So I need to go to the dentist. I dont want to.

[Chihlidog]

I have a serious phobia. Needles period, AND to make it worse dentists. I have a really sensitive bump on the inside of my cheek. My teeth are fine actually but I think I got an infection in there and an abscess. I know I need an antibiotic. I actually made an appt the other day but they couldnt get me in till Monday.

If I am gonna spend all that time in this much pain I will just deal with it myself is sort of my attitude. I know that's stupid. Anyone have any tricks to get rid of this? I've been using peroxide and it helped a lot but this thing isnt gone.

[trill]

Can't you just go to a dentist that'll give you some nitrous? No one gives a fuck about anything when they're on nitrous. You'll be like "Needles? Fuck yeah, just shove a handful of them things into my gums!!" Problem solved.

[Tiltsta]

You could just go to one of those MedExpress walk in clinics and show them the abscess and get antibiotics, if you want.

[trill]

Also abcesses can get nasty and dangerous. Nut up and see a medical professional!

[Chihlidog]

You could just go to one of those MedExpress walk in clinics and show them the abscess and get antibiotics, if you want.

Really? They'll do that? I need to get in somewhere. Problem is if this thing goes away and I end up not in pain, I will blow off the dentist again. I know it's stupid but I know I will.

[Chihlidog]

Also abcesses can get nasty and dangerous. Nut up and see a medical professional!

Yeah. I know that's what it amounts to. But I'm completely irrational about it. I can talk about it, even make the appointment. But once I get into a dentist's office, I freak even though it isnt ME they are touching.

I've heard the nitrous can be cool, but I have also heard about it not working. I'll be so pumped with adrenaline I doubt it will chill me out.

[Denverdave]

I hate going to the dentist, but not on a phobic level. It just always ends up costing me at least $200.00 per visit...

[trill]

I have never heard of nitrous not working. You must have some stingy sadist dentists up there in Yankee country.

[Chihlidog]

I hate going to the dentist, but not on a phobic level. It just always ends up costing me at least $200.00 per visit...

I have insurance. A visit only costs me 15 bucks.

[Help!I'maRock!]

[Chihlidog]

I have never heard of nitrous not working. You must have some stingy sadist dentists up there in Yankee country.

Well, I havent had real work done in a long time. And I have never had nitrous. Last filling I had wasnt horrible I suppose. The Last tooth I had pulled was horrendous, however. And I had orthodintic work done for 3 years, and they used techniques which I am convinced were invented during the freaking spanish inquisition.

[Chihlidog]

Thanks Howie. I know I could count on you.

[Help!I'maRock!]

Thanks Howie. I know I could count on you.

i have a thing about dentists too. but here's the thing. either you take care of it now and get out relatively unscathed, or you let it sit and all of your worst fears come true. sucks, but that's the way it is.

last year for my birthday, my wife (then GF) took me to see Bill Cosby at Lincoln Center. his "encore" was the dentist bit. and even though i knew every word, it was still amazing.

[Chihlidog]

i have a thing about dentists too. but here's the thing. either you take care of it now and get out relatively unscathed, or you let it sit and all of your worst fears come true. sucks, but that's the way it is.

last year for my birthday, my wife (then GF) took me to see Bill Cosby at Lincoln Center. his "encore" was the dentist bit. and even though i knew every word, it was still amazing.

Youre trying to get me to be reasonable and rational when I am NOT when it comes to dentists. I know I probably need other work done. At the very least a deep cleaning. Right now I just want to get out of pain. I honestly would have gone in on Sunday or Monday. Having me wait a week gives me time to 1) think about it and get myself even more hyped up, and 2) figure out ways to lessen it myself, so it totally killed my motivation.

I know I need some antibiotics, though.

[Kerouac]

I got my shrink to write me a prescription for Valium when I go. I had to go 2 weeks ago? I took two Valium and my iPod and it went ok. It's not 100% and if I didn't think I'd pass out I'd have gone with three, but it really helps. I didn't go for years before he suggested that and now I'm in every 6 months.

[Help!I'maRock!]

Youre trying to get me to be reasonable and rational when I am NOT when it comes to dentists. I know I probably need other work done. At the very least a deep cleaning. Right now I just want to get out of pain. I honestly would have gone in on Sunday or Monday. Having me wait a week gives me time to 1) think about it and get myself even more hyped up, and 2) figure out ways to lessen it myself, so it totally killed my motivation.

I know I need some antibiotics, though.

call now and tell them you're in pain. they'll see you immediately.

[Prages]

If you go the nitrous route, you'll have to have your wife or somebody drive you home. I don't think you're allowed to drive for something like 12 hours after.

Mrs. P is terrified of needles, and hates going to the dentist too.

Unfortunately, she has bad teeth, and usually ends up having to have work done at least every couple of years.

I, on the other hand, don't mind needles, or the dentist, and the most I've ever had to have done was a deep cleaning. That's the only time they've had to use a needle on me.

Of course, the most painful thing I've ever experienced was when the ER Dr. shoved a needle into the nerve of my big toe after the lawn mower incident. That was much more painful than the actual incident.

[Chihlidog]

I got my shrink to write me a prescription for Valium when I go. I had to go 2 weeks ago? I took two Valium and my iPod and it went ok. It's not 100% and if I didn't think I'd pass out I'd have gone with three, but it really helps. I didn't go for years before he suggested that and now I'm in every 6 months.

My wife was talking to one for me that said they'd give me a sedative (probably valium but didnt say specifically) beforehand, then gas me when I got there if they needed to, then proceed to numb me up and do whatever they needed to do. That guy doesnt take my insurance. I think this might work OK for me, I would be willing to give it a shot. Sort of. As long as I knew that if I still wasnt cool with it I could still get up and get out of there.

If they really drugged me to the point that I didnt care then obviously I'm cool with the whole thing.

If you go the nitrous route, you'll have to have your wife or somebody drive you home. I don't think you're allowed to drive for something like 12 hours after.

Mrs. P is terrified of needles, and hates going to the dentist too.

Unfortunately, she has bad teeth, and usually ends up having to have work done at least every couple of years.

I, on the other hand, don't mind needles, or the dentist, and the most I've ever had to have done was a deep cleaning. That's the only time they've had to use a needle on me.

Of course, the most painful thing I've ever experienced was when the ER Dr. shoved a needle into the nerve of my big toe after the lawn mower incident. That was much more painful than the actual incident.

See, that's probably part of the reason I am so terrified. Worst pain I have ever felt was with a needle. I cut my eyelid many years ago. They had to stitch it up. Getting Novocaine injected into my eyelid was beyond description. My dad had to hold me down. I will never allow anyone to cause me that much pain again. I know the dentists needle isnt supposed to hurt that bad but I have a very, very serious thing about needles. I short circuit. I panic, it's a fight or flight thing, I wont allow anyone to stick me with them.

[2manband]

I have insurance. A visit only costs me 15 bucks.

Whenever I'm on the fence about going to the doc, or the dentist, or whatever, I remind myself that I pay for the insurance whether I use it or not.....and that's usually the push I need to get in and get taken care of.

[baimun]

DO NOT fuck around with that.


A few years ago I had a cracked molar that got infected... I put it off for a few days, then woke up one morning thinking SOMEONE IS DRILLING THROUGH MY SKULL!!!! It was one of the most painful and annoying feelings in my life. NOTHING would releive it. The dentist gave me an antibiotic but had to schedule me with an Oral Surgeon. Those couple days before the surgery were sooooooo miserable. The stitches after the fact were a breeze in comparison.

The surgeon also explained that an infection like that can quite easily spread to the brain and KILL YOU..... I don't fuck around with stuff like that any more (and I floss all the time. )

[Tiltsta]

Perhaps you can find a dentist who does sedation dentistry (where you are knocked out cold), or one who specializes in nervous patients and can give you some valium or xanax before you start.

[Prages]

I have a great aunt who had an abscess spread to her jaw and ended up having to have 1/2 of her lower mandible removed.

You probably don't want that.

[Chihlidog]

Perhaps you can find a dentist who does sedation dentistry (where you are knocked out cold), or one who specializes in nervous patients and can give you some valium or xanax before you start.

I've looked my wife has looked. The ones I can find dont seem to accept my insurance. I've done a lotta research on what they can do now for people like me. The gel before the injection to numb it, the nitrous, the sedatives, etc. They all seem great. If I could find someone to actually DO that stuff, and I was in extreme pain again and could get them to let me come in right then, I would likely do it. I'm pretty upset these people wouldnt even see me till Monday.

[Modern Saint]

Yeah I was in that freakin' chair yesterday getting my teeth cleaned. I am glad that I didn't hear any whining from a drill going off.....

Just and get it done dude otherwise you will just worry about it more and other things will build up.

[Tiltsta]

I've looked my wife has looked. The ones I can find dont seem to accept my insurance. I've done a lotta research on what they can do now for people like me. The gel before the injection to numb it, the nitrous, the sedatives, etc. They all seem great. If I could find someone to actually DO that stuff, and I was in extreme pain again and could get them to let me come in right then, I would likely do it. I'm pretty upset these people wouldnt even see me till Monday.

Did you mention the abscess? I would get a new dentist if they wouldn't take you as an emergency case today. I had one of these develop in an infected tooth on 4th of July weekend, and my dentist had me in on the holiday for an emergency root canal. His brother (they share the practice) actually did it, but still, I got right in on a holiday.

[Chihlidog]

Did you mention the abscess? I would get a new dentist if they wouldn't take you as an emergency case today. I had one of these develop in an infected tooth on 4th of July weekend, and my dentist had me in on the holiday for an emergency root canal. His brother (they share the practice) actually did it, but still, I got right in on a holiday.

Didnt they give you an antibiotic first? I understand that any infection renders the local ineffective. I certainly am not going through that.

[12Pack]

This -



And it will be gone in a day.

[baimun]

This -



And it will be gone in a day.

Bullshit.

Anbesol is good if you got food stuck in your gum and it's sore.

If you have an infection in a tooth, throwing anbesol on it is like going to the scene of a horrific motorcycle accident where the rider is missing 40% of his skin... and spraying a little "Bactine with aloe" on it.

[Dew Knot Hump]

I hate to overstate the obvious but I doubt that there is anybody/anywhere that likes going to the dentist.

[Tiltsta]

Didnt they give you an antibiotic first? I understand that any infection renders the local ineffective. I certainly am not going through that.

No antibiotic before. Just drilling.

[DNW]

I hate going to the dentist too. Not so much because of needles and such, but because I haven't got the money.


Last time I had to go because th epain was just becoming ridiculous... time for root canal work.


Not long before that it was four wisdom teeth out. I managed to put that off for I think 2 years after the dentist said I should have them out within the next 6 months.


I've started getting some pains recently that are reminding me of what resulted in me getting that root canal work done. It only comes briefly though and then disappears, so I'm ignoring it for now.

[12Pack]

I hate to overstate the obvious but I doubt that there is anybody/anywhere that likes going to the dentist.

I fall asleep in the dentist chair. They laugh at me and tell me to wake up because my mouth starts to close.

[12Pack]

[Chihlidog]

This -



And it will be gone in a day.

I've used Kanka, I originally thought it was a canker sore. It helped a little but the swelling is still there and it still hurts. I'm going to a MedExpress after work, hopefully they're check it out, write me a prescription, and this will clear up.

Would you believe I have never had a prescription? This'll be my first one. I should be kind of excited

[Prages]

I've used Kanka, I originally thought it was a canker sore. It helped a little but the swelling is still there and it still hurts. I'm going to a MedExpress after work, hopefully they're check it out, write me a prescription, and this will clear up.

Would you believe I have never had a prescription? This'll be my first one. I should be kind of excited

I've only had a couple of prescriptions.

The first one I remember was when I was about 6 years old. Penicillin for an ear infection.

Turns out I'm violently allergic to penicillin. I swelled up like a balloon and broke out into hives. Dr. said if had been a higher dose, it could have killed me.

The next one I remember after that was pain killers for the toe.

[12Pack]

I had a fevor once and the only prescription was more.......

[Chihlidog]

I got penecillin Hopefully this clears up. He said, as I suspected, that my teeth were all fine, that the wisdom toth was healthy but in a bad spot and that it agitated my cheek, which then became infected. So yeah, pretty much what I thought. He definitely wants me to see a dentist to get that out but said my teeth look pretty good and couldnt find anything else that would cause infection. He also said "If that's BETTER then I dont know how you made it through those few days". I have my first prescription, I am so proud.

[matou]

Last time I had nitrous, I told 'em "This shit's not workin'." They cranked it up (or pretended to).
"How 'bout now?"
"Nope."
Then, one of the guys laughed. "How old are you?"
I told him. He says "It's not like that anymore."

Apparently, they give you just enough to block the nerve, but not enough to even get a buzz.

[paulskirocks]

Dude, people die from infections in the gums... A broken tooth is one thing, because the nerve eventually dies, and it doesn't hurt... A mouth infection that gets to the brain can be really bad... Suck it up. You like hockey... Hockey players are tough... Hockey fans are tough... So you have a phobia... Get over it... You are tough... DO IT!

Edit... OK, I see you got antibiotics... Next stop, the dentist...

[Chihlidog]

Dude, people die from infections in the gums... A broken tooth is one thing, because the nerve eventually dies, and it doesn't hurt... A mouth infection that gets to the brain can be really bad... Suck it up. You like hockey... Hockey players are tough... Hockey fans are tough... So you have a phobia... Get over it... You are tough... DO IT!

Edit... OK, I see you got antibiotics... Next stop, the dentist...

They actually told me that, as I suspected, there is no infection in the gums or the teeth. It's all in the cheek. Said I must have got something stuck in there or something. They checked my teeth and aside from the wisdom tooth possibly agitating my cheek, they're in good shape. He said he felt it would be best to have the tooth out but if it hasnt bothered me until now then it's probably not a huge deal.

When I describe it to him, before he looked, he said "Well, I'm betting it's a tooth" but then changed his mind once he checked me out. Then he was thinking possibly an infected gland, but he said that wasnt it either. He couldnt find anything else wrong and said it had to have been from a wound to the cheek specifically. So I am greatly relieved.

[Mark Wein]

Cool!

[aliensporebomb]

In my case I will probably have to have oral surgery this year because one of my wisdom teeth that they couldn't remove when I was 13-14 years old is FINALLY breaking the skin and emerging which means that it's susceptible to infection since it still is mostly below the gumline but the top is peeking thru.

I had an abcess of a tooth last year and I wouldn't wish that pain on anyone. The dentist prescribed percocet. It didn't do a damn thing. It just made it impossible to sleep. Advil did a slightly better job.

Ugh.