So nervous for first dentist appointment in a decade

I've had TMJ (jaw pain from night clenching)pain for years so have avoided going to the dentist for quite a long while. I've brushed and flossed and kept teeth clean but I know I probably have a cavity, so made an appointment. I'm so nervous because my jaw is misaligned from night clenching, and I can't keep my mouth open for too long. It can occasionally yield vertigo. Plus the TMJ pain creeps in at any time .

I hope they do give me breaks to close my mouth and ice pack my jaw. I know they said the dentist is very good, but am really on edge for this. Please send positive thoughts 😦🫂

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smileylovesgaming · 31-35, F

I use to be really nervous about going to the dentist but I am all good with them now. I found a place by our Walmart and they are amazing. usually for your first time they will do like two scans of your teeth and that wont hurt at all. the dentist will check out your teeth and kind of make a plan for u and they will have u come back. but if they do work on u then they will numb u up. u really wont feel anything.

Coralmist · 41-45, F

@smileylovesgaming Thanks for your support. I already am having jaw pain this morning and I hope they allow me breaks if they do fill the tooth today. I hope the novacaine itself won't affect the occasional vertigo I get, but hopefully not. Ty so much 💕

smileylovesgaming · 31-35, F

@Coralmist they may want u to get a mouth guard to sleep in at night if u are biting at night

Coralmist · 41-45, F

@smileylovesgaming I agree I definitely need one but have avoided it because of the fitting...my jaw is often tender and it hurt last time to get the fitting. But I really need it so I'll give it some thought. I tried the one you buy in the store but it wouldn't mold correctly ugh

smileylovesgaming · 31-35, F

@Coralmist they may try to plan for that later. do u use a electric tooth brush or a water pik to help clean your teeth

Coralmist · 41-45, F

@smileylovesgaming I use a regular toothbrush, do you have electric?

smileylovesgaming · 31-35, F

@Coralmist yes I use a electric tooth brush and water pik.

Coralmist · 41-45, F

@smileylovesgaming Cool..I'll look into it!