I am really scared of having a tooth filling and what should I do?

I never used to be scared at all of dentists or needles, but after having a wisdom tooth out in January I am really terrified of them.


My dentist says I really need a small filling - I would have liked to have sedation as I am so scared about having the needle for the local aneasthetic, but I am pregnant, so cannot and do not know what to do to calm me down so I can have the filling. My pregnancy sickness means I need to have this filling before it gets worse, but i just can't go and get it done.





I do not want any funny answers telling me to brush my teeth better, I have been in hospital a lot and was too unwell to brush my teeth for a while sadly, also the dentist has said that my teeth problems are more to do with bad health than bad hygiene.

I am really scared of having a tooth filling and what should I do?
dont be scared just take a deep breath and do it!!
Reply:just go in with gritted teth they wont be able to do anything
Reply:Have them all taken out and get false teeth, after that you will have no problem......
Reply:I can sympathize with you, I also lost teeth due to medical reasons. However, if the dentist does it right, you should only feel the first needle with the local, and if your dentist is really good, you won't even feel that because the needle is so small.
Reply:A low dose of a drug like diazapam probably will be OK, even though you're pregnant. But ask your doctor first. The best solution would be a hypnotherapist. He will put a suggestion in your mind to relieve the anxiety.
Reply:fillings are really no big deal. the anaesthetic shot hurts less then someone pinching you does. one things you should try not to do is bite the inside of your mouth when it's numb, because it will hurt when the anaesthetic wears off
Reply:Oh, good luck with that, from my experience, a filling doesn't hurt. Been there with all the roots-canals, wisdom teeth, etc


Just be brave, it will only take a little time. Think of your baby!
Reply:ask your dentist if they do filling while "sedated", they inject valium into the back of your hand,,,its great
Reply:I went to the dentist today for the first time in 10 years! I guess I was a little nervous but the dentist and her assistant were just great!





I have this theory, which is easier said then done I know, but if you do your best to keep calm and relax it actually hurts less because you are not all tensed up.





Breathe deeply and concentrate on something you really like as you look up into the ceiling (!)





If it's just a small filling you'll be in and out in no time!
Reply:ok.....well my tooth had to have a large filling in it....bit some candy and apart of my tooth and filling has dropped out meaning ive gotta go to dentist 2morrow......i hate dentist and there needles too. what i do is maybe a bit wierd but it works..... take 2 painkillers before going.......then before they give injection dig your fingernail deep into your thumb hard so it hurts.....that way your pain is diverted....you dont feel the needle as much and it works......well it does for me.......try it at least........
Reply:you will have to really bite the bullet - speak to your dentist about your concerns. most dentists are very much aware of peoples fears and will do their best to put you at ease.





one small bonus, though it won't seem like it, having a tooth filled is a walk in the park compared to labour, and I went through 36 hours with my lad!!!
Reply:I think that wisdom tooth extraction is one of the worst things to be done to your mouth, if you made it through THAT!! The filling will be a piece of cake. I've had both done and would rather have a filling anyday.
Reply:dentistry has come a long way. i was the same i have 3 kids and i would rather give birth, i told my dentist this she didnt use a needle she scraped a bit then just pushed some putty in the hole it was easy. you wont feel a thing i had terrible experiences as a kid but technology has changed all of this. communicate with your dentist and tell them to stop ,you have the control.
Reply:Oh babe - I really, really feel for you. I'm also dental phobic.





You already know that you need to address this - you really don't want to end up with an abscess.





What you have to do is find a sympathetic dentist - a REALLY sympathetic one. Contact your local dental health authority and explain the situation, and stress that you need to see someone who specialises with nervous patients. I promise they will have seen people much more frightened than you.





If you want to stay with the dentist you already have ask if you can go into the surgery for a chat, without having any treatment. Explain yourself fully to the receptionist - most people will be sympathetic if you're totally open with him.





Also, I found this fantastic site online called Beyond Fear which is all about dental phobia - I can virtually guarantee you'll feel better after reading other people's experiences.





There isn't an easy answer, I'm afraid. But if you confront this fear, and do what needs to be done it'll all be fine - I promise!
Reply:I was like you, I had several painful experiences at the dentist which made me terrified to go again. I was forced to go again a couple of years ago because I really needed treatment badly. The new dentist I saw was very understanding and put me at ease, he took time and was very gentle and kind. All my fears went away and now I don't mind going. If you tell you dentist how you feel you may get the same help.
Reply:hi.i was never bothered bout the dentist. but as i got abit older. i find the whole process of going to the dentist and having things done a very nerve racking ordeal.


the best advise i can can give is tell your dentist how you feel. he/she will make you feel as comfortable as possable. and im sure in no time at all it will be over.





or if u wasnt pregnant id surgessed having a few shots of vodka be4 u go.. lol. joke..





good luck
Reply:Lasers! No really. Many dentists now offer laser dentistry. There is no shot, no drill, no pain. Sounds too good to be true, but it isn't. Simply google "laser dentist (your city's name)" to find one. They take insurance just like everyone else.
Reply:I just went to the dentist for the first time in 10 yrs...kind of avoided going after i graduated HS....dentist said that I have 2 cavities and have to go get them filled. I was avoiding it too (obviously for a very long time) - hmmm - you could think of it this way? If you dont get it done, there's a chance that the situation will get worse and the steps you have to take to correct will be more extreme. I also have a HUGE fear of needles like you....but while you've been pregnant, I'm sure that been having blood tests almost every dr visit. At least, I did. Not the most fun, but it numbs you to needles somewhat for a short time.





Good luck and take care of yourself! Hope that your pregnancy turns out great. I'm sure your baby is going to be beautiful...
Reply:Don't be scared, I'm only 10 and I have had 12 teeth pulled out, (10 at the sametime!!) 4 fillings and tons of temporary fillings. I need a brace soon; colourful!!


Also I cried when I had my first filling; but only because I didn't know they were doing a filling, I thought they were pulling my tooth out. It doesn't acctually hurt, because they make your mouth go numb. And I'ts better than having old teeth with holes in them, isn't it??


It feels great after iit's done, like a new tooth that is brilliantly clean.Also I am terrified of dentists, so it can't be that bad!


See ya!!


:)Puddles:)
Reply:Ask your dentist to put some numbing gel on the place where they will insert needle BUT if it is a small filling, you may not even need one. Just relax. You will be fine. I always look at the ceiling when I have to have an injection, that way I can't see it lol.

sole slippers