Hi I just have to share this with all of you. One of my BIG fears is the Dentist. Which baffles me as I have spent more time in a dentist chair at my age than most will spend in a lifetime! However a few years back I got to the point that I waited until it was a must to go! Anyway I took about 1 1/2 years and didn't go at all due to anxiety.
Back in July 2005 I had to go due to cracking a molar. This was a new dentist and without going into details it was the worst experience of my life! I left with a temporary till my crown would be put on and I NEVER went back.
So for 5 months I have had this temp. and then in Feb. I chipped a different molar. Oh gosh the thought just killed me. Well our insurance changed and so with that I started calling different offices and really getting a feel for the staff and the Dr. I told myself just let me get a little farther in the program then I will go. Well I popped in lesson 8 and Lucinda said now is the time. Just step outside that anticipatory wall and do it. WHAT?! Now I thought. Well I called and made my first appointment and I WENT! I was and still am on such a high from this. That was the first step. I have another appointment next Tues and then another for a root canal the following Tues. Busy weeks ahead.
The night before I told my husband I just want to actually show up for the appointment. My dental issues weigh a lot on me daily. My husband looked at me and said there is your answer go and start lifting this Dentist fear off your shoulders and remember your bad experience was the last place not this new place!STOP packing this around with you.
I have a lot ahead of me but I feel like I made a HUGE step and I'm really proud of me!
Thanks for listening Take care everyone

Hi Begone,

Great job!!!! You should be very proud of yourself!! Every step is big, but I agree that this was HUGE. It's so good to hear the successes. I think we should all share more of them!

God bless!

Quietfire

Congratulations!!!! You should be proud of yourself, the first steps are usually the hardest but I'm so happy to hear that you were able to take it... I'm very happy to hear of your success and even happier to hear of how your success has made you feel. Congratulations again...

Quietfire
Hi and thank you so much for your encouragment. It really means so much to me and your right EVERY step is Big and we need to give ourselves credit every step of the way. I agree that we all need to share more of our successes and spread some joy Take care

Hope249
Hi and thanks a ton for your support. It really means so much to me. Your right the first steps are the hardest! I have more in the weeks to come and I will be looking back at all this support for sure! Take care

Begone,
I think finding the right dentist can make such a difference. Good to hear you searched out a new one. That shows you are taking care of yourself and not just accepting a bad dentist. Within the last year I also switched dentists and found one who understands people's fears. I'm not afraid to talk to him about any procedure, and he reassures me just by his attitude that it's okay to express those feelings. I have referred my relatives and friends to him, and they all really like him. I enjoyed hearing about your "high" after you actually went to your appointment because it does feel like that when something so heavy weighs on us and we conquer it!! You have done a tremendous job working through this!
Noel

Noel,
Hi and thanks so much for the very encouraging post. Funny thing is I have an appointment again today in a few hours and I didn't sleep well last night ( due to a major injury our golden retriver had . I feel some doubts wanting to sneak in this morning. So before listening to lesson 8 again I thought I would re-read previous positive posts to help keep the positive thoughts flowing this morning Your post came a t a perfect time reassuring me and reminding me of the comfort I felt with this dentist. He is so understanding and just takes the conversation at my speed. I knew that but you helped remind me of just how great I felt a week ago! Your so right about getting the right one and when you do you want to shout it out to everyone. WE all need great and understanding people in our lives. Thanks again and I'll post this afternoon a follow-up how it went. Take care

Begone,
Hope you did make it to your appointment. I know how that can be when we try to find an excuse to postpone or not go. Recently I had to get a mammogram as I had breast cancer six years ago and it is SO STRESSFUL to go to that yearly exam. When the day arrives, I start out by thinking I am going to cancel. As it gets closer to the time I leave, I think I will go but then I can always leave. When I get there and am waiting, I think I might not stay. When I get the mammogram, I don't want to wait for the results. This was last month, and I made it through the whole thing. The point is I'm glad I didn't cancel because I'd still be thinking about my new upcoming appointment instead of having it over with. So, I do hope you made it in spite of your dog's accident. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Noel

Noel,
Hi, I'm happy to report I went to the appointment YES! Another one down With my dog and her accident I was so tempted to just say forget the appointment. But I knew she was in great hands and that I really needed to follow through with the appointment. Thanks for the all the positives what a huge help! Congrats to you too for going through with your testing too. I'm proud of you and I can so relate to all of those thoughts you had. I'm gonna cancel, then I'll go knowing I can leave then when I'm done I just feel so happy I did! Next Tuesday is a root canal. Well take care and thanks again

Thanks for the update Begone...and congratulations for keeping the ball rolling! That is such an accomplishment.

Once I had my work done...what surprised me the most...was that I actually agreed to set up a regular 6-month check-up...in advance no less! That in itself, was a big step but I’ll tell you...it would not have been possible if I hadn’t taken all those steps before and while it’s not like my favorite place in the world to go and hang-out...it has been very positive and I believe at least a little desensitizing...for me to make those check-ups and stay current. Pushing through this particular wall of fear produces such a rush, so challenging for me...I know how phenomenal this must be for you...

Try and celebrate this last appointment as much as the first...and hopefully you’ll fill us in on your next visit and celebration.

My best,
JOP

This post couldn't have come at a better time - I have a 2 hour appt tomorrow at the dentist, and I hate going. You'd think after all the work I've had done, I'd be used to it, but I'm not! I'm trying to stay positive, because this is my second-to-last appt after a series of procedures over the last 15 months (dental implant), so I'm in the home stretch. Only this time, I don't get any good drugs to get me through it, as I did with the other appts, so I'll be cold stone awake! Give me good vibes!
thanks!

Also wanted to add that I had a root canal last year and they have a much worse reputation than they deserve. Yes, you have to sit there for a long time, but there is really no discomfort. Bring some music along and breath deeply. You can also take breaks if you need to since it's not a real involved process. You'll be fine.

JOP
Hi and thanks for the wonderful encouragment! Funny thing at this office they set you up so quickly to keep the ball rolling. Which for me is a good thing cause when left up to me it is so easy to fall off the wagon so to say So I will do as you have done and pre-schedule the cleanings and keep this an ongoing thing. Thanks again and I will be sure to leave a follow up next Tuesday after the root canal. Take care

Joycewriter
Hi and thanks a ton for the encouragement. I really wish you the best at your appointment. Seems the dentist no matter how long we or how much we have been there it is just not a place we ever want to get too comfortable I had a root canal done 6 1/2 months ago and it took 3 appointments and the total time was 9 hours. It was a nightmare and I had a ton of pain throughout 2 of the procedures. Hence my HUGE fear now. This time I'm going to an Enodontist and they said 1 to 1 1/2 hours total. Hmmmm....I sure hope so Well best of luck to you and please let me know how your appointment went for you. Take care

Begone -
My appt went great! I was nervous for the first 10 mins, then calmed down and stayed that way for most of the appt. The had trouble making a temporary crown at one point and I got a little nervous, but calmed myself down. I wore my iPod, which I know helped! Re: your root canal - that's terrible. I had mine done at an endodontist and it took about 1 1/2 hours. The only part I don't like is the rubber thing they use to keep the area dry. Other than that, I honestly didn't feel anything. I know it will go better for you this time. Let me know!