How do I get past my fear of seeing the dentist?!
Question: I haven't been to a dentist since I was 17, so it's been three years. I haven't had the insurance until recently.
I do badly need to see one, but I am afraid to.
I am pretty sure one of my teeth has a bad cavity, as it has been pretty sore. I also think one of my wisdom teeth is coming in as that area has been swollen and very painful.
How do I get past that fear? I do have two oral piercings - tongue and lip, and I know that I have chipped a few teeth/gotten gum recession. I don't want to get yelled at because of it.
I'll be taking my tongue piercing out in a few months, and found the right length jewelry in my lip so it doesn't hit my gums to fix the gum problem. I am just worried they'll yell at me.
I am also worried about the pain. I remember that the novicane shot hurting like hell!
It's one of those things I know I eventually have to do, although I really, really don't want to. Any words of wisdom that would get me to make that appointment?
Answers: I haven't been to a dentist since I was 17, so it's been three years. I haven't had the insurance until recently.
I do badly need to see one, but I am afraid to.
I am pretty sure one of my teeth has a bad cavity, as it has been pretty sore. I also think one of my wisdom teeth is coming in as that area has been swollen and very painful.
How do I get past that fear? I do have two oral piercings - tongue and lip, and I know that I have chipped a few teeth/gotten gum recession. I don't want to get yelled at because of it.
I'll be taking my tongue piercing out in a few months, and found the right length jewelry in my lip so it doesn't hit my gums to fix the gum problem. I am just worried they'll yell at me.
I am also worried about the pain. I remember that the novicane shot hurting like hell!
It's one of those things I know I eventually have to do, although I really, really don't want to. Any words of wisdom that would get me to make that appointment?
Ugh. I know how you feel about hating going.
For one...the dentist ALWAYS is going to have something to complain about. How many people actually floss regularly? Not many that I know personally. But they always make an issue of it. I wouldn't worry about it, really. They say things, but that doesn't mean you have to do it ALL.
As far as cavities and stuff...like said above, it's mostly the shots that I feel are the worst part. Of course, I hate needles. Once that is over, the rest really isn't bad.
I went after SIX years of not being to the dentist when I was 17 (my father was an idiot) and wound up having to get 7 fillings, and I'm in the process of getting my wisdom teeth pulled. I will most likely need braces as well. I've come to accept that there will be SOME pain, but I always try to remember it won't be as bad as I think. After having my tooth pulled, I know that's true now...Like I said, the only part I hate anymore is the shots.
Good luck - I hope things go well! :)
If that's really your ear in the pic, it's kinda funny that you're afraid of the dentist.
I used to hate going to the dentist too.... until bout 2years ago. I hadn't been to th dentist in years...... I ended up needing 4 fillings and my wisdom teeth out... after all those visits, i'm over it.. once the needle is done, it's not so bad really.. unless you go regularly you'll have this problem, brush and go to the dentist every 6 months..
As for being yelled at, the dentist shouldnt be yelling at you, you're paying for a service, if he does, find another dentist....
Take the jewerly out before you go. He doesn't want to see it.
He will deaden the area where the needle will go with topical anesthetic on a swab. The pain from the needle will be very minimal. He should then inject a little of the novicaine, give it time to work, and then finish the injection. Ask about his procedure to make sure he takes these steps. If he doesn't go to another dentist.
You can request nitrous oxide(laughing gas). You'll get a little high on this and won't care what he does. Might be an extra charge for this.
to advoid getting yelled at by the dentist for hhaving a tongue piercing, take it out before you go and tell him that you took it out because of the chipping and gum problems. he will shut right up thinking you learned your lesson.
dentists are scary unless you have one that's nice. it can help if your dentist cracks jokes to ease the tension. mine does and that's why I prefer to pay out of pocket (insurance doesn't cover him) in order to keep going to the one I like. I had bad dentist experience and I'm sure I he didn't like me cos I fought him, I was about 12 with a strong will.
the dentist should numb you with a stronger version of orajel before the needle. once he gives the first 2 shots you will feel less pain. if at all possible, ask if the office has laughing gas. if they do, that may help.
Dentists have come a long way with the shots. Nowadays they have a machine that gages just how much Novocaine a nerve should have. That way the shot want hurt. The only thing you feel is a slight pinch now. They should put a type of deadner on that before they even give the shot. Don't know how a dentist will perceive the piercings but I wouldn't think that they will yell at you. They will never make fun or get onto you about your teeth. If you let them know when you go in that you are afraid they will be real gentle. I hadn't been for a while and my teeth had got so bad that I thought they would make fun of me and that might have after I left. They treated me with respect and never made me feel bad that I had waited so long. Go ahead and make an appt. It want be as bad as you think
Ask other who have piercings and see who they go to. Call the dentist office beforehand and explain your situation and they can talk to the dentist before you go. They probably wont do anything the 1st visit except an exam. Ask the dentist for valium (which most will give) to take prior to visit because of nervousness.
I would say take them out or put in a retainer. I would tell them about the piercings and ask them to leave them alone. If he yells at you don't go back and don't give them a good recomendation.
Hi Trish! Do your research. There are a lot of dentists out there that are"pain free" and they mean it! My son sees one and says he's never felt a thing. Just research for piercing friendly dentists. There have to be some by now because piercing is becoming the norm.
Good luck!
I LOVE the new picture of your ear piercings!!!!!:-)
n-e wayz!
Most likely they'll suggest that u take out the piercing(alot of doctors think highly of their selves and don't like to be challenged) if you feel uncomfortable laugh it off.
but if he/she says the piercing is causeing somthing more serious......listen.
about the pain
From personal experience,the doc will talk to you before their hands are in your mouth and ask a few questions.
But if not tell them before you get started you would like to ask some things:
1)will this hurt?
2)can you go easy on the pain?
3) does novacaine hurt?
Even if your annoying @ least they now know ur tolerance for pain.and they wiil try to add comfort to the situation.
Work around your fears to make life easier.
(just like dipping a toe into a cold pool, then jumping in)
Good luck