I suffer from dental anxiety because of a horrible experience I had in the dentist's chair when I was 16. After that happened, I didn't go in for a few years. But when I went in they told me I needed a cavity filling. I was so scared the first time I scheduled it that I didn't even walk into the office. I called and told them I was sick. So I rescheduled and went the second time, but with my mom and as I was in the chair, I was crying and she was holding my hand. It was horrible.
Now, I have to get a root canal on one of my bottom front teeth. It's very in the front so at least they won't be digging in the back. The endodontist prescribed me 2 tablets of 10mg diazepam, one to take the night before to help me sleep, and one to take an hour before the appointment.
What makes me most anxious is not being in control in the chair and the dentist being so close and crowding over me. I also don't like it when I can't swallow, which I think I might be able to do even though my mouth will be propped open (or so I've heard).
I'm just wondering if this will relieve my anxiety, make me sleep possibly, or not have an efect. (Is 10 mg a lot?) If size matters, I'm very small. 5 ft and 110 lbs.
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
8 Answers
LI
Lisa Segovia
3 April 2018
I just noticed the date. You've gotten past it.
Votes: +0
TA
Tabitha Monk
28 Aug 2017
I'm having a really deep root canal on my wisdom teeth roots where there is also a cyst where the have to really dig into my jaw and also biopsy a lump on jaw.im gonna be awake since I can't afford the extra $150 for i.v.sed. I also have a fear real panic attack situations in the dentist chair,I'm not worried once Im numbed,it's the pain of getting numbed,I've had a really bad experience with this that my tears streaming out my eyes,would have screamed if I could have,and being to to breathe through my nose constantly didn't help. My problem is I have a pretty high tolerance be of benzos having been on strong doses for several yrs. They prescribed me 3 10mg of Valiums,1 doesn't do anything for me anymore, would it hurt if I took all 3 before my procedure,I'm terrified if I don't,I'm really gonna chicken out or embarrass myself with a major panic attack.
Votes: +0
ER
Erlich
9 Dec 2014
To me, a non-med person, 10 mg seems like a lot for 110 lbs. Me @ 160 lbs, I have a noticeable effect starting at 1-2 mg. 2mg + things I do (see below) works, but next visit, may boost to 4 mg maybe. If worst-case case scenario, I may take another 2mg tablet, for a total of 6 mg max. I have had and know exactly what you're feeling & fears ** Overall, what makes things worst for me is feeding the thoughts, or continuing to think scary things, so I try to force my thinking about other things I have to go to the dentist again, today or tomorrow. I have to make an appointment I've been avoiding, so I'm on here figuring out how much Diazepam people take. Been taking 2 mg for dental work, but will be boosting it up to 4 mg or 6 mg for my next dental appointment to make sure.
What I've done in the past and it works for me, is the combination of ALL the following: waiting room: bring your own reading material you have to really focus on, school reading material, etc. eliminate "what if" or scary thoughts that could put me into an anxiety state 2-4 mg Diazepam (1-2 mg 2+ hours prior, the rest 1 hour prior) no coffee play calming music during the the whole thing using earphone & MP3 player keep eyes closed concentrated focus on the music (following the beat, mentally singing along) trying not to deviate or have other thoughts once in a while say, this will soon be over, just a little longer, then go back to music focus. ** the above saved me during a root canal, and other drilling type dental work ** I don't seem to have a problem with teeth cleaning, dental exams etc. since they don't use numbing type drugs.
Votes: +0
WI
wildchild1
12 March 2014
Yes it will. I know this for fact because I take it before I go to the dentist. Some dentists will even recommend this. I usually take 1 or 2 10mg tablets about twenty or thirty minutes before you get in the chair. Sometimes I'll take three 10mg tabs beforehand, depending on what I'm having done. I'm also a big guy & have been using Valium for years to help manage my blood pressure. So the amount you should take may vary. Over the years my body has built up a tolerance to it, requiring me to take more for dental procedures. Hope this helps & good luck.
Votes: +1
KA
Kawasakizx14
12 March 2014
If you are that anxious about Dental work I suggest you go to a Dentist that is also a Oral Maxillary Surgeon or a Dentist that practices sedation Dentistry.
When you go in they will start an IV and give you a drug that knocks you out for the procedure, when you come to it's over and done with, always a very pleasant experience.
Your not the only person out there that has had a bad dental experience, it's more common than you can believe.
Votes: +1
LK
lk5254
24 June 2014
I have done the IV and Diazepam. The Iv cost twice as much to get the same perseger as the Diazepam. I had to go to a specialist for a root canel and loved the the IV, but had to drive twice as far, but the experience of not being awake was awesome.. It was an expensive root canel even with insurance. The next time I needed a root canel My dentist said, "I can prescribe you something that will have you so relaxed and comfortable." I got the appointment and prescription filled, and on my appointment day took the Diazepam 10mg, it was a positive experience during the root canel, and I also saved over $1,000 vs the IV. Either way is good. I would chose to do the Diazepam over the IV mostly because of cost. But, also I have a wonderful dentist who is very patient with me. I am 60.
IN
Inactive
12 March 2014
Hello Kaybe, Valium is a good choice for having a root canal. You will be well relaxed and possibly sleep as well you will be able to swallow. Many of us are scared when going to have dental work. Thumbs up for the Endo giving you 10 mg of the valium. People coming in for MRI's usually come in with 5mg valium and it doesn't help those with fears and then a special cocktail prep needs to be given to the patients through IV when in the beginning if the doctor gave the 10 mg more than likely the patient would have been well sedated. I know the MRI has nothing to do with your dental procedure, I had just wanted to say your Endo was right on. Good luck!
Votes: +0
DZ
DzooBaby
12 March 2014
MRI is actually sorta similar. I hate those too! I cant stand to be in enclosed spaces. I usually do open ones but even with those, they are open on the side but still close on top (at least the last one I had was so I still felt smothered but I took two Soma before going to make me sleepy) Once, and I cannot remember where it was, they had an open one that was truly open, it didnt cover my body at all. It was like a big circle over you and the table moved in and out to do the scan. It was the best one I've ever had. The place where I got my last two, they have a different type of "open" MRI and like I said, it is only open on the side, you still have this roof part two inches above your face but at least I could look to the side.
I tried doing a traditional one and I didnt last 5 seconds and I was trying to push my way out! She was like "dont push, let the bed bring you out" but it wasnt going fast enough and I felt like someone put me in a coffin! I still have nightmares! I think next time one is required, I want diazepam or something even with that open one. My dad cant get one because he cant lay still flat on his back long enough to get one. I told my mom to tell them to sedate him so he can lay still but I think he has trouble breathing. He is a big man these last few years of too much sitting from a bad back and poor pain control. He is 75 y/o and last year, his Dr cut him back on his dose because his pain clinic was under pressure from the DEA. I used to go to the same clinic and once they cut me back so far, I left to go somewhere else (and so did half of their practice-they arent near as busy as they used to be!)! I am much happier with my new doc. I was trying to get my mom to get my dad to my new doc but he has to get a new MRI first.
KA
kaybe
14 March 2014
Thanks. I took the 10mg the night before and prior to the appointment. when I was waiting in the office I was completely relaxed and ready for what was to come. but when I sat in the dentist's chair and he was getting ready to numb me up, I stopped him and couldn't do it. I didn't have a panic attack because of the diazepam probably, but I still felt really scared and my hands got cold and started shaking. I started crying as well... so it didn't go very well. I ended up having to reschedule with iv sedation. while I'm sitting at home, I still feel relaxed and feel like I could go back in and do it but I know the moment I sit in the chair I'll just get scared all over again... :/
KD
KDdocWannabe
15 Oct 2014
Hi there Kaybe. I have the same dentist issues as you... and what I'm going tell you next will totally change your life as far as dental experiences go. I have had a lot of root canals..and this is how I survive them. My doc prescribes the same as yours..the (2) 10mg Diazapam (Valium) where I take 1 the night before and 1 an hour before the procedure... BUT here's the kicker... He ALSO prescribes (2) .25 Mg of Halcion. I take one an hour before the procedure (along with the Valium) and 1 as soon as I get into the dental chair. It gives me almost a temporary amnesia. I know that I'm there... and I can see what's going on..but it doesn't bother me. I hear that I'm kind of silly too. lol. Whenever I get done, I'm like "wow, that was quick and easy!" And their response is always "um, you were here for like 2 hours..lol". I hope that helps. I have a root canal tomorrow. Fun!! Good luck!! Btw..the coupling of these pills is called "oral sedation" if you want to Google it.
MU
mummy mchugh
20 Jan 2015
im having 22 teeth removed next tuesday im going to be awake im getting very nervios can i ask my dentist for something to calm me down a bit he hasnt explained much just that ill be in that chair ill be numbed ill removed your teeth give u ur dentures n u can go home mostof my teeth r still in good condition but a few r becomin loose so he said instead of waiting 4 them to fall out i might aswell have it done all in 1 go
JI
Jinxykitten
12 Sep 2016
dzoobaby, ( I think that's your name but I can't remember, sorry) but I'm just looking at this site because I'm getting 3 teeth extracted in morning and I'm wondering the same thing about the diazapam because I'm LITTERLY frozen in terror, but I just want to comment on the " open air mri" you were talking about the circle that you're describing sounds like a CT scan ( cat scan ) not the MRI , I go through same thing of feeling smothered but the donut shaped machine is a ct scan
SK
skimmer67
20 July 2018
For the MRI folks CLOSE YOUR EYES AND DO NOT LOOK UP. I would look up and see how close I was and felt dizzy and claustrophobic, but when I closed my eyes, all ok! Hope it helps.
I, too am terrified of going to the dentist from a past encounter with a dental sadist. My current dentist prescribes Xanax 0.5mg and I take one the night before to sleep and two and hour prior to appt (I find a half hour prior works better for me) 10mg of diazepam is likely to help quite nicely to ease anxiety like this. When I used to work for an ophthalmologist who did LASIK surgeries, we sedated with 10-20mgs of diazepam and most people were fairly comfortably sedated for the procedure. One thing I advise, diazepam has a long halflife so be sure to drink NO alcohol for 24-48 hours after taking this drug. You are likely to be pretty groggy from this dose and probably for a good part of the day. It is a pretty large dose. You may feel it more after the procedure than before, once the anxiety is gone but it should really help a lot.
Votes: +1
LA
LaurieShay
11 March 2014
What the dentist has prescribed is appropriate and yes, it should relieve anxiety as well.
