Irrational (or rational) fear of dentists...

[arose]

Hi everyone. Hope you are all doing well and feeling good.

I've been good GI wise lately - no symptoms or anything to worry about, though I did have that nasty 24 hour stomach bug everyone is getting. Anyways, if it's not one thing it's another, right?

One of my teeth has been bugging me a little (sensitivity/soreness) so I looked at it carefully and it looks like there's a pretty wicked looking black spot on it in the middle (it's a molar) and I fear it's a cavity (my first one!!!!). Problem is - I have had a ridiculous fear of dentists since my bout with c.diff and have a potentially irrational fear that I may need to go on dental antibiotics. I have a dentist appointment fairly soon and I am incredibly anxious about it.

I have moderate anxiety/OCD and have been brushing my teeth like crazy for the past couple of days - this kind of stuff makes me NUTSSSSSS.

Anyways, just wanted to vent.

[Nancy1]

I know that a lot of people have gotten cdiff after their dentists gave them clindamycin, so I can understand your concern. I talked to my dentist after my cdiff, and he said he rarely uses antibiotics. For filling a cavity, I would think an antibiotic would never be needed, but talk to your dentist. My dentist said even if people get infections after a tooth is pulled, he starts by cleaning out the site very well, and only rarely needs to use any antibiotics at all. Good luck.

[shopgirl5]

I understand your fear. I have had filings and even a root canal with no antibiotics. If you had an abscess that would be a different story. I used to get pretreated for cleanings because I have mitral valve regurgitation. They dont't even do that anymore. I too am OCD, and pretty much afraid of everything since my cdiff struck. I never got clinda for my pretreatment but I can't recall what is was. Talk to your dentist. Make sure they understand your touchy situation! What about that laser dentistry. I never had it myself, but may be less invasive! Be well.

[beth22]

I have not heard of people getting antibiotics for a filling. My husband had a molar pulled recently and the dentist just cleaned the site well and gave him some kind of antiseptic rinse to use. He was fine. Got his stitches out with no complications. My daughter had wisdom teeth removed years ago without having to take antibiotics too. I would not worry. I get anxious about going to dentists too. It's no fun, but better take care of the cavity so that you don't wind up with a worse problem for not taking care of it. Explain to the dentist how you feel. Hopefully he/she will put you at ease.

[Kathy George]

Antibiotics are not used for cavaties, nor should they be used for extractions. This is when you need to be you own advocate and decline antibiotics when offered. Take care!!
Kathy

[arose]

Thanks, all! You are one wonderful group of people!

I've made a dentist appointment and I'm looking forward to it. Just kidding! :)

[justme]

I have had gum problems for many years and had many infections. I had a heart murmur (it self corrected about 15 years ago), and had to take antibiotics before every cleaning. I did not get C-Diff from the dentist, but need a molar removed (not infected, just overgrown because molars on bottom have been removed). I have been very leery of getting an extraction and am pleased to hear that antibiotics are not really necessary. I did not have them for a root canal. I am glad I looked at the comments on this topic. I plan to speak to my dentist and dental surgeon about my problem with antibiotics. Thank you.