Panic Attack while Sedated

Hi Everyone. Yesterday I had an "ordinary" appointment at my dentists office to fill a cavity and get fitted for a mouth-piece to help with my teeth grinding. I have always been quite scared of needles and these procedures so my Dentist had the gas and shots out of site and ready. I guess the only thing that wasn't normal is I just purchased Dental Insurance on my own as I haven't had any for over 7 years. So this was my first time in 7 years having this done.

I've been quite stressed lately so I am embarrassed to admit that it actually felt comforting and great when I started to feel the relaxing effects of the gas. But a few minutes in I had a pretty strong panic attack. I got quite tense at that point but I let the dentist keep working. He must have known though because of the way I was gripping the seat and he talked to me while working, which helped a lot.

Here's the problem though. I can't seem to snap out of it today. I can't seem to accomplish anything and with my very large list of things to do and pressing issues at the moment I feel frozen. For the past week I've been responding to so many posts in the Depression forum, yet today I can't even concentrate or coordinate to write back.

I can't stop functioning right now. Slight delays I can deal with but the anxiety will kick off my depression again big time. How can I make myself refocus and calm down? This seems so silly. It was just a dental filling appointment.

Cass

Hi Cass, congratulations on going to your appointment...your one step ahead of me!

I completely understand your feelings, and you should not in the least feel embarrassed, as this is a very common fear.

Give yourself at least a day to rest and recover. Don't feel like you have to hit the ground running. Like bubbles said, enjoy a relaxing and distracting activity.

The anxiety will start to taper and go away soon:) I also hope that your depression doesn't flare...use those coping skills to keep it in check!

Peace and wellness,
Scaredy Cat

Hi there,
I think Bubbles is right, the fear of having another attack can sometimes create ongoing anxiety that puts up a road block so as to not allow us to continue on as if nothing happened and forget about it. That's the thing with panic attacks, sometimes is just the residue they leave behind. You sound like you are strong though and knowledgable about what's happening within yourself. Stay positive and you will get back on track. Also it seems like your dentist is a keeper, trying to soothe you out of the state you were in. Best of luck to you : )

hi, Cass. I can relate. I put off going to the dentist for years because of anxiety. My mouth was a mess! Anyway, when I finally decided to go I would bring headphones to help with the anxiety. As soon as I was shot up with novacaine, I would have the urge to jump out of the chair and run and it didnt help that everyone would leave the room while I numbed up.
I went to the dentist on a weekly basis for 6 months. no fun at all!! I felt shaky and weird all day afterward as well and would often stay in bed if able to. Ask the dentist if he/she minds that you bring headphones. I know they have their own music but a lot of the time over their talking and their tools you cant hear it anyhow.