Dental Work (continued)

Well tomorrow is D-day. I am very nervous and scared because I am undergoing quite a bit of dental work in one sitting. The good news is that my new dentist is very friendly and compassionate. I have tried to keep myself entertained and focused on other things besides what is about to take place tomorrow. I find I am obsessing about not so much the procedure while in the chair, but the potential for post-operative pain.

My other fear is that I will not be completely numb for the procedure and that the dentist will not stop even though I am in agony. Don't blame me, this is not an unrealistic fear, it has happened more times than I can count on one hand.

This is one of the reasons it surprises me when a dentist has a poor chair-side manner or chastises his or her patients for being afraid. We, after all are consumers, no different than any other business. Yes, dentists are a necessary evil, but can we at least try to make the experience as pleasant as possible.

I have been offered nitrous oxide, but having no previous experience with this, I am nervous about inhaling some gas that will make me loopy. Some people love the idea, I, personally like to have my wits about me, unless I am completely knocked out.

As luck would have it, I am allergic to just about every opioid on the market. So an alternative has to be given. I have had some experience with this medication before with mixed results. I am terrified that I will be in agony and because it is not an opioid, it does not have the benefit of making one drowsy or simply not giving a hoot.

I am nervous about spending a lot of money on my teeth, but the alternative isn't a good one either. I keep thinking of ways to avoid going, but that is miserable as well. The recurring thought in my head is tomorrow at this time it will all be over...