Going to the Dentist

[jy76]

Some people are afraid to go to the dentist.  Is such a feeling cowardly for a grown-up?  Iv'e even heard cases of otherwise tough people being massively scared of root canals and the pulling of teeth.  Are there any ways to counter anxiety when going to the dentist?

 

[fuzyon]

Many people are scared of the dentist because they've never been there before, it's totally understandable. I personally was afraid when I had cavities as a kid, but they always work with anesthesia and I never feel anything. I actually love going to the dentist now since I know the people there and get to chat with them.

 

[jy76]

Often the dentist can administer nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, to ease the anxiety. However, sometimes it cannot eliminate all the pain, even though the teeth are also being numbed with injections. In that case, the pain must be toughed out. Perhaps, deep meditation can help.

 

[Lyndra]

I don't think it is cowardly to be afraid of going to the dentist. It can be unpleasant and, if you have a bad dentist, very painful! Being afraid of pain seems normal to me. The problem is if you let the fear stop you going. Don't forget dentists are people and they don't want you to be upset, so tell your dentist you are scared and if they are a good dental practice they will work with you. If they're not prepared to, then try and find another dentist. After all, if they don't want the best for their patients, do you really want them working on you?

As regards pain, if meditation works for you, try it. It is all about finding what works for you.

 

[to7update]

There are some things that simply get under our nerves and what can we do about it? For some it might be the dentist, for others is needles and vaccines, for others is even a simple hair cut. As far as I see it, we just need to rationalize that it's no big deal. Sure, it's not something pleasant, but lasts 20-30 minutes and we are over with it, so we should simply face it like that.

 

[TheKnight]

I mostly am afraid because I don't want the dentist telling me that there is something severely wrong with my teeth. Most of the time when visiting doctors, that's all I'm afraid of, but I think to myself, ''If they don't tell me, I'll die. What's wrong with me? Do I prefer death?'' I just start calling myself out until I realize how foolish I am.

If you're afraid because of the pain, I suggest you ask the dentist as many questions as possible. Some people are too shy to ask the dentist because we're supposed to be adults but trust me, there isn't anything an experienced doctor hasn't seen when it comes to patients. Anything you have to be scared of, the dentist has seen worse. Once you talk it over with the dentist and get all your doubts answered, you'll now know what to expect and telling someone about your worries always makes you feel better.

 

[Natasha0717]

I think it's safe to say that there isn't one person on earth who enjoys going to the dentist. Except for maybe dentists.
I'm not so much "afraid" to go....I just hate going. I don't like anyone inspecting the inside of my mouth too much (throat cancer has always been one of my greatest fears)....I don't like x-rays of any kind, not even dental x-rays...(when you go snooping around, you WILL find something) - that's the way I see it. So I do my best to brush (almost too much) and floss and do all that good stuff to avoid needing to go to the dentist as often. I have no fear of pain, they can do whatever they want with their shots and deep gum cleanings and extractions....but I DO have a fear of a professional looking too closely at the inside of my mouth. It just freaks me out.

 

[Jester85]

I just had to go to the dentist yesterday. I had a root canal and crown put on years ago, but it's been an on-off continuing problem since then, and now I've got to get the base built up more and a new crown.

The dentist's office doesn't squick me out as much as a hospital, but it's got that same anti-septic smell that I think just instinctively unsettles me, and hearing drilling going on in other rooms while you're laying there in the chair waiting your turn isn't the most pleasant way to pass the time.

Also I got paranoid when they x-rayed my mouth that the dentist was going to come in and say my mouth was filled with cavities and they were going to have to pull a bunch of teeth or something. Not anything I had any particular reason to suspect, but you're sitting there and your mind goes crazy with lurid possibilities of having horrible things wrong with you.

 

[jy76]

The dentist could possibly be horrible for some people, but honestly the worst pain the world for a male seems to come from kidney-stones. Has anyone had them? Basically, it feels like your being tortured. You would do anything to stop the pain. The minutes and seconds feel like hours.

Anyhow, I will backtrack on my statement, Iv'e probably had tooth pain just as bad. Nonetheless, the tooth pain occurred when I wasn't at the dentist's office. The dentist always stops the pain either totally, somewhat, or a little.

 

[Jester85]

Tooth pain is absolutely as bad as what you described. Before I got my root canal years ago, my tooth broke (it had a cavity), and the nerve was exposed. I wanted to take a pick axe to that whole side of my jaw.

 

[kingcool52]

I'm not scared of the dentist but I do have an absolute fear of getting my teeth pulled so I'm fine with routine checkups but anything else and I get scared easily. I remember having to do that torture mission in GTA V and everything but the teeth pulling bit was fine with me. Had to close my eyes and do that bit.

 

[man of God]

Some people are afraid to go to the dentist. Is such a feeling cowardly for a grown-up? Iv'e even heard cases of otherwise tough people being massively scared of root canals and the pulling of teeth. Are there any ways to counter anxiety when going to the dentist?

I can't imagine what this one must feel like. I have never really had that worry. But some people really feel it and TERRIBLY. Some people have a fear starting WHEN THEY ARE IN THE DENTIST CHAIR; that's when it can really come out. I pray for those people, for God to give them courage and strength. They are very bold in trying to overcome this fear.

 

[man of God]

Often the dentist can administer nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, to ease the anxiety. However, sometimes it cannot eliminate all the pain, even though the teeth are also being numbed with injections. In that case, the pain must be toughed out. Perhaps, deep meditation can help.

I have never had that happen to me, but have also wondered what it must feel like. The laughter, the relief, the ease-----I can't even begin to imagine. It must feel like a real sense of heavenly bliss....

 

[man of God]

I have sometimes felt a little nervous about going to the dentist or doctor as a whole. I used to think this was anxiety. It's so interesting thinking back on it now, and seeing what real anxiety and panic are really like. It's a scary thought to ponder.

 

[to7update]

I think it's safe to say that there isn't one person on earth who enjoys going to the dentist. Except for maybe dentists.
I'm not so much "afraid" to go....I just hate going. I don't like anyone inspecting the inside of my mouth too much (throat cancer has always been one of my greatest fears)....I don't like x-rays of any kind, not even dental x-rays...(when you go snooping around, you WILL find something) - that's the way I see it. So I do my best to brush (almost too much) and floss and do all that good stuff to avoid needing to go to the dentist as often. I have no fear of pain, they can do whatever they want with their shots and deep gum cleanings and extractions....but I DO have a fear of a professional looking too closely at the inside of my mouth. It just freaks me out.

That's exactly the feeling I have too. I have terrible teeth, I don't know why, and even if I have a good dental hygiene, once in a while I get cavities. So I go to the dentist, she fixes it, but she always manages to find something else to fix, so I end up going there minimum 2-3 times. Fortunately I have a dental plan, but I already have trauma with going to the dentist!! That is why it's so important that we have a dentist we can trust.

 

[Natasha0717]

That's exactly the feeling I have too. I have terrible teeth, I don't know why, and even if I have a good dental hygiene, once in a while I get cavities. So I go to the dentist, she fixes it, but she always manages to find something else to fix, so I end up going there minimum 2-3 times. Fortunately I have a dental plan, but I already have trauma with going to the dentist!! That is why it's so important that we have a dentist we can trust.

Yep, I absolutely agree. I have really good teeth, but I've been told by many dental hygienists that my gums are in terrible shape! It really makes no sense, because they all say that if you have bad gums, usually your teeth will suffer as well. But my teeth are strong, white, and very healthy. So they just keep teaching me the proper way to floss (duh - like I don't know how)...and then reschedule me for almost monthly appointments. I usually set up the appointment but then cancel. I can floss on my own and take care of my gums....some of it I'm sure is just due to pure laziness. So I've been staying on top of that lately, even using my electric tooth brush which is supposed to be GREAT for your gums.

 

[Kaynil]

My family was never the kind to take me to the dentist for regular check ups so I grew up afraid of going to the dentist. I had to go because of my wisdom teeth and they took it out. The experience in itself was way better than imagined it. I have to go gain but I have procrastinated it, first because of a lack of income but now I know I am just finding excuses. I am kind of afraid of having t pay a lot. But if I wait it is going to get very bad now that I chipped a molar.

AS things are, probably I will get it done starting the next year.

 

[Anthony258]

Some people are afraid to go to the dentist. Is such a feeling cowardly for a grown-up? Iv'e even heard cases of otherwise tough people being massively scared of root canals and the pulling of teeth. Are there any ways to counter anxiety when going to the dentist?

A number of essential oils can help reduce anxiety. You can consult with a qualified professional to figure out what the best way to take these oils would be for you personally. I recently read in an article on how essential oils can help prevent dental appointment anxiety. Just take a look at it- https://www.dawsondental.ca/blog/dental-health/how-using-essential-oils-can-help-prevent-dental-appointment-anxiety/ .