It won't be for a cleaning yet....but just to take a look, xray and feel around to test for TMJ and look for signs of teeth grinding or jaw clenching.
I'll call cardiologist to ask about Rx for cleaning.
Freaking....lol!
Posts: 711 | From Bucks County, PA | Registered: Apr 2008
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Re: Numbing agents
Epinephrine is in many anesthetics - shots for numbing (not sure about anesthesia, though). Some discussion on why epinephrine (EPI) can be a rough ride for someone with lyme (especially if they have adrenal issues):
EPI & medical / dental procedures -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- You might talk to a certified medical / dental hypnotherapist who could help make this so much easier. Probably at least 3 sessions prior to your dental appointment would be a good idea.
Your dentist or your area's dental association may have some referrals for you. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
International Medical & Dental Hypnotherapy Association
Run any name you might consider past your dentist to see if they know them or might suggest someone else.
Ask your dentist - in advance - if they have other suggestions for you regarding the relaxation factor. Just be very honest with them about this. They need to know about so they can help and also be alert for the best atmosphere for you.
Now . . . just to be sure - your reluctance is not due to
adrenal stress or
sensitivity to sound or light
as those are other areas that would require far different approaches (?) -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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My reluctance has been around even pre-Lyme. I am just completely freaked out by dental appointments.
I just absolutely hate it (not that anyone really loves it....lol!)!
Since this week's appointment is supposed to be just xrays and questions and a quick non-invasive exam, I won't have to worry about the major prodding or numbing agents.
I will absolutely ask about the non-EPI if needed....so glad you included that!
I've already mentioned to the staff member I spoke with that I haven't been to the dentist in ages due to my fear of it all.
They must think I'm ridiculous. Then again, if there are hypnotists out there to prepare people for this stuff, I'm clearly not the only one. Posts: 711 | From Bucks County, PA | Registered: Apr 2008
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- "They must think I'm ridiculous."
No, they must not think that. If they are true professionals, this issue has been part of their training and they should well understand that it can be a very complex matter for many patients.
You are not alone. My next door neighbor has this issue, too. And she is otherwise in fabulous health.
I've not been able to go to any place for many years due to severe hyperacusis, inner ear bone issues, and sound triggered seizures so I've given it a lot of though.
I have no anxiety at all (yet adrenal are fried), never used to mind the dentist but the neurological impairments I've seen have me wonder if there may be some of that for you.
In any case, I urge you to work with a professional who might help you with this. And, if there may be some physical issues, there may be ways to mitigate.
If the issues are emotional remember that is very real, too and there also ways to work with that. Give your dentist and their staff a chance. They can help you address this and my guess if you can do that it, it will melt away.
If whoever works with you is lyme literate, that would be better, of course as there are so many ways the nervous systems, adrenals and sensory "stuff" can be just (loss of words)
that this started for you after lyme has me thinking there may be some kind of connection.
In any case, be sure adrenal support is steady, well ahead of appt. I've seen hypnotherapy be able to facilitate some really wonderful changes. I trained in that long ago as a stress reducer. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- I can't vouch for the quality of the search results yet some look promising here. Google:
"how common" "fear of dentist"
Some results here are a bit dubious, still, there may be a gem among the pack:
hypnosis "fear of dentist"
Yet - best to be seen IN PERSON by a professional for several sessions.
A PhD psychologist could offer some cognitive therapy as well. Some psychologists are also trained in hypnosis -- yet also best if they would be lyme literate.
One key to a good hypnotherapist: they use only neutral or positive words because our brains can lock onto the "instructions" of a negative word as instruction.
So, even the word (shhh) "fear" would be reframed as "comfort level" or the like.
Still, please don't feel that you can't be honest and clear with your dentist about exactly what you feel. It's good to give that a voice.
Consider whatever accommodations might help: quieter time; turning off some of the overhead lights if not in use (fluorescent lights can make the best of us a bit off kilter), certain music (Mozart likely excellent), requesting staff to avoid scents, etc? -
[ 06-16-2015, 07:20 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
Thanks so much for this great information and advice!
Had my initial appointment.... which went well.
I was nervous, but the staff was awesome, and it wasn't as bad as I thought.
Making follow up appointment soon.
Dentist thinks I am clenching jaw/grinding teeth at night. If it continues, he will make me custom bite plate.
Then it's just going in for routine cleaning.
Otherwise, dental health looks good.
But man, when they come at you with that scraping thingy....I want to run!!!
Posts: 711 | From Bucks County, PA | Registered: Apr 2008
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Glad the appointment went well - and that you did not go running into the deep end.
BRUXISM (clenching jaw/grinding teeth) is a common sign of magnesium deficiency. You might want to assess the kind / dose. Be sure it's at least 3 x day - it has to be spread out.
[this type is excellent for those with lyme as there is no sudden twisting of the spine or neck - which should never be done with some who deals with lyme]
Some who are trained in this (such as a D.O. or P.T.) may be covered by your insurance. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- And a good and proper PILLOW - maybe also one for under your knees, &/or arms. Whatever body points may suffer through the night - when they are supported - the jaw can better relax. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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I sleep with a tempurpedic pillow that I've had for almost 8 years.
It isn't as supportive as it used to be.
I might try the pillows that curve/bulge under the neck to offer support while keeping your head aligned.
I used to have one of those. Took a while to get used to it.....but it was pretty good.
Posts: 711 | From Bucks County, PA | Registered: Apr 2008
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