Appointment in three hours -- eek!

[Katie]

So about a month ago, I got the courage to go to the dentist for the first time in a LONG time. I'm 25, and I haven't been since I was little.

I was shaking in the parking lot, almost didn't go in -- I actually had the car turned around, lol. But finally, I did, and just had x-rays, etc. It wasn't bad at all! The guy I go to specializes in patients who are afraid, and was very nice.

The problem now is that when he was reviewing my x-ray, he found an abscess, so I have an appt today to have it taken care of.

The appt is at 2 30 -- it's 11 o'clock now, and I'm really starting to freak out. Crying, etc. I know that if I don't go, it's just going to get worse, but really, I don't know if I'm going to be able to handle it.

Anyway, I don't know if anyone will reply before I have to leave, but sometimes just writing out how you feel helps..

I hope I actually go...

[gdentalfear]

Hi Katie,

maybe you'll see this before you go to your appointment. Wishing you all the best!

Hold on to the thought that your first appointment went well.

Also, if you can, you could try to think what exactly is frightening you today - and then tell the dentist when you see him.

Take care.

G.

[freakout]

Katie...I went through the fear you are going through now just 5 days ago. I was terrified too. (I had to have an extraction) I was shaking in the chair, but my dentist was great. He tried to reassure me that I would do alright and was very gentle. Now I am not saying I am no longer afraid of dentle work, because I have an appointment this week and the fear is starting already, but I am not afraid of my dentist, just what he does. It makes a world of difference when you have a dentist who will take your fears into consideration when doing treatment, & not make you feel stupid for being afraid

[Katie]

Thanks, guys!

I'm still very nervous, but your words do make a difference. I hate almost everything about it -- I'm afraid it will hurt, I don't like the sounds, etc. But I'm bringing a CD to listen to, so maybe that will help. And the dentist has laughing gas which I'm going to use, so..

I just wish it was over with

I'm leaving in about an hour, and will let you all know how I do..

[freakout]

Good Luck Katie!! I had the gas before it is great!!!

[Katie]

I'm back!

OH. MY. GOD. It was not bad at all!

While I was in the waiting room, I started to freak out a little bit --- I felt like I was going to cry, etc. The dentist brought me in his office and explained what was going to happen. I had to have a hole made in my tooth, to drain out the infection, and I'm going back next week to have a root canal.

When I got into the chair, the dentist and his assistant were so nice, they kept asking me if I was okay, if I needed anything, etc. I had relaxing gas and music, which helped A LOT. The sounds of the drill, etc. always freaks me out, so turning up my CD really helped. I definitely recommend bringing music.

It didn't hurt at all, not even a little. And the dentist said that this was the worst part, that the root canal will be easier than what happened today.

Now I just have to be careful about not getting food into the hole in my tooth, and taking my antibiotics. He told me to take some ibuprofen, mostly for its anti-inflammatory properties. So I'm taking it, but I haven't had any pain.

I'm not all excited about going back next week, but I'm not freaking out like I was...

Yay!!!

[freakout]

Great to hear everything went so well Hope next week goes the same!!! It make a world a difference having a compassionate dentist.