i suffer from panic attacks.. what can i do to be able to get dental work done?

Question

I haven't been to the dentist in years because of this problem. I need help! I'm embarrased by my teeth. Can i just be put to sleep or something?
I would like to smile again.

Answer 1

My dentist died and I didn't go to the dentist for several years! I paid for it though, i have had dental appointments every few weeks for the last 6 months! But, dont put it off your teeth can make you very ill. You can carry alot of infection. Most dentists cater to cowards these days. Just find a dentist that will work with you. Just be honest with them they will do everything possible to make you comfortable.

Answer 2

I also have panic attacks, in fact for the past 30 + years now, and No it's not anxiety, it's Panic, some people get the 2 confused..anyway are you on any meds, like klonipin, that has saved my life, having anxiety going to the dentist is pretty normal, call a dentist who is understanding of this problem,ask for a little gas and ask if you can bring a friend, you'll be fine, you won't die or go crazy from the dentist, breathe..

Answer 3

You answered your own question. Many dentists nowadays employ what they call "sedation dentistry", or "sleep dentistry". There are two kinds -- sedation dentistry just calms and relaxes you, but you are conscious. After the procedure, you have little or no recollection of it. Sleep dentistry puts you totally out during the procedure. Dentistry itself, has come a long way from the Dark Ages when barbers were dentists on the side. Modern dentistry is virtually painless, which is good news for persons with phobias about going to the dentist. So go through the phone directory and see if you can find either a sleep or sedation dentist. Don't neglect your teeth, dear. Good luck!

Answer 4

It is funny that I have come across your question as I suffer from the same thing you do, except my panic attacks are just mostly anxiety sitting in the chair, scared to death, drumming my fingers. I cancelled my appt today, then all my coworkers yelled at me, so I called back, and still could get in. My dentist knows about my phobia, and she treats me very kind. She tells me when I will feel a poke or a pinch. If you need work done, ask to be given Nitrous Oxide. It is laughing gas, and it relaxes you, to the point where you really don't care what they are doing. Talk to your doctor if you have anxiety meds you take on a regular basis. Ask them if it is okay for you to take one before they do work on you. I am even getting nitrous oxide for my teeth being cleaned. Also, there are dentists out there who deal with patients like us, who are so deathly afraid. See if your insurance covers them, and if so, go for it. I have great empathy for you. Take care...

A note to Benny G---Are you serious, doctors can now sedate you? Are they just regular dentists, or do you have to do to a sedation clinic? I have heard of them before, but not in regular dentist's offices...

Answer 5

talk with your dentist. Explain your condition, and ask what options he suggests. If just going to the dentist makes you uncomfortable, ask if it's all right if you just come to the office to look around. Sit in the waiting room for just a few minutes at a time, until you're comfortable with the surroundings. That might help get you into the chair. Most dentists are willing to work with patients who have anxiety issues. You'd be surprised how many people have anxiety about dentists, anyway.

Answer 6

Talk to the dentist, frankly, tell him you have panic attacks. He can recommend medication so you do not panic. And dentistry has changed a lot. My dentist puts on the gas mask[it is tiny, and not uncomfortable at all] before he starts, and my recent tooth extraction was pain free, just a little pain with the needle to deaden the tooth. The assistant asked me if I was OK, I said I was in the ozone layer.
There is a comercial on local TV and radio about oral sedation dentistry, evidently it is quite popular. And my dentist told me that people show up for proceedures in their jammies, he did not mention if they had a teddie bear, too.

Answer 7

Some dentists will prescribe a valium pill for you to take several hours before you come in for your appointment so that you are more relaxed. Check with your dentist to see what s/he offers. You are certainly not alone in your feelings, and any good dentist will usually have one or more options for the patient to deal with this so that they can get the dental checkup/help they need.

Good luck!

Answer 8

In response to one of the answerers replies, i dont know of any dental practice in US that does general anesthesia for routine dental work on adults, I'm skeptical any dentist would take the risk of that ..go ahead and ask but I wouldn't count on it as a viable option ...on the other hand, Im sure the sedation route is widely available, so do go for it.You'll get a prescription for one dose of medication to make you drowsy and less anxious- ahead of time to fill and take a couple hours or less from the time of your appt.You will need a reliable ride to drive you back and forth to their office.

Answer 9

Ask about pre-op sedation with a prescription such as Valium or Ativan. Ask abotu nitrous oxide. Yes, there are dentists certified in general anesthesia, if you wish. Or, you can contact the dental department of most major teachint hospitals and they can arrange for dental care with general anesthesia.

Answer 10

Call the dentist you will be going to first and talk with them. Let them know of your problem. There are tons of dentists who work with patients that have phobias like yours. If your particular dentist does not they should be able to refer you to someone who does. Good luck.