I'm 27 and have my first cavities.

[rabbittuna62]

I've had a dental phobia all my life but have been lucky enough to never have any major problems, even when avoiding the dentist for years at times. Fast forward to a couple weeks ago when I started having bad pain in a top right molar. I finally caved and made my first appointment in 3-4 years to get a check up. I have cavities... 7 of them I am absolutely terrified of getting them done and the painful tooth needs a root canal which sounds so awful. The other teeth just need fillings but I've watched videos and the needle and drill look so painful. I'm tempted to not even go and just let the teeth rot out. Please help.

 

[Dr M]

It is very important that you go back. Leaving any cavity untreated for an extended period, will lead to more severe pain, infection and eventual loss of the teeth.
If you're scared, ask your dentist about sedation methods that are available. Some dentist do IV sedation or gas sedation or even do the dental work under general anaesthesia. Discuss your fears and concerns with your dentist.

 

[Kennethk]

I've had a dental phobia all my life but have been lucky enough to never have any major problems, even when avoiding the dentist for years at times. Fast forward to a couple weeks ago when I started having bad pain in a top right molar. I finally caved and made my first appointment in 3-4 years to get a check up. I have cavities... 7 of them I am absolutely terrified of getting them done and the painful tooth needs a root canal which sounds so awful. The other teeth just need fillings but I've watched videos and the needle and drill look so painful. I'm tempted to not even go and just let the teeth rot out. Please help.

Might I recommend you call ahead and ask to speak to the billing manager about your fears. The price of a crown averages $1,500 which could lead to that if you don't get treatment. A full implant if they eventually have to pull is $4,000+ if you have good dental insurance use it while you have the chance to you may loose out and have to wait on new insurance to become active further months down the road.

If money is no option get second opinions. I went through several different offices before they understood my situation. Nitrous usually works for me and way cheaper of an option. I got to know staff a little more and finally pushed my fears aside to get my treatment done and my entire mouth is looking at crowns now just because I didn't take oral health more serious in my younger days with 3 implants in the cost is further stressing me more than actually a drill going in my tooth. If you have a panic attack it won't even be a huge deal. Most doctors in any field are trained for these situations.

Like Dr.M said Sedation is best. I've had Iv Sedation for implants knocked me out within minutes and felt fine leaving. They do use propofol and other benzos but with that said these are professional fields trained on amounts. Sedation became way more mature over the years especially with major news. Don't fear everything you hear from drugs based on articles. They'll of course evaluate your past medical to make sure everything is green.

 

[rabbittuna62]

It is very important that you go back. Leaving any cavity untreated for an extended period, will lead to more severe pain, infection and eventual loss of the teeth.
If you're scared, ask your dentist about sedation methods that are available. Some dentist do IV sedation or gas sedation or even do the dental work under general anaesthesia. Discuss your fears and concerns with your dentist.

I'm going to ask for sedation. Thank you.