Cavity PANIC !!!?

Question

I have a medium-deep cavity on my lower eye tooth and I have to go get it filled within the next 2 or so weeks. I've been obsessing over the tooth for about a month and barely think of anything else, even when I'm doing something else.

Today, I felt the worst repercussion of the anxiety with a "panic attack". I was researching fillings (which I've been doing a lot of), and all of a sudden I was nauseous, then I broke into a cold sweat and started shaking.

I didn't feel better until I went and layed down to chill.

I can't keep spazzing about the stupid tooth, how do you suggest I relax about this "simple" procedure.

I think I'm scared of the local not working and feeling her drilling.

Answer 1

Hi! Sorry to hear you are feeling bad. The following simple steps should help significantly reduce or eliminate the panic attacks (pay close attention to no.1, you can practise it in the chair and waiting room):

1. Breathe properly - if you control your breathing, you control panic. As soon as you notice the signs of anxiety, check your breathing: breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out (to the count of 5 or so). Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer (to the count of 7 or so) through your mouth. Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area). This will soon restore the balance of oxygen and you will feel a lot better.

2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy! CBT is proven to be the most effective thing for panic attacks and anxiety. It takes a bit of work, but it is super effective. (After 15 years of panic attacks, mine stopped completely). You can take a course for free online at: http://www.livinglifetothefull.com/elear... It has been funded by NHS Scotland and has had great results thus far.

3. Try relaxation exercise tapes (progressive muscular relaxation). They really help if you practise often enough. This site has instructions on how to do it without the tapes (and other useful info): http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resource...

Hope you feel better soon. Best of luck.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

I think you need to identify what it is that is causing you so much anxiety. Is it going to the dentist? Is it the needle? Is it the filling? Is it the cost? Is it more than 1 of them? You said it yourself, this is a simple procedure. And after doing many of them, I would indeed say that it is a simple procedure. But that probably won't help you very much.
Identify the problem. If there is something the dentist can do, such as talk to you more about it, or even prescribe a mild sedative for you, then you should speak with the dentist before your appointment. The dentist would much prefer this then you skipping out on your appointment because you were too anxious.

Answer 4

First of all, RELAX! You summed it up perfectly when you said this is such a simple procedure. I would call your dentist and explain your anxiety about this procedure, ask him/her if he/she can show you- either through literature, or maybe, a consenting patient, how a cavity is filled. You need to remember that you are doing a good thing and having this taken care of! Do not put this off until it gets worse!

Carrie R.D.H

Answer 5

Tooth decay is one of the most common of all disorders, second only to the common cold. It usually occurs in children and young adults but can affect any person. It is the most important cause of tooth loss in younger people.
Plaque begins to accumulate on teeth within 20 minutes after eating (the time when most bacterial activity occurs). If this plaque is not removed thoroughly and routinely, tooth decay will not only begin, but flourish.
The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel surface of the tooth and create holes in the tooth (cavities). Cavities are usually painless until they grow very large inside the tooth and destroy the nerve and blood vessels in the tooth. If left untreated, a tooth abscess can develop. Untreated tooth decay also destroys the internal structures of the tooth (pulp) and ultimately causes the loss of the tooth.
In filling teeth, the decayed material is removed (by drilling) and replaced with a restorative material such as silver alloy, gold, porcelain, or composite resin. Porcelain and composite resin more closely match the natural tooth appearance, and may be preferred for front teeth. Many dentists consider silver amalgam (alloy) and gold as stronger, and these materials are often used on back teeth. There is a trend to use high strength composite resin in the back teeth as well.
Treatment often preserves the tooth. Early treatment is less painful and less expensive than treatment of extensive decay. Anesthetics -- local (novacaine), nitrous oxide (laughing gas), or other prescription medications -- may be required in some cases to relieve pain during or following drilling or other treatment of decayed teeth. For those who fear dental treatment, nitrous oxide in combination with anesthesia may be preferred.
For more information look at these sites:
http://www.san-diego-dentist.us/san-diego-dental-article-1.htm

http://www.san-diego-dentist.us
http://san-diego-dentists.blogspot.com
http://www.san-diego-dentist.us/san-diego-dentist-tijuana-dentist.html
http://www.san-diego-dentist.us/tijuana-dentist.htm
http://www.san-diego-dentist.us/san-diego-dental-implants.html
http://www.medical-research-study-directory.info/san-diego-medical-research-study.htm
http://www.lasik-surgery-san-diego.info/lasik-eye-surgery-san-diego.htm
http://www.las-vegas-nevada-lawyer-attorney-legal-injury-defense-directory.com

Answer 6

It was the most painful procedure I ever had. And I've given birth to six and a half kids. It is equal to have both legs ripped off with a blunt butter knife.

Answer 7

it could be worse, my sister had 9 cavity's.