[Mugzilla]

Hello and Thank You for your consideration and time.

I've been reading some of the previous posts here and wish I had seen BEFORE the root canal I had 8 weeks ago! You give such great advice, I was hoping you could point me in the right direction.

Severe dental phobia makes it beyond challenging for me to visit the dentist. Plus I just hate teeth and anything to do with my mouth. I Lost a filling from #30 about 2 years ago. The tooth abcessed and was horribly painful. I saw a dentist for the second time in 20 years this summer who gave me antibiotics and sent me directly from his office to an endodontist, calling him while I was en route.

After 2 days on antibiotics the root canal was performed in one appointment. While the horrible, searing pain improved, the painful heavy throbbing continued. It is constant. I've mentioned this repeatedly to my dentist who attributed it to my bite being off because of the temporary RCT filling and said it was safe to do the crown. I waited 5 weeks after RCT then let him place the crown. It will be 3 weeks tomorrow.

Since that time the throbbing has continued. Last week, pieces of the filling in the tooth behind the crown #31 started coming out. Now that tooth has sharp "zingers" of pain from the top of the tooth when chewing food. The constant throbbing is exhausting and worse since crowning the tooth. The only time it doesn't hurt/throb is when I clench my jaw, closing my teeth on top of it. The minute I relax my jaw I feel the throbbing surge to the tooth again.

It took me 2 weeks but I finally worked up the nerve to call my dentist re: the throbbing and filling pieces. To my surprise they didn't want to see me, check my bite, look at the crown, do an x-ray, check the tooth behind it, look for infection...

Rather than see me they called in prescription ibuprofen and told me to finish the bottle and call them when I had - which would be in 10 days. Yesterday I noticed an increase in a tingling or numbing really almost itchy sensation radiating from tooth #30 to jaw below and cheek area around it. NOT my whole face or tongue. I've had this sensation really since the appointment placing the crown but it has increased in intensity the last two days. Could ibuprofen cause that?

I don't know what is going on and don't know what to do. I'm really afraid that the crown build up cracked my tooth at the root or something and it will have to come out. I also don't want to sit here with a painful, annoying throbbing/itchy tooth. Do I call my dentist and insist to be seen sooner or is it likely something simple that can wait until next week? Would I be better off going to see the endodontist that did the root canal for the throbbing and tingling/numbness?

I know I can be challenging for them to deal with even when I've been pre medicated with halcion and am afraid neither of them will have me back and the ibuprofen for inflammation is just to keep me away which makes calling their office even more difficult.

I am inclined to just forget about "fixing" it, live with the tingling and pain and throbbing and stay away from ANY dentist until the next emergency because going in fills me with terror and stress and ultimately MORE pain.

I am sorry to take so much of your time and am truly thankful for your understanding and any guidance you can give.

[Bryanna]

Hi Mugzilla,

Thank you for the kinds words

Dental phobia is nothing to be embarrassed about. More people than not have some form of this fear.... and probably for good reason! Sometimes it's the fear of the unknown... or it's the loss of control... or the anticipation of pain ..... and sometimes it's due to a bad or unhealthy experience while in the dental chair. These experiences can range from being treated too rough, or unkind or from being violated in an inappropriate way. I've heard many of these stories from dental patients and witnessed many unpleasant situations as a chair side assistant. So not to diminish the realness of your fear... I just want to let you know that you are not alone with this fear as there are many who share it with you. There is hope to overcome it but it will require commitment from you and kindness from the dentist of your choice.

With that said, it may be best to search for a dentist who caters to people with fear as they are equipped with not only a gentle demeanor but they take certain measures to reduce their patients fear and anxiety as they try to make the experience as pleasant as possible. Imagine ... a pleasant dental experience?? Believe me, it is very possible... even for you It also helps to bring someone with you. Someone who does not have the same fear as you and can be your pillar of strength to proceed forward in a positive way.

I am only going to address the root canaled tooth briefly because without question this tooth is infected and the only way to cure the infection is to remove the source which is the tooth. I know that sends shivers up your spine but the truth of the matter is that there aren't any dental procedures that can cure an infected tooth. Root canal therapy is done to attempt to temporarily subside the inflammation for an undetermined amount of time. RC cannot, irrelevant of how many times it is done on the tooth, cure the infection and inflammation inside of the microscopic canals. So with that said, the only attempt to cure the infection is to remove that tooth.

What is equally important for your overall health and well being is the health of the rest of your teeth and your gums. It is imperative that you find a dentist you are comfortable going to and have a complete oral examination and x-rays to determine what dental problems are occurring and work out a mutually agreeable treatment plan to bring your mouth back to a healthy state. This plan would include agreeable measures to help you feel less fear and anxiety.

I realize this suggestion might sound like.... OMG!! she's asking me to do what??? Is she nuts! I cannot even deal with this one tooth how am I going to deal with all of it! The irony to that is ..... when you find a dentist who puts you at ease, and you will find one, the first couple of appointments will be difficult but it will get easier as it becomes more familiar to you.

In addition to that, this one tooth is only a part of the issues that are going on in your mouth. To patch things up once and awhile and to ignore the issues that cause you pain truly means to keep living with pain and fear. Your dental health is intricately connected to the rest of your health. So think about the benefit you will get from finding that dentist who you can trust, who will take care of you as you should be taken care of and put your fears and dental problems to rest.

I imagine this is not what you were hoping to hear. However, I wouldn't being doing you any justice if I were remiss in offering you the information that you need to move forward. Again, I believe you are afraid and I believe you have valid reasons for feeling that way. But I do know from my countless experiences with dental phobic patients that you can overcome this, even after all these years and in spite of the reasons why you became so afraid in the first place.

I would suggest that you not wait and start that search for a dentist who is known to cater to fearful patients. They usually advertise as such in the yellow pages or online. Take that first step and I promise you each step thereafter will become easier.

I hope I have been helpful to you. We are here for you and I know you can do this

Bryanna

[Mugzilla]

Thank you, Bryanna...

... for such a kind, thoughtful, helpful (and thorough)reply to a complete and total stranger, rambling in a panic, no less! What a generous spirit you have! I'm truly grateful....

....and, if I'm being totally honest, also truly sick to my stomach. I was hoping for "stay on the ibuprofen indefinitely." Just reading about, thinking of, calling for dental appointments/treatment/teeth etc. makes me physically ill. I am not exaggerating. I am not like this in any other area of my life. No other phobias or anxiety issues, very "balanced" for lack of a better word. I was physically and verbally assaulted by the dentist at my very first trip ever right before I turned 5. Following that I had bad, verbally/emotionally abusive and physically painful appointments with another dentist who had no business working with children until I was 13.

I am now 45 and can hardly sit on the edge of a dental chair much less lay back in one...and that is with oral sedation. My anxiety is so high and teeth so "hot" because I go in with a big problem, that I don't get or stay numb for very long and have even had a dentist in tears with me trying to "help" but only making things worse, despite her efforts to the contrary.

Logically, you make perfect sense. I know you are 100% correct about what needs to be done and I appreciate your clarity and honesty. Thank you. Physically and emotionally, however, I simply cannot even entertain the thought...with or without pre-meds, with or without a friend, with or without teeth! I might as well climb Mt. Everest....barefoot and without ropes...that's the kind of challenge this is for me. Cleanings, fillings, crowns are all bad enough but an extraction and implant or whatever comes next...I'm sorry. I can't. Welcome to my top 3 "worst evers"...Death, divorce, and the dentist.

I will reread your kind reply, though, a few times, and take your suggestions to heart. Maybe the shock will wear off a little. I did ask for your advice and it seems only fair I let it sink in a little before firing off a fearful "thanks but no thanks" and heading for the hills. It would certainly help if I could picture an understanding, gentle, empathetic dentist who wasn't afraid or uncomfortable around me. Then again, it is hard to picture what you've never seen before.

With gratitude,

Mugzilla

[Bryanna]

Hi Mugzilla,

Thanks for hearing me out and reading through my reply to you. Believe it or not, you have already taken the first step as you did not walk away from it

I have been in dentistry for 36 yrs.... good Lord that is a long time! I have experienced all kinds of situations with fearful dental patients. I suppose the reason I am so in tune with this fear is because I had it myself and continued to have it for several years even after being in the profession. To this day, I always have some pre anxiety about being in the dental chair and I accept the fact that I always will. My fear began as a child, like yours did, when a dentist was very rough, unkind, verbally abusive, intimidating, and did not use local anesthetic for drilling and filling teeth. My dental appointments were brutal and I hated that man so much. When I decided to go into dentistry at 20 yrs old, it was to help me overcome my fear. Nothing like stepping into a puddle not knowing how deep it is..... but that's me!

The first thing to understand is that poor dental health will cause or contribute to other health problems. So let your overall health be your motivator in pursuing better dental health. Just like you would browse the internet or catalog for a new outfit or shoes, do the same with seeking a new dentist. There are dentists that have a kind, gentle disposition that can put the patient at ease with or without anti anxiety medications. These dentists do what they do because they understand the fear as they have experienced it themselves. It is imperative that you seek someone who is not going to feed your fear with sympathy but someone who is going to comfort you with their devoted attention and kindness. There are dentists who cater to this type of dental patient. Does that sound like something you could do?

The other thing I want to address with you is your belief that this is the only anxiety that you have. Any time you have this type of intense fear, especially when it is due to a physical assault or trauma, it affects you in ways you may be unaware of and it can manifest into other health problems. Hypnotherapy can be extremely helpful in over coming intense fears such as this. I have seen this therapy work wonders with even the most terrified patients. A licensed hypnotherapist can be found online under mental health therapy. Perhaps that is something you would consider doing?

I can tell you from my personal and extensive professional experience that it is possible to overcome this fear well enough to be able to go the dentist without getting yourself sick over it. You have taken the first step..... now it is up to you to accept the significance of how overcoming this fear will benefit your overall health and well being and let that acceptance guide you to finding the right dentist for you.

I have faith that a strong person like yourself can use your strength to make this happen. You are stronger than your fear... you just don't realize that yet. But you will!

We're here when you need to reach out.... keep in touch
Bryanna

Originally Posted by Mugzilla

Thank you, Bryanna...

... for such a kind, thoughtful, helpful (and thorough)reply to a complete and total stranger, rambling in a panic, no less! What a generous spirit you have! I'm truly grateful....

....and, if I'm being totally honest, also truly sick to my stomach. I was hoping for "stay on the ibuprofen indefinitely." Just reading about, thinking of, calling for dental appointments/treatment/teeth etc. makes me physically ill. I am not exaggerating. I am not like this in any other area of my life. No other phobias or anxiety issues, very "balanced" for lack of a better word. I was physically and verbally assaulted by the dentist at my very first trip ever right before I turned 5. Following that I had bad, verbally/emotionally abusive and physically painful appointments with another dentist who had no business working with children until I was 13.

I am now 45 and can hardly sit on the edge of a dental chair much less lay back in one...and that is with oral sedation. My anxiety is so high and teeth so "hot" because I go in with a big problem, that I don't get or stay numb for very long and have even had a dentist in tears with me trying to "help" but only making things worse, despite her efforts to the contrary.

Logically, you make perfect sense. I know you are 100% correct about what needs to be done and I appreciate your clarity and honesty. Thank you. Physically and emotionally, however, I simply cannot even entertain the thought...with or without pre-meds, with or without a friend, with or without teeth! I might as well climb Mt. Everest....barefoot and without ropes...that's the kind of challenge this is for me. Cleanings, fillings, crowns are all bad enough but an extraction and implant or whatever comes next...I'm sorry. I can't. Welcome to my top 3 "worst evers"...Death, divorce, and the dentist.

I will reread your kind reply, though, a few times, and take your suggestions to heart. Maybe the shock will wear off a little. I did ask for your advice and it seems only fair I let it sink in a little before firing off a fearful "thanks but no thanks" and heading for the hills. It would certainly help if I could picture an understanding, gentle, empathetic dentist who wasn't afraid or uncomfortable around me. Then again, it is hard to picture what you've never seen before.

With gratitude,

Mugzilla

[Mugzilla]

Originally Posted by Bryanna

Hi Mugzilla,

Thanks for hearing me out and reading through my reply to you. Believe it or not, you have already taken the first step as you did not walk away from it

I have been in dentistry for 36 yrs.... good Lord that is a long time! I have experienced all kinds of situations with fearful dental patients. I suppose the reason I am so in tune with this fear is because I had it myself and continued to have it for several years even after being in the profession. To this day, I always have some pre anxiety about being in the dental chair and I accept the fact that I always will. My fear began as a child, like yours did, when a dentist was very rough, unkind, verbally abusive, intimidating, and did not use local anesthetic for drilling and filling teeth. My dental appointments were brutal and I hated that man so much. When I decided to go into dentistry at 20 yrs old, it was to help me overcome my fear. Nothing like stepping into a puddle not knowing how deep it is..... but that's me!

The first thing to understand is that poor dental health will cause or contribute to other health problems. So let your overall health be your motivator in pursuing better dental health. Just like you would browse the internet or catalog for a new outfit or shoes, do the same with seeking a new dentist. There are dentists that have a kind, gentle disposition that can put the patient at ease with or without anti anxiety medications. These dentists do what they do because they understand the fear as they have experienced it themselves. It is imperative that you seek someone who is not going to feed your fear with sympathy but someone who is going to comfort you with their devoted attention and kindness. There are dentists who cater to this type of dental patient. Does that sound like something you could do?

The other thing I want to address with you is your belief that this is the only anxiety that you have. Any time you have this type of intense fear, especially when it is due to a physical assault or trauma, it affects you in ways you may be unaware of and it can manifest into other health problems. Hypnotherapy can be extremely helpful in over coming intense fears such as this. I have seen this therapy work wonders with even the most terrified patients. A licensed hypnotherapist can be found online under mental health therapy. Perhaps that is something you would consider doing?

I can tell you from my personal and extensive professional experience that it is possible to overcome this fear well enough to be able to go the dentist without getting yourself sick over it. You have taken the first step..... now it is up to you to accept the significance of how overcoming this fear will benefit your overall health and well being and let that acceptance guide you to finding the right dentist for you.

I have faith that a strong person like yourself can use your strength to make this happen. You are stronger than your fear... you just don't realize that yet. But you will!

We're here when you need to reach out.... keep in touch
Bryanna

THANK YOU, for your time, insight and encouragement...and for sharing a bit of your own "fear filled" history . What self-awareness and strength you have, especially evident when you began to tackle this as a 20 year old!

In helping yourself you've helped thousands...by not creating fear in the first place and helping to undo the damage done to others, physically and emotionally. Think of all the healthy mouths (& minds) you've literally had a hand in over your career! 36 years VERY well spent, I'd say!

I am sure you are also correct with regard to dental health contributing to or causing other health problems but find it funny it has never come up at appointments with health care providers. I'm sure you are right and there are very well documented connections, I haven't "read up" on the subject. I have, however had arthritis/djd since I was 37 and I believe that is what has bothered my jaw, sometimes making it almost impossible to open my mouth. The popping has gradually become a noisy crackling over time and I do clench (not grind) my teeth, enough to chip a few but there are no "cures" for either. The teeth and stress didn't cause arthritis.

I will concede the migraines I get may have a dental connection however neither the rheumatologist for arthritis or neurologist for migraines have ever pointed to teeth or anxiety for either problem. Never even asked about my dental health, or when I'd last had dental work..nothing...which leads me to believe the dental health isn't a huge factor in either or they would have mentioned it. Maybe it is different with other illnesses. Thank you though for underlining the importance of regular dental care.

I'll read, and reread your helpful replies and have to take your word for it that there are comforting, encouraging dentists out there and that this enormous fear can be managed...but I will try to work up the nerve to open the phonebook and look. Not to call. Just to look.

With gratitude,
Mugzilla

[Bryanna]

Mugzilla,

There are huge problems amongst our healthcare system but one in particular is the ignorance about our dental health as it connects to systemic health. It is a shame that many physicians never ask their patients about their dental health. But that is a fact simply because physicians are not knowledgeable about dental health so they just don't go there. However that does not mean that there is no connection. It just means there is an ignorance in their education about the connection.

Studies have been on the correlation between oral health and inflammatory and auto immune diseases for decades and the conclusion is that there is a direct correlation between them.

Here is a link for you to browse through...
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/809134

Clenching your teeth can cause or contribute to all sorts of head, neck, shoulder, and joint pain. It can cause the teeth to fracture and become loose in the bone. Clenching causes intense pressure on the TMJ joints as well as spasms to occur in the musculature areas of the head, neck and so on. So it would be logical that someone would develop headaches from having a clenching habit.

I am concerned about you and my purpose in offering you this information is to help motivate you to become more aware of how your oral health is and will continue to affect your overall well being. Once you recognize the connection, it is up to you to move forward or not. I am not trying to force you into doing anything.

Overcoming your fear is not instantaneous.... it takes courage, patience and help. You have to want to do this in order for it to work.

I have faith in your strength and believe you will get there eventually.

Take care and let us know if we can help.....
Bryanna

Originally Posted by Mugzilla

THANK YOU, for your time, insight and encouragement...and for sharing a bit of your own "fear filled" history . What self-awareness and strength you have, especially evident when you began to tackle this as a 20 year old!

In helping yourself you've helped thousands...by not creating fear in the first place and helping to undo the damage done to others, physically and emotionally. Think of all the healthy mouths (& minds) you've literally had a hand in over your career! 36 years VERY well spent, I'd say!

I am sure you are also correct with regard to dental health contributing to or causing other health problems but find it funny it has never come up at appointments with health care providers. I'm sure you are right and there are very well documented connections, I haven't "read up" on the subject. I have, however had arthritis/djd since I was 37 and I believe that is what has bothered my jaw, sometimes making it almost impossible to open my mouth. The popping has gradually become a noisy crackling over time and I do clench (not grind) my teeth, enough to chip a few but there are no "cures" for either. The teeth and stress didn't cause arthritis.

I will concede the migraines I get may have a dental connection however neither the rheumatologist for arthritis or neurologist for migraines have ever pointed to teeth or anxiety for either problem. Never even asked about my dental health, or when I'd last had dental work..nothing...which leads me to believe the dental health isn't a huge factor in either or they would have mentioned it. Maybe it is different with other illnesses. Thank you though for underlining the importance of regular dental care.

I'll read, and reread your helpful replies and have to take your word for it that there are comforting, encouraging dentists out there and that this enormous fear can be managed...but I will try to work up the nerve to open the phonebook and look. Not to call. Just to look.

With gratitude,
Mugzilla

[Mugzilla]

Originally Posted by Bryanna

Mugzilla,

There are huge problems amongst our healthcare system but one in particular is the ignorance about our dental health as it connects to systemic health. It is a shame that many physicians never ask their patients about their dental health. But that is a fact simply because physicians are not knowledgeable about dental health so they just don't go there. However that does not mean that there is no connection. It just means there is an ignorance in their education about the connection.

Studies have been on the correlation between oral health and inflammatory and auto immune diseases for decades and the conclusion is that there is a direct correlation between them.

Here is a link for you to browse through...

Clenching your teeth can cause or contribute to all sorts of head, neck, shoulder, and joint pain. It can cause the teeth to fracture and become loose in the bone. Clenching causes intense pressure on the TMJ joints as well as spasms to occur in the musculature areas of the head, neck and so on. So it would be logical that someone would develop headaches from having a clenching habit.

I am concerned about you and my purpose in offering you this information is to help motivate you to become more aware of how your oral health is and will continue to affect your overall well being. Once you recognize the connection, it is up to you to move forward or not. I am not trying to force you into doing anything.

Overcoming your fear is not instantaneous.... it takes courage, patience and help. You have to want to do this in order for it to work.

I have faith in your strength and believe you will get there eventually.

Take care and let us know if we can help.....
Bryanna

Hi Bryanna,

I appreciate your willingness to help, certainly don't feel you're forcing anything. Thank you for the link. I browsed plenty, cringing while I read. Point taken. Though I am a little overwhelmed.

I just want my tooth to stop throbbing and the annoying "itchiness" or tingling to leave too!

Thinking about HOW to do that takes me right back to the first dentist's assault and next two consecutively horrible experiences as if I were there. I can see, smell, feel...it all in great detail. When I'm in situations like this, needing dental care, it brings it all back and gives me nightmares 40 years later! That probably seems ridiculous or pathetic or both...but it is unfortunately where I am. Stuck.

I want to think about & feel my teeth like I think about & feel my spleen which is NEVER. Just have them do their thing without pain.

You remember feeling this way, right?

[Bryanna]

Hi Mugzilla,

YES... I most definitely understand exactly how the fear brings you back to the bad experiences that you have had and it almost freezes your brain from thinking clearly! Just the notion of anything dental related makes you cringe. YES, been there and done that for many, many years. To this day, I do not like to be a dental patient but that freezing fear has diminished greatly because I made up my mind that the fear was no longer going to control me and neither was any dentist. When you find a dentist, and you will find one that you are comfortable with.... the fear decreases allowing you to feel more in control.

You would think that someone who has worked in the dental field for over 3 decades would care less about being in the dental chair. Not so. Some of the squirmiest and most nervous patients I have known are dentists and co workers!! It's true! It's that thing about knowing more about something.... can sometimes really mean knowing too much! That is why it is imperative to find a dentist who wants to make you feel comfortable just because it is important to him to do that. Those dentists that cater to fearful patients, sometimes market themselves as catering to cowards, take the steps and the time to gain their patients confidence through being attentive, kind and gentle.

Your tooth is hurting because it is infected. When the pain of an infected tooth stops, that does not mean the infection is done. It means that the bacteria has found an outlet to pour into. This is not a good thing to happen as this means the bacteria is becoming more widespread. Now I know the thought of that is scary to you too but that is what is going to happen at some point if you keep this tooth. I wish I had an easier solution for you.... I really do.

If you want to send me a private message with a few locations of where you would look for a dentist, I will try to help you find someone. Anything you share with me in a private message, stays private no matter what. I cannot guarantee I will find the perfect one but I will do what I can.

Also, have you given any thought to the hypnotherapy that I mentioned?
Bryanna

Originally Posted by Mugzilla

Hi Bryanna,

I appreciate your willingness to help, certainly don't feel you're forcing anything. Thank you for the link. I browsed plenty, cringing while I read. Point taken. Though I am a little overwhelmed.

I just want my tooth to stop throbbing and the annoying "itchiness" or tingling to leave too!

Thinking about HOW to do that takes me right back to the first dentist's assault and next two consecutively horrible experiences as if I were there. I can see, smell, feel...it all in great detail. When I'm in situations like this, needing dental care, it brings it all back and gives me nightmares 40 years later! That probably seems ridiculous or pathetic or both...but it is unfortunately where I am. Stuck.

I want to think about & feel my teeth like I think about & feel my spleen which is NEVER. Just have them do their thing without pain.

You remember feeling this way, right?