I had 6 teeth pulled which included 4 wisdom teeth. I had major complications and wound up in the hospital for 3 and 1/2 days. I'm terrified of the dentist. I need teeth pulled and work done but I'm so scared I can't have it done.

I don't think that there is a person in the world that "likes" to go to the dentist, so don't ever feel bad about that. A trained dentist will understand your fears and try to help...but you have to take the first step. I am very sorry to hear that you had that terrible dentist, but not all dentists are bad, many of them are very good--you have to ask around and try to find someone that everyone thinks is a kind, caring dentist.

I had my wisdom teeth out a while back, and I was scared to death and put it off for years. I finally was able to go through with the oral surgery because the dentist I found was very good and I trusted him, PLUS he gave me the laughing gas during the procedure. I didn't feel a thing until after it was all over. The whole thing took a half hour and I was in la la land from the gas--I just remember that I was a high as a kite-nothing else about the procedure at all.

If you can find a dentist to give you gas, that is the way to go---it wears off a few minutes after the procedure, and you won't feel a thing if they combine it with novocaine. These are very safe drugs, they wear off, and no side effects.

A valium or ativan before you go to the appointment will help you too...many dentists will prescribe them for you if you tell them you have dental anxiety. It is NO BIG DEAL to just take one pill--you won't get addicted to it, it wont hurt you and it will make things SO MUCH EASIER. Why suffer in pain? Get the help you need to go through this and get it OVER WITH.

I put my oral surgery off for years and suffered for NO GOOD REASON. Not every dentist will hurt you, and if you don't go things will only get worse.

Hi polorbaby, My name is Laura. I am a dental assistant for 24 years.
Leaving your teeth in a bad situation can be fatle to you.
I understand your fear an anxiety. I have anxiety also. I never went to a OBGYN since my twisted mother sent me at age 14. I did not even have my period yet. So that bad experience kept me away. Now I am animic and they need to know why. I took 2 valume and went and had the pap done. I am ok. It was hard and I cried, but I got it done. Bad experiences are hard but you can overcome it as I did. Knowing you have no choice.
If you need them out and it sounds as thoug they are infected.
You need to see someone right away. Infections in your mouth are deadly if left to long. Four weeks is long. Not trying to worry you but go to someone now. If you live in NY my boss is great.
Some offices have sadation dentistry. You can be put out.
They also have nitrous oxide to relax you. Or just take a valum and have someone drive you. If I can further help, don't hesitate to write me. There are many options. Don't be scared all dentists are not the same. Don't let a bad experience make you stop going.
Keeping up with your teeth is inportant. Proper maitenence reduces high costs and more problems such as root canals, gum surgery and extractions.

probably best done under general anasthetic

There are a lot of dentists going to the sedation method for people just like us. I understand exactly how you feel. That is the only way i will go is if i get sedated the gas does nothing at all for me!
Try and find one of these and i bet things will get better.

I'm all for sedation, it's the only way you will ever get me to sit in a dentist's chair!

When you say sedation are you talking having them put you to sleep?
please answer as quickly as you can..

Sedation can mean different things depending on the dentist. Some dentists use gas, others have the ability to give you intravenous (IV) sedation that will be like a heavy dose of valium--you will sleep through the whole procedure.

My oral surgeon offered both, but he preferred to use the gas because you wake up right away from the gas; with the IV sedation you are groggy for a while and they have to monitor you for an hour afterward. He told me to trust him , saying the gas would work, and he was right--it did. But if you feel more comfortable being out cold, then find a dentist that is willing to do IV sedation--not all of them can do this, but if you are near a major city, you should be able to find someone.

I found this fellow in Lexington, that appears to do IV sedation--you can see the website here:

http://www.lexingtondental.com/iv.html

yes it is being asleep

Thank you so much for sending me this link..My oral surgeon is in Elizabeth town Ky who I see tomorrow for X-rays and decide what route we take and they do work early Monday morning. at least by reading the link you sent me helps explain what the different sedations are and how they do it.. please everyone that prays keep praying for me all the way through Monday if you will.....

Sadation can also be a pill. We do this at our office. We don't cover it and it's $500 in New York State. But if you are worried. That is the best way to go. Find someone who does the sedation dentistry.
You will be ok.