Dentists and using gas.

Factual Questions
1

Here’s the thing, I am quite dentist phobic, and I’ll tell you why.

All my life I have had the same experience; one time in, probably, five the dentist gives me the shot, the freezing sets in, just like it should, he begins to drill and suddenly and unexpectedly it’s not completely frozen and I jump, well, you can imagine I’m sure.

I’m pretty certain this is why I am so phobic of the dentist. You would be too if every visit held the potential for a little unexpected electroshock therapy, which is what it’s like when they hit that nerve and the freezing hasn’t taken fully or sufficiently. I have had several different dentists over the years but this experience remains consistent. Additionally I always seek out the finest dentists because I am phobic and I think it can only help.

I also have; very bad sinuses (about to have surgery in the near future), TMJ or sensitive jaw, and incredibly long roots on my teeth (the dentist told me this and showed me the x ray - it runs in the family). I know enough to know that all of these things are closely interconnected.

Often, over the years, usually after a painful visit, I would enquire if perhaps I shouldn’t seek out a dentist that still uses gas. Without fail I am told that it is not called for, blah, blah, probably just a millimeter off, blah, blah.

I have let this go on for so long, dragging my terrified ass back to that chair for over 30 yrs. And consistently, every fifth or sixth visit — ZAP, oops, well, we’re almost done.
And I leave literally trembling.

Now I’ve tried my very hardest to work through this, I’ve spoken with the dentist, told him how afraid I was (which really helps, but can hardly over come freezing NOT taking).

Do I believe it’s the dentists fault? No I don’t, I have told him, I know he’s one of the finest dentists in the city, that he has otherwise never hurt me. I also know he tries very hard to put lots in the right spot knowing my sensitivity.

I think the thing is that this freezing technique is never going to be 100% effective for me. I like my dentist but I am thinking of switching to one that will use gas.

Has anyone else experienced this?

My question is why do the dentists not take this seriously? I mean, my dentist is quite prepared to continue doing what he’s been doing although it produces effective results only about 80% of the time. The same is true of every dentist I’ve ever had.

I don’t believe it’s his fault but I certainly don’t believe it’s my fault. And I just had a conversation with the receptionist where she all but said, it was all on me.

I’m sorry but when it comes to anethesia I believe you should settle for nothing less that 100% effectiveness.

And it only took me 40 plus years to get smart enough not to be dissuaded again.

2

YMMV, but I have heard some nice things about these keywords: “sedation dentistry”. A google of those words with ontario produced 18k+ hits. Maybe this is for you…

3

Not enough novacaine and/or not enought time to take effect.

Personally I prefer the drill to the needle.
Had an appt. for a filling, nurse/recept took me to empty chair and dentist came in shortly and after I refused the needle he went to work.
Shortly the nurse came in, amazed that the shot had worked so fast.
The dentist told I hadn’t had a shot and she was even more amazed. :dubious:

A root canal OTOH is a grey horse of another color! Thoroughly shot for that. :slight_smile: :smiley:

4

I am also dentist phobic. I’m not afraid of shots or even the pain. It’s the dentist and I have no idea why – except possibly that it relates to my first dentist’s being very, very rough.

I see a dentist who is very understanding about my phobia and does not take it personally. He doesn’t mind using gas. His assistant me under as soon as I come in if she can. (It’s better than to have someone sweating bullets in the outer office.) It also helps when he tells me exactly what he is about to do as he does it. If I start to tense up, I ask for a little more gas. Sometimes I can get by with a little.

I still get keyed up before I go in, but I am at least reassured that I will be able to relax once I am there. I think it makes it easier on the dentist too.

5

For me, it’s fear of getting lectured or criticized. I have that phobia with doctors, too. I’m afraid of needles, too, but the ones the dentist uses don’t bother me so much- maybe it’s because I can’t see them? :confused: