Terrible day-Dentist

Diseases & Conditions Bipolar Disorder
1
I really, really hate going to the dentist, but I've had a toothache for over a week and I finally relented.  Couldn't take the lpain anymore.  My back molar was infected and since I couldn't shell out nearly a grand for a root canal, I had them pull it.  I've never had a tooth pulled before, (well, wisdom teeth when I was a kid but I was out for that.) and scared to death.  Had a huge panic attack in the chair.  The novacaine made me feel like I couldn't swallow and I flipped out.  I think the dentist was more scared than I was.  He kept wanting to give me IV sedation but my insurance won't pay for that.  Oh well, I survived.  Vicodin works wonders but makes me really hyper.  Thanks for listening to me whine.
Ellie
2

I'm sorry, Ellie.  No fun getting teeth worked on (or pulled!  Yikes!)

I just had to get a couple of crowns last month, but I somehow don't have a fear of the dentist, just a morbid fear of losing a tooth, lol!  Luckily, he's really cool and a good guy (he's OC really bad on meds, so we have a mental illness in common, lol)  he let me pay it out.  

Vicodin used to make me hyper and euphoric when I wasn't on meds, but now it just makes me sleepy and blah.  I don't take it, I'd rather have pain. 

 Curious, was it novacaine or nitrous? (laughing gas)?   Novacaine doesn't affect the central nervous system, but it hurts a good bit going in, that's bprobably what did it.  Nitrous can do a number on panic, tho.


Variety is the spice of life, BP is the key

3
Sorry Ellie. I had my wisdom teeth out at 20. sad It was scary for me, beings I don't even have a cavity. Never had a tooth filled! So yeah i don't like Dentist offices'. I think they gave me novacaine and then gave me vicodin for pain. I used all the vicodin, I think i didn't need it though but took it ayways. haha I can't take it anymore either. Blah Blah
4
Still alive. Still hurts but not as bad as before it was pulled. Toothaches stink. Glad it's over with now if I could gather up the courage to eat all would be well. I'm afraid I'll dislodge the clot and end up with a dry socket. I've heard very bad things about that. Vicodin really doesn't fix all the pain but I don't seem to care as much at least.
5
ooo yeah!  You don't want that.  I'm sure he did recommend bland soft foods, like potatoes, soup, pudding, rice, oatmeal, etc.  I'm glad you are better!

Variety is the spice of life, BP is the key

6
Just and FYI, there is epi (or something similar) in the novacaine to keep it localized - by constricting the blood vessels. This constriction can increase your heart rate and increase anxiety. I've almost passed out when they had to do a lot of dental work. And it definately increases my anxiety.

(((((Ellie))))) I've had my share of aweful dentist visits. Luckily I was able to get a root canal on my last tooth that gave me trouble. But I have three in my mouth that are cracked all the way down the middle. Hopefully they will not separate, but my mouth is a mess. Next time they should give you an oral sedative before you go. They gave me triazolam before they pulled my wisdom teeth and it's cheap!!!

 ~ With Love ~ Dana, Pharm. D.
 
~ Diagnosed with Lupus in May of 2004 and Bipolar II in April of 2001. 
 
Disclaimer:  On any medical information I provide, please bring your concerns to your physician.  I have no financial interests in any drug or drug company.  I will try be as objective as possible.  If I am giving my opinion I will state it first. 

7
Thanks! Potato soup sounds good. Think I'll try to find a good recipe. I hadn't even thought of potatoes. Potato soup rocks. Especially with lots of onions. Can you tell I'm starving to death. A little loopy from the vic too I think.
8

Oops!  *blushing* I should have known better than to step on your territory, your the expert! yeah    thanks for the info.

Yeah, Ellie, I love! potato soup!  Tapioca pudding, too, yummmmm!

Variety is the spice of life, BP is the key

9
Thanks Dana. Yep, I've done the root canal thing a few times. This was a rear molar and noone will see that its missing plus a root canal is a little pricey right now. Also you would know, can I take my Klonopin with vicodin. Can't get my GP to return my calls