Giving Little Me A Hug Today. ❤️
Ever since I was a kid I have been terrified of the dentist. I remember being scolded for expressing my emotions of feeling scared, overwhelmed, and unsafe. This only made those heavy, overwhelming feelings ever bigger. So when my tooth broke in half while eating lunch, my worst nightmare came true: I HAD to go the dentist. I went to a different dentist earlier this year and was incredibly proud of myself for being so brave! I booked my second appointment with them to have a tooth with a hole extracted (the same one that split in half today). The dentist came in with no gloves, needle in hand, and walked up to me to start the injections before saying a word to me. POV my brain: 🚩🚩🚩 Plot twist, I can’t have novacane due to my neuromuscular conditions that I elaborated about in the paperwork for both visits. I worked myself up for MONTHS to go to this appointment and I left feeling that same overwhelming sense of being scared and unsafe that made me not go for 8 years. I called around today, mid-day, 6 days before Christmas, and after waking up at 4am for a geneticist appointment so I’m running on anxiety and intrusive thoughts alone.😅 Luckily one office was open and were able to get me in the same day! (Impressive) The staff were so accommodating; asking to help me with my wheelchair for the x-rays, helped transferring, talked me through what noise/sensation/action would happen next, and were so kind when I had a panic attack during the filling that led to me passing out. I also loved that the staff was completely women of color, and I couldn’t have felt safer and heard. ✅ (Technically the dentist who did my filling today was a man, but he was a fill in while the main dentist was on vacay). It felt extra safe and reassuring seeing that the office manager’s kid was behind the desk; as a rural family practice, to me, it shows you care about your staff so you’ll have a higher chance of caring about me. I traded stickers with the office manager’s son too! They were dinosaurs and marvel. ❤️
I left feeling proud, confident, and with a follow up appointment to start working on the many cavities from years of depression and being chronically ill. Weird but also amazing feeling starting the mental and physical work to repair my teeth days after celebrating 6 years sober. I never thought my usage had an impact, but I think it just wasn’t visible in the front based on my exam today.
I’ve been putting this off for, like, two years. I’ve had EMGs/ NCS and biopsies while completely conscious, not even the twilight zone, and the dentist is scarier than those procedures to me. So my sweet partner celebrated me today by getting me my fav soft food for dinner and an early Christmas present!
Today made me realize how much I have grown, how far I have come, and that I’m not wasting time like the bully between my ears would like to convince me of. I moved MOUNTAINS today!!! Is this what feeling proud of yourself feels like? Cause it feels kinda… good? SCARY!!! But good. Yes, yes it is good. 🥹
#dentist #facingfears #innerchild #chronicillness #healingjourney
Facing dental anxiety is a common hurdle for many people, often stemming from childhood experiences. For those with chronic illnesses or unique medical conditions, finding a compassionate dental practice can be crucial. Dental phobia can exacerbate feelings of shame and avoidance, leading to deteriorating oral health over time. It's important to communicate your needs clearly to your dental provider, especially if specific procedures or anesthetics pose challenges. Many people benefit from bringing a support person to appointments or using calming techniques, such as deep breathing or mindfulness, to manage anxiety before and during dental visits. Additionally, seeking out dental practitioners who specialize in treating patients with anxiety can make a significant difference. Look for reviews from other patients who have experienced similar fears; this can provide reassurance. Moreover, developing a positive relationship with your dentist can transform your experience. Celebrate small victories—like showing up for an appointment or completing a procedure—as steps forward in your journey. Remember, you're not alone; many individuals share similar fears, and it's commendable to take charge of your health and begin that healing process, both for your mouth and mind.
