freaking out about root canal- may trigger dental phobics

a couple of weeks ago i had a root canal for the first time. it wasn't THAT bad, but i was shaking the whole time the procedure was going on. after it was done i vowed to never allow something like that to happen to my teeth again if at all possible.
then a couple of days later my doctor called me back and said she'd looked at my x-rays after i left and decided she didn't get to the end of the roots!!! so she has to do it again.
i am very angry and also very anxious.
i have anxiety and emetophobia. i also have a minor fear of dental procedures because when i was 16 my dentist (not this dentist) caused my jaw to dislocate leaving my jaw weak and with limited opening range for life.
does anyone have any suggestions on how i can deal with this? i'm scared silly about going back in there. i know this second procedure won't last as long, but i barely got through the last one. i'm thinking of cancelling it and rescheduling it when i feel better (i've been very anxious lately and have just weaned myself off of klonopin....probably why i'm anxious)

Rubylizard,

I can relate to your extreme fear of dentists. Whenever I need a filling, I don't get one, then it turns into a root canal, and I don't get one, and then I have to get it extracted. Its a horrible fear, and I always am so white knuckled getting into that chair.

Sending good caring vibes your way!!

Take gentle care,
Dee

I'm not as afraid of dentists as I used to be...however, it's been a long time since I've been to one, so I will probably find myself more nervous when I go back.

I have had several root canals, and I'm pretty sure I need two or three more. However, I can't afford it, and I'm worried, because I do experience tooth pain sometimes. My teeth are very bad, because my parents didn't teach me to or make me take care of my teeth when I was young. I brush them regularly now, but it took me to get into my 20's before I developed that habit.

Ruby, I sympathize with you. Personally, I think it's better to get it over with. Most of the time, root canals aren't as bad as they say (not that they're fun), and you know this time around won't be as bad. Still, I'm kind of put off by your dentist not getting the job done right the first time. I don't know, maybe that's not so uncommon, but I've never had it happen.

Some dentists do open your jaw too damned wide. Is that what happened to you when you were younger? I've had worries of having my jaw opened too wide...it seems it happened more when I was younger than as an adult. I think some doctors, dentists and adults in general poo-poo when a child or young person complains he's uncomfortable or in pain.

If you could get one of those things you squeeze when you're stressed, or just something to touch (something with lots of different textures or features to it is good) while you're in the dentist's chair might help. Try to focus your mind on the object in your hand, feel it and try to guess what you're touching (if it's a stuffed animal, are you touching the eyes? Nose? Ears?), concentrate on the texture, etc. It can help distract you and also calm you.

I wouldn't care about weaning off klonopin...i would ask the dentist for a prescription for valium and load up on that before and during the next appt.
THAT"S what anxiety medication is for!

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Maven said:
My teeth are very bad, because my parents didn't teach me to or make me take care of my teeth when I was young. I brush them regularly now, but it took me to get into my 20's before I developed that habit.

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Maven, it's not you or your parents' fault; I was taught to care for my teeth and taken to the dentist every 6 months from the age of 5 for cleaning/check-up. My brother had no cavities (and I'm sure didn't brush his teeth as often as I did as I'm sure our stepmom didn't bug him as much since he was older and a guy) and I had a zillion; your mouth/teeth/genetics pretty much determine a lot of all that.

When I have root canals I try to remember that it is not the pain (there isn't much) but the fear that is the worst and "fear" is not real. So I keep focusing on what is "really" happening and if it hurts or not right that minute and how much. Staying in the present moment is the only way I can keep my mind from going off on me :-) Too, I have survived dentist appointments before so there's no reason I won't survive this one and I keep track of the time. A root canal takes maybe an hour so I think about what I'll do afterwards (how I'll treat myself for getting through it) and I keep the time in perspective so it doesn't get too "big". I also compare the dentist to other things I'm afraid of (giving speeches, starting a new job, meeting new, "important" people, quitting a job; for example) and remind myself it's just one of "those" things and that I've successfully gotten through them well over the years.

I am terrified of dentists. I think because when I was nine I had an adverse reaction to the freezing and one whole side of my face swelled up really bad. Also, I am afraid of needles in general so that doesn't help.

Perna, I understand what you're saying, but I firmly believe that if I'd taken care of my teeth, I'd have far fewer problems. A high sugar diet sure didn't help. And it's a parent's job to make sure their children take care of their teeth. Otherwise, parents are neglectful.

Ruby, you don't have to feel so alone now. I'm calling my dentist (who I haven't seen in years) today to make an appointment, because I'm having a problem with a tooth. I called my dentist yesterday, just to ask about dental insurance (I can't afford it, but info couldn't hurt), and found out they have payment plans so you can pay a bit at a time, and I think she said you have a year or maybe two to pay the bill off in full. Well, later, my tooth started hurting, so I asked my boyfriend if I could apply for that payment plan and get an appointment (possibly today, if they're open and will take me), and he said ok. I am nervous about going, but I will be glad to have the tooth fixed. I want to chew gum again, LOL!

That said, I have lots of bad teeth, so I worry about all of them.

As for this tooth that's bothering me, I won't be the least bit surprised to hear I need a root canal. I got angry with my mom yesterday when I mentioned I was going to see the dentist, although I didn't express my anger that much. She asked if I was going to have it pulled. Seems an innocent-enough question, but my parents have always seemed to think it was better for me to get my teeth pulled than get them fixed, plus my mom has felt I should just get false teeth, because it's easier. This upsets me so much, you just don't know. I know the odds are slim, especially at my age, but I want to be an actress, and while you can be an actress with false teeth, the fact is, you have better chances at roles if you have really good teeth (and looks). I have NEVER been encouraged by her or my dad (or anyone in my real life, for that matter) to pursue acting, let alone anything else or creative I wanted to do. So, I just feel like I've never had support. Her telling me to get my teeth pulled is like telling me to just throw them away. My dad had false teeth, and my mom does, too, so I guess it's no big deal to them.

My last root canal was at a specialest... he had a new machine that just "zaps" the root.. the whole thing took maybe 10 minutes.. then a follow-up xray to make sure all was OK.. and then zoom out of there.

Since my jaw was open for only a few minutes, it didn't hurt afterwards (I have TMJ so that is important). And my tooth didn't hurt afterwards either because it was just a "zap" - no "filing"... no push and pull on the tooth...

So I have had alot of root canals (my teeth are strange - they are OK one day and the next the root dies for some reason).

So I just thought that I would share - that there is this painless procedure..and very non-invasive.

Yes, an endodontist is a root canal specialist and they have a lot of neat tricks up their sleeves (but they're more expensive). I had to have surgery and stuff to get a tooth "ready" for a crown as well as have the root canal and went to one and it was fine/easy.

Good for you, Maven, for not giving up your dreams or taking advice that doesn't fit you. My husband had gum disease and didn't like the pain of getting his teeth deep cleaned so just let all his teeth fall out (and then the last few pulled) so he could get dentures. I'm just use to going to the dentist and am very grateful my stepmom took me every six months and that I'm more or less use to it (seeings how I've been to the dentist at least 125 times in my life? :-)

I couldn't reach my dentist, so I have to wait till after the weekend. So far, though, my tooth doesn't bother me a lot. It just hurts now and then.

I wish I could get a dentist who used laser (that's what I'm assuming was used on you, freewill), but I seriously doubt I'd get one at the office I'm going to, if for no other reason than I can't afford it (or, my boyfriend can't...he's paying).

I had very poor dental care when I was young, and the only time I went to the dentist (whom I characterize as a horse doctor) was to have teeth extracted from cavities and toothaches. I too have a fear of dentists as a result. I would ask them to give you some sort of laughing gas.
Patty

I was just researching some dentists in my area, and I found one who gives out juice and cookies!!!!!! But, only going by his site, he looks like a good dentist, and I'm going to call today. I love my previous dentists, but they are a good distance away, so I'm thinking maybe I should find one closer (mostly for the convenience of my boyfriend, who has to drive me).