Don’t be embarrassed Fantasy3, I’m scared of the dentist too. I haven’t been for many years but luckily I haven’t needed to. Hopefully someone will be along shortly who has had the same problems and same infusion as you.
Now I’m confused! Zoledronic infusion is presumably for your osteoporosis? So what are you being given to replace sulphasalazine to control your RA? I’d be more concerned about that than a dentist..
Anyway, if the doc has said you’ve got a year to sort out your teeth, then believe him. But you’ll need to get everything done well before the next infusion to give time for healing. Who knows you may find that if you fix your teeth it will really help your RA as there’s a link between gum disease and RA.
I am a dentist’s daughter so as far as I’m concerned they are lovely, lovely people! You need to face your fear, so maybe try to think of them as someone’s mother, brother, aunt, nephew - ie not scary at all. Hopefully you’ll find a good dentist, and they should understand and take things very gently. Dentists are really, really used to people being scared of them and you can ask for sedation if you are going to have a big procedure.
But don’t put it off, start asking around to find a dentist now and book an appointment.
Although I cannot comment on your infusion, I can say that like you I am totally terrified of 'The Dentist' and haven't been for some years now!! I had a nasty experience as a child, yearsssss ago, and have never forgotten it,
Don't feel ashamed!!
I wish you all the best, I'm sure it will be sorted out
Xx
I have had two Zolodrenic infusions, and my teeth are disgusting. Haven't been to a dentist for years. I'll probably regret it when my mouth falls apart!
Get the teeth sorted ... infections get into the bloodstream via gum disease!!
I live with a slight heart murmur and have always been wary of gum disease... rinsing your mouth with a glass of mouthwash of cooled boiled water, a teaspoon of bicarbonate and a few drops of tea tree oil will go a long way to clearing up surface inflammation of gums. Brush after using the wash not before.
I have not been to a dentist for over forty years, really scared of them.
Am very lucky to have really good teeth, at 92 years old, but I would go to a dentist if needed, am told they do not hurt these days, be brave. It won't last long.
I am the same, scared of dentists, my teeth are a real mess,from a child I had too many teeth and as children we didn't go to a dentist, I have a wire keeping some in, part dentures at the front top because I had a accident and lost them ones, I hate going to the dentist. and mentally it effects me how are feel about myself.
the dentist can give you an injection to make to feel sleepy and relaxed.
I know how you must be feeling but try to look at it this way--
your look beautiful once its done and have a beautiful knew smile!
also I need 4 out at the bottom but will have to wait now because I am due to go on B injections this week coming and you have to come off them for four weeks if having anything done on your teeth
Hi sorry to read of your fear of dentists i am a man over 6 feet tall and near 16 stone and becouse im a child from the 50s my experience with dentist left me a quivering wreck. I went recently for treatment i was given local anisthetic gel on gums so felt nothing of the injection or following treatment honestly it turned into a pleasure to realise there is no pain!! Good luck!
It used to hit me too but I seem to have got over the worst in the last few years since having lovely dentists who inspired confidence.
It helped that on my first appointment date to my new dentist, there was a song playing on their TV that cited it as ‘I can’t feel my face’ by The Weekend.
That threw me at first till I realised how funny it was.
So I told him about it... and about the time many years ago when I was watching (or half watching) a nature programme with my sons, about big bears.
The last thing I registered before looking away and not listening was, ‘These bears are very dangerous and must not be approached.... they’re going down to the river now.’
Next thing I knew, there was some idiot dressed in a bright orange suit, rushing at the bears and pummelling one on its chest!
‘He’ll be killed!’ I exclaimed in shocked disbelief.
However, while my attention was elsewhere, an advert for John West salmon was being run.
So I told the dentist that story too. I think it made his day!
Humour certainly helped me, along with an attitude from dentists that inspires confidence. Good luck overcoming your fears.
I’ve got the xolendronic acid infusion coming up soon and I’m worried about that! Please tell me how u get on ... or anyone else whose had it? I tend to get side effects from anything that is injected into me?...
Hi, get a recommendation from someone close to you re the dentist, take someone with you if it helps and make that appointment. Dentists know all about Rheumatoid Disease, and are very careful and caring. As I have trouble twisting my wrists in cleaning my teeth I go to the hygienist four times a year also. Not that bad when you get there - Go for it.
You really don’t need to be embarrassed, it’s actually a common fear. Some dentists have specialist clinics (private or NHS) for nervous patients. It might be worth looking around for one near you. I’ve never been but a relative who is exceptionally terrified went to one and had a positive experience. I agree that taking someone with you is always helpful and thy can talk to you and distract you.
Sorry I can’t help on the other stuff, hope someone else can. Best of luck, take care.
Ask if you can have the first appointment in a morning. Less time to think about it and less chance of having to wait in the waiting room if they are running late. My husband had to do this in order to cope with dental appointments.
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Tocilizumab infusions
Can I ask for all my blood results???
It's go, go, go with Rituximab.
Rituximab 
I’m so scared
