Needles, sedation, I am so afraid!?

Question

Ok... I have a big fear of needles. Even as I type this right now I am crying just thinking about it! I (probably) have to get about six more teeth pulled (I have already had six pulled) My wisdom teeth and 2 molars. When I got it done before I was sedated with a needle going into a vain in my arm, I was crying and it really hurt! I just dont think I can do that again! Are there any other ways of sedation? without a needle! Please because I am so scared!!! I dont even know why because I was fine with needles until a year or 2 ago (I am 14). Why am I so scared? What can I do? I know I am a wimp but please dont make fun of me.

PLEASE READ: I looked at some of the other options and I was wondering if laughing gas would help me deal with the pain of the IV? BUt about laughing gas... you feel the pain...? I mean my wisdom teeth haven't come in so they would cut open my gums... have you ever had this done? does it hurt with the gas?

Answer 1

You're not a wimp! I'm 35, and panic every time I have to get an IV.

Several things that have worked for me...Some doctors and dentists will numb the area before placing the needle. If you don't have a history of vein problems (where they had to try several times befire getting the IV in), then ASK. I didn't get the local numbing until I asked about it.

Laughing gas...yes, you can still feel the pain, but trust me, you just don't care! You don't get scared ahead of time anticipating the pain, and when you do feel it, you like, "Whatever, I feel good!" The gas also keeps you relaxed the whole time, you may babble a bit, or fall asleep. Trust me when i say that, once the gas kicks in, you won't care what they do, and it won't bother you in the least.

I once received another kind of sedation, but i don't know what it's called. When I had my wisdom teeth out, they gave me gas that was stronger than laughing gas. it's practically like being asleep, and it's hard to describe. I was able to respond to them when they told me to do things, like opening my mouth wider and such, but I didn't really realize at the time that I was doing it, and had no momory of it afterwards. Also, they said that I was able to feel pain at the time, but either I didn't feel it or couldn't remember it, and I didn't respond to it. I was really freaked out by the idea beforehand, because I wanted to be asleep for it, but this truly was the same thing, from my end of it anyway.

I have also taken oral sedatives like Xanax before undergoing scary procedures like an MRI. I'm not sure how that would react with the meds you get during oral surgery, but have your parents call the dentist and ask if you can get a prescription for it. You take the pill awhile before you go in, and it really relaxes you. You can still function, but you won't be so scared or worried. In fact, I currently take Xanax on occassion for panic attacks, and the Xanax calms me down. The Xanax would also help you in the days leading up to the procedure, by helping you not to panic.

I totally understand; just thinking about it is worse than actually having it done! ask about the gas, sedation, local numbing and Xanax. Often doctors don't think to offer this stuff until you make a point of telling them just how scared silly you are, so talk to them.

Oh, and I have a trick that I use when I simply have to endure the pain of an IV. I plan it ahead, and have something easy ready to recite in my head. I usually sing "Henry VIII" in my head, since it's catchy and it's the same verse over and over. Find whatever works for you, concentrate on BREATHING STEADILY, and sing or recite whatever works. Hope this helps!

Answer 2

You shouldn't be afraid of what happens when the needle goes in, you should be afraid of what happens after you get sedated. The dentists are into all sorts of wierd sh*t. Mine had a cripple fetish. I didn't turn out so good.

Answer 3

read info on website below....then ask your dentist about option #2 & 3 as an alternative.


http://www.qualitydentistry.com/dental/SedationDentistry/sedation.html


from what i read, usually with the gas you fall asleep and don't remember what happened, you will however, need to get some pain medicine soon after the proceedure is over.
and you will need someone to drive you home afterwards.

Answer 4

I loved the happy gas- you feel nothing but a little pressure and you just feel so happy and content! ha ha best buzz you'll ever get!

Answer 5

HI,
YOU NEED TO FIND A DENTIST WHO DOES CONSCIOUS ORAL SEDATION (NO NEEDLES).
HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT ABOUT NITROUS OXIDE (AKA, LAUGHING GAS) TO HELP YOU RELAX?