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Severe anxiety over tooth

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Posted 5/10/2016 10:12 AM (GMT 0)
I went to the dentist on Thursday due to some quick sharp pains in a tooth. This is a tooth that they've said would need a root canal. He did an xray and said it was starting to get infected so he gave me a script for antibiotics. I started taking them Thursday night and I have been a wreck.

I'm terrified that the infection will go into my blood stream or my brain and kill me. I'm obsessively checking my mouth for swelling, etc. Taking my temperature constantly and freaking out if it's 98.7.

I have another tooth that they said needed a root canal and for a long time it would have a bad taste from in between that tooth and the next. So now I think that ones infected. I'm convinced they're all abscessed and it's going to kill me.

I wake up with my heart racing and anxious and stay on the verge of tears all day. I have an appt to see the endodontist on Thursday for a consult but I don't think they'll do anything that day. I also have a paralyzing fear of the dentist. I have no one to talk to. My husband and family don't want to hear it. Please help. I keep hearing about people dying from this, even people I know who knew someone's husband that it happened to.
Posted 5/10/2016 4:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Ryates,

Try your best to put the burden of concern on your Endodontist! This is a specialist who has seen all manner of root issues...and will know exactly what to do. If you are in need of immediate treatment, you will get it...

...but most likely, you will be given an appointment to get your procedure done soon enough. You are on abx, so not at risk for any infection complications.

Don't let the catastrophic thinking get the better of you! Remind yourself that you are seeing the specialist soon, and that everything will be taken care of at that time.:)

Do you have a benzo you can take before you go in on Thursday? Be sure to work on your relaxation coping skills as well...such as meditation and breathing exercises!

Let us know how it goes...we are here for you!

S.C.
Posted 5/10/2016 4:32 PM (GMT 0)
It's just hard to know what to do. I've read about all the "theories" about how root canals will hurt you. One of these is a visible tooth so I really don't want to lose it. I'm trying so hard to call down but I'm still taking my temperature constantly. I called the dentist office and they tried to reassure me but I'm still here waiting to keep,over.
Unfortunately I don't have anything to take but he has nitrous in the office so I hope all goes well.
Posted 5/10/2016 5:02 PM (GMT 0)
Going in Thursday and hearing the Endo's recommendation will bring you much comfort and clarity I believe.:)

Until then use this mantra when the worries try to intrude on your thinking:

"It is not time to worry about that now. I am going in soon to get the help I need...and I am going to be just fine."

...because you are!! :)

S.C
Posted 5/11/2016 7:23 PM (GMT 0)
I think it's official....I'm a basket case. On top of worrying that I'm going to die of infection in my teeth, now I'm worried about c diff. I've had diarrhea since Friday a couple times a day. I thought it was my anxiety but now I'm worried about c diff because of being on antibiotics. I guess tomorrow on my birthday I'll spend it at the endodontist and getting checked for c diff. Happy freaking birthday to me 🎂😢
Posted 5/11/2016 7:36 PM (GMT 0)
R.,

Diarrhea is common while taking abx! So having this issue during your course of meds is not indicative of C-diff.

Fight the catastrophic thinking with positive mantras...it will help with time and practice.

I am sorry to hear you are spending part of your b-day at an appointment...

...but you will be moving towards taking care of these issues worrying you...so it will be worth it.

Wishing you a happy birthday, and a productive visit with the endodontist.

Let us k ow how it goes!

S.C.
Posted 5/12/2016 4:22 AM (GMT 0)
I agree completely that the diarrhea a couple of times a day is nothing to worry about while you are taking antibiotics. I almost always get diarrhea with antibiotics.

I've also had several root canals and didn't find them to be worth any worry that I had before hand. Endodontists do this work all day, every day, and know what they are doing! Since they have nitrous, it will be a piece of cake! (Birthday cake?)

I hope your appointment goes well and that you do something fun to celebrate your birthday!!
Posted 5/12/2016 11:46 AM (GMT 0)
I have decided that, unless I get horrible news, I'm going to try to calm down. I would hope that if I had an infection bad enough to kill me I would have swelling or bad pain, which I don't. Last night was actually pretty good because I got distracted by the kids for awhile.

I also decided that if my teeth can be fixed and it doesn't kill me, I'm going to take much better care of them. I brush twice a day, but I'm going to floss and quit drinking cokes.
Posted 5/12/2016 2:35 PM (GMT 0)
R.,

Good job in changing around that thinking!

I am sure it is all going to go very well. Know we go with you in spirit and are cheering you on!

Peace, calm...and update when you can.

S.C.
Posted 5/12/2016 4:48 PM (GMT 0)
Well, then endodontist said that he didn't see any abscess but that I'm headed that way. I have an appointment to get one root canal next Thursday and then we'll go from there. I'm terrified of the root canal, but it's step one to fixing these teeth problems.
Posted 5/12/2016 5:20 PM (GMT 0)
Great news!

Root canals are not something anyone would choose...but not nearly as bad as most people make them out to be!

You are going to be fine! Stay positive...

...and...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

S.C.
Posted 5/12/2016 6:42 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

Hope you are feeling better dear ... This is not a laughing matter but the way we panic..i just laughed out loud alone here.. Im glad some of you are here to quickly respond to us like SC. Hibee Larry etc
All I can say I hate dentists...I also go to one when Im really pushed to go.

Xxx
Posted 5/18/2016 8:12 PM (GMT 0)
Well, tomorrow is the day I go for my root canal. I am a nervous wreck (even more so). I believe I'm now an expert in all the things that can go wrong with nitrous oxide, root canals and infection. I have a feeling I'm going to be worried about this for a while since it can fail at any time and get infected. I just feel like I have to try this and not lose my front tooth.

In other news the girl (and her daughter) that I ride to work with both have the stomach bug. I've been scared and waiting for that to get me. If I do get it then I can't have my root canal and all that infection (tooth and stomach) may kill me. I'm screwed either way I guess.
Posted 5/18/2016 8:45 PM (GMT 0)
R.,

If I can send you my number one tip for anxiety management...it would be to read these positive mantras...come up with some of your own...and repeat, repeat, repeat!

You don't necessarily even have to fully buy into what you are telling yourself at first. The effect is the same. The positive statements help to alter brain chemistry...and fight the negative anxiety!

Here is a link:

Positive Mantra/Affirmations for Anxiety Management

anxietynetwork.com/content/coping-statements-anxiety


Please use these...and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers today and tomorrow!

S.C.
Posted 5/19/2016 9:55 PM (GMT 0)
Well, I did it. I couldn't use the nitrous because it made me lightheaded and anxious, so we did it without the nitrous. He was really good about talking to me through the whole thing. I didn't even feel the shot. Its been about 6 hours and no pain as of yet. He said it went great.

If course, being a hypochondriac, now I'm worried about sepsis and infection. My upper gum area is puffy and of course I'm freaking out. I'm hoping it's from the shots. Its not noticeable on the outside but I can feel it. He's supposed to call and check on me this evening and I'll ask him.
Posted 5/19/2016 10:04 PM (GMT 0)
smilewinkgrin turn yeah

Awesome job R!!!

I am so proud of you! What a relief, yes?

You will not have any infection issues because they cleaned evrything out...

...and swelling is normal after a procedure.

I hope you get more reassurance with your follow up call...I am sure you will.

Rest, recover...and feel good about getting through this challenge!

S.C.
Posted 5/20/2016 7:13 PM (GMT 0)
Root canals are a breeze. I had one once and was shocked when the dentist said "alright, you're done!"
You won't feel a thing.
I'm headed to the dentist today for pain on my wisdom tooth... they grew in straight so I never got them out but they get infected about once every couple of years. Ill likely be on abx for the next couple of days!
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