Help with the dentist and the drill

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I hope this is the right place to put this, as I see someone else has asked a question regarding dentists.

I am finally going back to the dentist after years of being scare out of my wits. I had a really bad experience when I was younger where the dentist not only made a mess of my teeth, drill into my gum but made me fear ever going near any dentists ever.

I have had treatment over the past couple of months including a root being pulled and my teeth right at the back being taken out. Last time I went (before Christmas) I had to have 2 fillings, I had forgotten what this experience was like but wasn't shaking as much. Well when she started the drill I shot 10 feet in the air, and drilling my teeth was a complete nightmare. Now I am so scared to go back as the noise was so unbearable. It effected me so much even the woman at the desk kept on asking me if I was OK, I had gone white I was shaking like mad and couldn't even walk properly. Basically I was a nervous wreck and it lasted for 3 day, I hated certain noises such as when someone cut up their food on a plate. My youngest dropped her fork on her plate and it sounded so loud I felt like being sick.

If anyone knows how to cope with the dentists drill I would to hear, as I can't even bring myself to make another appointment but I so desperately want to make it so I can get my cap refitted.

Hello I have a problem with dentists and drills and procedures in general myself so I can relate to your fears. Perhaps bring an iPod and listen to some music during your procedure. Explain to them that music may help you cope and get through it. Its worth a shot . To me music is the answer to almost anything lol.

I have a severe problem with the drill as well. It's not a sound issue but a vibration issue that I simply cannot stand. The whole experience is bad for me and I feel terrible for a while after it. What I find works, unfortunately is to have a number of breaks in between. If you have a lot of work to be done this can take up quite a bit of time. I also have them apply a larger dosage of medicine to dull my senses. They also allow me to grip the chair as hard as I want. I basically lock in and when I start shaking too much they back off.

It's not going to be easy. You need to figure out what works for you and how willing they are to work within your limits. They are there to treat you after all.

I've never understood the hate for the drill, maybe because I've never had a bad experience? But I do remember crying the first couple times I went when I was 5 or 6. The worst part to me is receiving the numbing. The best dentists can get the job done with the mallet with one wack.

I have an aunt, who is so terrified of the dentist, they have to measure her vitals every so often.

Thank you for your replies

Another fan of music?, I find it does relax me, I have different songs saved for different moods. Staind when I am feeling miffed off with people and songs to the key of awesome when I need cheering up.

I must admit they are good and are very concerned about me, especially as I shake so much after its hard to hold the cup to rinse and spit. I think I will have to have a word with her and see if we can sort something out..even if it's being able to crank up my music.
If only they did the mallet...please knock me out now and recover me when your done please, thank you!


I was hoping someone might have some miracle help lol

I don't have advice on dealing with a dentist drill. I don't know why but it never bothered me. Which is good as earlier in my life I had a great deal of dental issues - many cavities and a few root canals. What helped me greatly was following a dental prevention program. Basically to stop cavities from forming I began taking a few bone strengthening vitamins, D3 and vitamin K2, and eat low carb. Since doing this I have not had a cavity. Truly, my dentist was amazed with my transformation. It's fun seeing the dentist and his teeth cleaning assistant now. I only wish i had done this earlier in life.

This article from Dr. Guyenet pretty much explains what I did to help my teeth.

"Reversing Tooth Decay"

http://wholehealthsource.blogspot.com/2 ... decay.html

Call me a nutter if you want but would it be possible for you to put headphones on whilst they do it?

Thanks for your advice Jojoba, a healthy diet does help I agree. My diet is missing a few of the essential vitamins, I spend time making sure the children have the essentials but forget about myself. (especially at lunch times when they are at school)

Do you mean would the headphones get in the way Tequila? Mine would, but I could use my daughters ear buds as she has two pairs. They are Sonic the Hedgehog, but what the heck.

Oh my gosh yes. There is hardly ever a moment when I am not listening to it. I find it hard to express myself on words and in actions so music helps a lot. Music to suit my mood is a great form of expression to me. It is my therapy

No, what I actually meant was that you could use the music conveyed through the headphones to drown the sounds out. However, as you would be able to dimly hear it and feel it that may not be that successful in the end.

Oh my gosh yes. There is hardly ever a moment when I am not listening to it. I find it hard to express myself on words and in actions so music helps a lot. Music to suit my mood is a great form of expression to me. It is my therapy

Ah sorry Tequila I wasn't sure what your meant. It would drown out the noise but the vibrations not so much, so not as effective as I would like it to be.

MusicIsLife2Me, I agree I find it helps me to calm when I am either feeling jittery, on edge or down. It also helps me sleep at night as I end up going to bed between 1 to 2 in the morning which probably why I look like crap all the time.

Whether it totally drowns out the noise is really all down to how effective the headphones are. Even if it did manage to drown out the noise, I think the psychological realisation and fear of the knowledge you're still being drilled into would make it impossible for you to ignore.

The best advice I can give is to talk to your dentist about your fears. They understand I know as my own dentist helps me with a few of my own dental fears plus I got a family friend studying dentistry they get training in how to help patents with there fears of dental work.

about headphones and dental work
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-12137810

I just got back from having a cavity filled and my face us still numb. I have an extreme sensitivity to the vibrations of the slower drill they use. It makes me absolutely sick to my stomach. It even applies to sounds. Ya know the metal tumbler thingies they make milkshakes in and the vibrations it makes when it's being blended? That sends a chill down my spine and makes me feel ill.

My theory is that it's an inner ear thing...some kind of motion sickness. I've had issues with my ears since I was a child, so it makes sense. I also had some super crappy experiences with dental professionals, so I'm sure the added anxiety doesn't help.

My suggestion is to look into sedation dentistry. Your personal dentist may not have many options, but shop around! There's nitrous/laughing gas (I had it today and I made it through with only minor discomfort), a pill that leaves you kinda loopy but conscious, and for the most extreme cases they can knock you right out. You need a designated driver, though. I recommend starting small and working up if needed.

Good luck! I know how much of a royal pain it is to be sensitive to the drill, so I hope I helped a bit!