right direction...had it been elsewhere I might have ended up with a nose job or something.
The crowning glory of the day at the ER was that my car battery had been dying for a couple of days, when I turned off the car, so I got a jump start ($40) to drive to the ER, and one (another $40) to drive home. It was, of course, a Sunday. God, life sucks so bad sometimes.
I was too depressed to seek out reparations from the root canal dr., plus nobody would say for sure it was a bad root canal. Pull the wagons in a circle, protect their own.
On a more positive note, I've had three root canals and none of them were painful, at least not more painful than other regular dental work. Weird, I guess. All were done by 'specialists' not my regular dentists.
Sigh.
Shar
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