Root canals / dentistry/ novacaine/ panic attacks/ anxiety....?!


Question: Root canals / dentistry/ novacaine/ panic attacks/ anxiety!.!.!.!.!?
I have panic disorder and have no problems with drills, needles, pain, etc- my issue is with novacaine and the feeling of numbness in my throat!. I freak out everytime they give it to me, feel like i can't breathe, and no matter how much I try to convince myself I can, I have to leave!.

I actually found a dentist years ago who did all of my work with NO shot!.!.!.!. i had no problem with it, even when it was painful!. Then I realized I could tolerate the shot on the TOP, but I can't stand the ones on the bottom because my entire throat feels numb!.

Anyway, I have two teeth which need root canals and i cannot find a dentist who will do it without novacaine!. I've been on antibiotics for weeks just to keep the infections down!. I don't know what to do!. Why do i HAVE to have novacaine!? If i remain still and calm, why isn't it my choice!? I'm going insane over my teeth and this is ridiculous I know, but no matter how much I have tried (even therapy) i can't overcome it!.Www@Answer-Health@Com


Answers:
Wow, I have the same problem as you do!. I have TMJ, which has been killing me for months!. I tried putting a numbing agent on my jaw just to take the edge off one day and started having a panic attack when it reached my throat!. (I've had them on and off for about 4 years now, panic attacks that is)!. The reason dentists won't do a root canal without a numbing agent is because the pain is unbearable even WITH a numbing agent!.

They used to give me nitrous at my old dentist for the anxiety, but I started having panic attacks even THROUGH that!. They had no problem turning it up to accomodate my issues!. Sucks though!. They should give you a choice, but probably think that it is a debilitating pain, and since the root is a very lengthy procedure (an hour and a half sometimes) it can become even more strenuous!. One little jerk could really screw up what they are trying to do!.

I asked my old doctor to give me some Tylenol 3 (just a very SMALL prescription), to take 1 an hour or so before the procedure, and you will remain calm without the bottom numbing agent numbing up your throat!. Its either that, or ask them for nitrous!. Tell them you need it done, and the anxiety attacks are overwhelming!. (If you are talking to someone that hasn't had one, they don't completely understand it)!. Make them understand it!. Tylenol 3 might be less likely to cause a panic attack then nitrous, sometimes it in itself sends me into one!.

It isn't ridiculous!. It is a very serious disorder, and it is scary!. I know!. Beat it into their heads that they need to find an alternate method!. Giving them suggestions such as what I have mentioned or others if you can think of them, and it will probably help!. I really hope so, at least!. I have been in your shoes!. Good luck!.Www@Answer-Health@Com

I understand your fear - I have panic attacks when I have to go to the dentist, too!. But you don't want to have a root canal without some kind of anesthetic!. The procedure is way more complicated and invasive than just getting a filling, and the pain will be intolerable!.

I would suggest you ask your dentist for some demoral and/or valium to take before your visits!. (You'd need someone to drive you, of course!.) That should help with your anxiety!.

Good luck!.Www@Answer-Health@Com

Have you considered having nitrogen oxide to put you to sleep!? You know, laughing gas!? That way the feeling of the Novocaine wouldn't hit you and you would be in a pleasant sleep!. There are dentists out there that specialize in patients such as yourself, and my twin sister is the exact same way, only she won't grow up and just get it over with! Anyhow, research more ways on how this procedure can be done without Novocaine or otherwise!. I hope that this helped!.Www@Answer-Health@Com

It's probably a liability issue for the DDS!. Would it work if they gave you a Valium or something to calm you down or knock you out during the procedure, and for a few hours afterward!?

Sorry to hear about your situation, hope you can get through it!.Www@Answer-Health@Com

Ask the Dentist if he has laughing gas or can he give you intravenous pain medication!.I am sure the Dentist is afraid of getting sued if he doesn't give you anything for the pain !.Suppose the pain is really bad and you go berserk while he is doing the root canal!.Www@Answer-Health@Com





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