How to prepare for my first filling? / Ask me anything?

Hi everyone,

First time posting here and looking for advice, forgive me if this is the wrong place to ask. Bit of background on me:

I’ve had a dental fetish for the past few years now, not exactly sure what caused it but I’ve always liked being in the chair. I’ve never had any serious dental work done before, just checkups and light cleanings. No cavities, extractions or fillings. I really am on a 20-odd year winning streak in that regard.

However, I know I won’t be able to avoid cavities forever. I’ve currently got a few watch spots on file, and had a couple of close calls / false positives in the last 2 or so years. I’ll admit that I forget to floss most of the time, and that’s completely my fault. And as each dental office is different, I don’t really know what to expect tool-wise or how long it will take etc., which just adds to the nervousness. My dentist can also be very disapproving of decay, so I have no idea how she will act either.

Also, I can feel the time is edging closer for me to have my wisdom teeth extracted. While nothing is even confirmed yet, already instant panic for me. It’s almost like jumping from 0 to 100%.

I’d love to hear any advice on how to help prepare for this. I think this would be best from people who also are in the same boat of liking the dentist but at the same time somewhat hating it, And feel free to ask anything about my teeth. I’m happy to answer.

Thanks

I've also got a dental phobia and fetish- phobia of being the patient, fetish for being the dentist.

I find it helps to imagine roles reversed whilst undergoing the procedure. Let your mind wander and fantasize

Ah yeah. Gotcha.

That does make sense. I might try that at my next checkup.

When the time comes accept it and book the follow up appointment. Don't put it off too long. A few years ago the Mayor of the city where I live had a dental emergency on election night. Supposedly she had been putting off work for months while on the campaign trail and it became an emergency at the worst possible time. https://www.phillyvoice.com/cherelle-parker-hospital-dental-issue-mayor-democratic-primary/

Knowing of this story last time I was in the chair for a filling weirdly gave me a ton of confidence. I always thought an elected official in the public spotlight all the time would prioritize their own health, but look who's actually taking care of things to avoid a trip to the ER.

And as each dental office is different, I don’t really know what to expect tool-wise or how long it will take etc., which just adds to the nervousness.

Also, I can feel the time is edging closer for me to have my wisdom teeth extracted. While nothing is even confirmed yet, already instant panic for me. It’s almost like jumping from 0 to 100%.

So what's nice about the gas is after a few sniffs it kind of numbs your brain so you can't focus on what the doctor is doing too much. And when they are done and you are sitting up breathing oxygen you wonder why you were so nervous in the first place. You should try it if your dentist offers it. I found the experience of being sedated in the chair for a simple procedure made it easier to prepare mentally for a longer appointment down the road for something like wisdom teeth surgery.

Thanks. I think I will end up making a follow up appointment when the time comes. I wouldn’t want it to be worse than it has to be.

It’s just very frustrating that my office doesn’t offer gas at my wisdom tooth removal surgery. I would much rather have the gas.