Dental Anxiety & Root Canal- help me :(

[cuadrado]

I have severe dental anxiety stemming from a horrible experience with a filling when I was a child. Since then, I cannot stand the thought of someone touching my teeth. My mom forced me to go to the dentist when I was younger but I didn't go at all in college.

I just went for the first time in 5 years. 

I have a tooth that is giving me constant pain and there is an issue with an old filling. It needs to come out but I am more than likely going to need a root canal. Oh, and I have cavities in between the two back teeth on both sides of my mouth, which is technically 4 cavities. So I have 5 things that need to be fixed. FML.

I could hardly make it through the dental cleaning the other day. I almost started crying. My dentist told me for the cavities that he could give me valium and I would be fine.

My friend is a dentist and he sent me the names of some endodontists who have an anesthesiologist come in to do IV sedation. I am single and on a fixed income, so paying for this would not be exactly be ideal. He said in his office, it's typically about $700 for the first hour and then goes up from there.

However, my anxiety is so bad that I am really thinking about doing it and getting everything done at 1 time. 

If you have had a root canal, how bad was it?

Has anyone taken valium for dental anxiety and did it help? 

And do I sound like a big baby for completely freaking out about this?

[litasail]

I also have dental anxiety. Root canals are pretty unpleasant and I've promised myself that, if I need another in the future, I'll be sedated for it. So I think you're totally justified to do it IF you can handle the costs.

[eponinepontmercy]

I just had one on a back molar, and I was okay. I did come pretty close to a panic attack at my dentist when he put the crown on, and then again last week during other dental work. I joked that next time I'd need a Xanax or something, and the dentist agreed, totally serious. The endonodontist that did the root canal said it was an option, but I would have had to come back another day.

You aren't being a baby. Do what you need to do. The longer you wait, the harder it will be.

[mcsangel2]

I don't personally get dental anxiety, but you have to know that it is quite common (unfortunately). You aren't a big baby.

[hulley]

I don't have dental anxiety, in fact I love going to the dentist, and I've promised myself that if I ever need another root canal (my first was last October), I will be sedated for it. If you can swing the costs, do it. Otherwise, Valium. I was given nothing but novocaine and a slight sedative would have helped, I think.

I do think a lot of it depends on where it's located. Mine was a back molar and hard to work on, so it took longer.

[awkwardpenguin]

I'm sorry you are going through this. Anxiety sucks, and so do dental issues.

I think in your position I would try Valium for the fillings and go from there. Both my wife and I have had Valium and similar meds for medical procedures and situational anxiety with good results. It's inexpensive so totally worth a shot. If it's not enough, go for the IV sedation.

[spunkarella]

I agree with trying Valium for the fillings first and seeing how it goes. Will they do one side at the time or all 4 fillings at once?

I had some anxiety the first few times I went to the dentist as an adult. I only went once as a child, when I was too young to remember the details. The first time, I was embarrassed about being so nervous and I didn't tell them what was going on until they asked why I was crying during the cleaning. After that, they were much more gentle and explained things carefully and checked on me during the visits. Then I cried because they were so nice...ha! It's much, much better now and I actually enjoy getting my teeth cleaned. I recommend being really open with them about your anxiety if you're not already

Dental anxiety is nothing to be embarrassed about. There's no shame in going for the sedation if you can make the finances work.

[cuadrado]

Oct 4, 2015 6:08:25 GMT -5 spunkarella said:

I agree with trying Valium for the fillings first and seeing how it goes. Will they do one side at the time or all 4 fillings at once?

I had some anxiety the first few times I went to the dentist as an adult. I only went once as a child, when I was too young to remember the details. The first time, I was embarrassed about being so nervous and I didn't tell them what was going on until they asked why I was crying during the cleaning. After that, they were much more gentle and explained things carefully and checked on me during the visits. Then I cried because they were so nice...ha! It's much, much better now and I actually enjoy getting my teeth cleaned. I recommend being really open with them about your anxiety if you're not already

Dental anxiety is nothing to be embarrassed about. There's no shame in going for the sedation if you can make the finances work.

He said with the fillings that I could decide whether I wanted both sides done at once. He recommended trying the valium, doing 1 side, and deciding at that time if I'd want him to continue with the other side. 

Trust me, I was super open about my anxiety, lol. The dental hygienist honestly looked like she was 22, and I think she wasn't that great with dealing with me. The dentist was nice, though.


The problem with the root canal tooth is that it's hurting really bad, and I'm afraid to wait. The dentist has an appt for fillings open the Monday after next if I want it but then I would have to wait until after that  for the endodontist. 

[luckystar2]

I had really bad anxiety stemming from a bad childhood experience too. I also skipped going to the dentist for years. When I went again I had about 6 cavities and an old filling that was bad. I needed a crown. I didn't need a root canal so I'm not sure how much more extensive that is. I did Valium. I would say to try it out first with some of the other cavities first. I got 1 pill for the night before and 1 the morning of. They helped relax me and get me there (otherwise I'm not sure I would have gone through with it). But once I was in the chair I felt like I was a lot more aware/with it than I expected. I assume it did help with some anxiety since I made it through the procedure! It wasn't fun but it was not horrible either. I had to come back a couple other times for the crown followup and other cavities and didn't need to use valium again at least.

So I'd see if I could try the Valium for just some fillings and go from there. I'm not a huge fan of being sedated (get really sick afterwards) so I hesitate to do it myself. But understand it might be necessary.

I would recommend going to a place that really specializes in sedation dentistry (even if you don't use it). I chose my place because they used it in case I needed it but also they are awesome! They really understand the anxiety and make sure I'm ok. They also have tvs in the rooms with headphones to help distract you. I would actually bring my iPod and had a dentist playlist. I cannot listen to the drill. Anyways they have been fantastic and never made me feel bad about skipping years of the dentist. i don't love having dental work done now but I can tolerate it and go every 6 months for cleaning. It makes a world of difference to have somebody you trust and that respects the anxiety.

Good luck

[zelda25]

I struggle with dental fear, too and was about out of my mind from fear before my root canal. Honestly, it was just boring! The worst thing about it was having my mouth jacked open for so long. I promise that it won't be anything approaching how bad you fear it will be.

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[spindle92]

My brother has severe dental anxiety and was always going under for all procedures.

About 3 months ago he broke a molar and was in severe pain. His normal dentist was on vacation and he had to see another dentist that does not offer being put under. My brother was terrified to go but was in so much pain he did it and is glad he did. He had a cleaning last week and stayed awake the whole time. He thinks he "cured" his fear.

Good luck. The dentist can be very fearful for some but I think it is a mental thing and you can do it.

[Deleted]

Discuss with your dentist your financial concerns and see if they offer a cash discount or payment plans.

I've found dentists to be pretty accommodating re payment concerns.

And, I'm going to the dentist in 2 weeks and I'm utterly terrified.

[orangeblossom]

You aren't a baby. I would do the sedation. You do not want to start and then have to stop, thus costing you more time and another trip to the dentist.

I'm not saying that to be mean. I tried that once for an MRI that was two hours away, and ended up not being able to do it. Big waste of time for everyone. Any test since then that requires things to be close to me, not just MRIs, I go ahead and take something.

[lolo]

I too struggle with dental anxiety. I recently went in to fill a couple of teeth and ended up having to get a root canal, which meant going to the endodentist. In sum it was six hours of fillings and root canal, plus the follow up crown appointments.

I've previously had Valium for dental appointments and found it very helpful. It also helps me to share my feelings with the dentist and have them walk me through what's going on.

The root canal appointment itself was bad in that it took a lot to get me numb, and one of the 'caines' made my heart race and my hands shake, so I thought I was actually having a panic attack.

But once that passed and the endodentist reassured me that it was the medicine and would pass in a few minutes, I was OK. The rest of the procedure was just boring though I do recommend closing your eyes as some of the equipment looks scary. I used some breathing and visualization techniques. I kept picturing someone just scrubbing out /cleaning the area with a mop, and somehow that really helped.

I highly recommend seeing an endodentist for your procedure. They are truly the experts in this, and my understanding is that molars especially can be challenging. If you tell them that you're in acute pain, they should be able to help sooner. I was seen same day.

Also taking an antiinflammatory dose of advil (800mg) was very helpful as it took a while for the tooth to settle down. My endodentist also said that you should make sure your tooth feels better before proceeding with a crown.

Lmk if you have other questions.

[moolarkey]

The real pain is the bill after your insurance paid. H and I got matching crowns about 2 weeks ago (who asked if couples dress alike, don't think was what they had in mind). Got my first bill, after insurance paid out we still owe $1205. That is pain.

Actually, if you can stand 2 injections to numb it, the rest is a piece of cake and this is from a person that lives permanent finger marks in the arms rests of dentists.

[mich1]

My friend is a dentist and he sent me the names of some endodontists who have an anesthesiologist come in to do IV sedation. I am single and on a fixed income, so paying for this would not be exactly be ideal. He said in his office, it's typically about $700 for the first hour and then goes up from there.

You might want to find an endodontist who has taken IV sedation training.  I know it's a course taught in the specialty programs (like endodontics) because a friend of mine (he's a periodontist) has gone through it.  It might be a little less than going to an endodontist who needs to bring someone in.

[cuadrado]

Oct 4, 2015 17:42:19 GMT -5 mich1 said:

My friend is a dentist and he sent me the names of some endodontists who have an anesthesiologist come in to do IV sedation. I am single and on a fixed income, so paying for this would not be exactly be ideal. He said in his office, it's typically about $700 for the first hour and then goes up from there.

You might want to find an endodontist who has taken IV sedation training.  I know it's a course taught in the specialty programs (like endodontics) because a friend of mine (he's a periodontist) has gone through it.  It might be a little less than going to an endodontist who needs to bring someone in.

I've tried the only people I can find are only dentists and not endodontists. This is my molar so I don't want to risk it.

[sadlebred]

I don't have dental anxiety but have had a lot of major work done (more root canals that I can count and on my way to 5 dental implants with the 5th coming early next year). Take it from an expert dental patient--get knocked out. The more IV sedation the better; it's worth EVERY PENNY. You won't be in any pain, and you won't have to worry about how you are feeling during the procedures. If I had anxiety, I might try valium for a cavity or a cleaning. If you need multiple things done, you may be in the chair for 60-90 minutes. You can't just leave in the middle of the procedures, or you will be in severe pain with your mouth. Just do the sedation.

You will need a driver as you will not be allowed to drive after the sedation.

Talk to your dentist and see if they will do time payments. If you can do at least $50/week I found that most are willing to work with you. You could also put a downpayment and then pay the rest off over time.

[cuadrado]

Oct 4, 2015 21:18:50 GMT -5 sadlebred said:

I don't have dental anxiety but have had a lot of major work done (more root canals that I can count and on my way to 5 dental implants with the 5th coming early next year). Take it from an expert dental patient--get knocked out. The more IV sedation the better; it's worth EVERY PENNY. You won't be in any pain, and you won't have to worry about how you are feeling during the procedures. If I had anxiety, I might try valium for a cavity or a cleaning. If you need multiple things done, you may be in the chair for 60-90 minutes. You can't just leave in the middle of the procedures, or you will be in severe pain with your mouth. Just do the sedation.

You will need a driver as you will not be allowed to drive after the sedation.

Talk to your dentist and see if they will do time payments. If you can do at least $50/week I found that most are willing to work with you. You could also put a downpayment and then pay the rest off over time.

Thanks for sharing your experience! (P.S. I have a torn tendon in my foot currently and haven't been on my bike in a month.... it's killing me).

I have the cash to pay for this but would rather stash it towards a house downpayment. But I think it would be worth it, lol. 

[salejolie]

When I went to see an oral surgeon to get my wisdom teeth removed they told me it would be over 1k out of pocket. They suggested I sign up for care credit but I told then I would pass on that. I talked to two different people in the office about financial options and spoke to an office manager that got it down to about a third of the cost. I'm not particularly silver-tongued, so I would say keep asking about a discount or pay-plan, especially if you have dental coverage because that's the bulk of their money anyway.

I should have had the surgery years ago, but it finally got so bad that I was having what I thought was sinus pressure but it was really my teeth wrecking havoc. I was beyond thrilled that I would go under because that anxiety leading up was terrible. I hope everything works out for you soon. Good luck!

[spunkarella]

cuadrado between sedation and house savings, I would definitely spring for the sedation. I think it will be worth it for you. Good luck!

[yentl]

I have had a lot of dental work done. My teeth are a hot mess. Usually, it's NBD for me.

My root canal was awful. I did the antibiotics the other poster mentioned, that didn't really help for me I guess. I swore if I ever had another one, I would have them put me under. However, I could feel a lot of it. Afterwards, the dentist told me that I need to tell them to give me extra strength Novocaine or whatever it is they shoot in your gums. It makes sense, I always need extra strength pain killers in order for them to have any impact. Once he gave me that, it was much better. But if you can afford it at all, get knocked out. They take forever and they are miserable.

[Deleted]

Valium didn't do anything for me. IV Sedation was way better.

[cuadrado]

Oct 4, 2015 17:42:19 GMT -5 mich1 said:

My friend is a dentist and he sent me the names of some endodontists who have an anesthesiologist come in to do IV sedation. I am single and on a fixed income, so paying for this would not be exactly be ideal. He said in his office, it's typically about $700 for the first hour and then goes up from there.

You might want to find an endodontist who has taken IV sedation training.  I know it's a course taught in the specialty programs (like endodontics) because a friend of mine (he's a periodontist) has gone through it.  It might be a little less than going to an endodontist who needs to bring someone in.

Okay, thank you so much for this advice. I called 2 places today that have an anesthesiologist come in and the fee for that alone was $1400 and $2000. Then I called an endo who does it himself and it was an extra $400 for IV sedation. 

[cuadrado]

Ok, I think I'm just going to go for the IV sedation. Because I am scared as F. 

But does anyone know if 'conscious sedation' is what I need? I have a consultation on Thursday for a place that offers this via IV. Is that not the same as just being sedated, or is this what they are talking about when they say getting knocked out?