Will I get a general for tooth extraction

[Hapless]

Ok, I have a reoccuring abscess and have finally found an NHS dentist. Problem I have a full on fear of needles in my mouth, not just a scare, but an increased heart rate, sweating panic attack fear. Last time I tried valium to calm down before hand but this didn't work.
Would a dentist consider a general for someone like me?

[aaroncaz]

I don't think they would, i reckon a dental hospital will though, you can enquire abt it from your dentist.

[Toots]

Some years ago a friend of mine had a problem because the roots of her teeth are very very long and curl. As a result when she had to have some teeth extracted she had to make sure the dentist arranged for an anaesthetist to be present for a general.

I'd probably pop in and have a chat with the Practice Manager and see what arrangements they could make. Perhaps they can prescribe something else to help with your nerves.

[brazilianwax]

I don't think they're allowed to administer general anaesthetics in standard dental surgeries anymore, so you're probably looking at a hospital visit if you need a GA.

[Hapless]

oh well it'll be either hospital or back on the sage tea (bluergh)

[Toothsmith]

The dentist would not take the tooth out there and then at your first visit. So there is no need to be nervous of that visit.

He could refer you to the Oral Surgery dept of the local hospital, where a GA, or more likely, a sedation session could be arranged.

The problem is that GAs have a small but finite death rate!

Every so often, for no apparent reason, someone just dies under GA.

So - anaesthatists don't really like doling out GAs for things where LAs (Which don't kill people) would do perfectly well.

A sedation session would be far more controlled than just popping a valium before the dentist visit, and I'm sure you would be absolutley fine with this route.

Plus, I could give you a 100% guarentee that you would walk out alive - which is not possible with a GA!!

First step though is to get to the dentist for him to refer you.

[aminchom]

As far as I know, no general anaesthetics are now given in dental surgery, only in hospital. Your GDP can refer you, if they feel it is necessary.

[Hapless]

Updated
My abscess is big and beautiful and has a visible head, off to the GP's for some anti-B's today as I can't get a dentist appt until 27th september. (yes i found an NHS dentist)

the tooth in question is actually loose now so it may come out of it's own accord. The problem stems from my previous dentist who filled it badly and left it as it was, he was the one who made me terrified of dentists. (numbed the wrong side, left me choking on one of these cotton waddings, told me to "shut up it can't hurt" when he hit a nerve.)

So hopefuilly something can be done in a couple of weeks, if not,just keep wiggling it until it comes out. (that's what I did last time and never had any trouble on the other side since!)

[Toothsmith]

Why not investigate the private dentists in your area?

Pros - More time, more relaxed, more choice of treatments, more able to adapt to a nervous patient, muh more likely to help you through your fears.

Cons - Might be a bit dearer (But not necessarily with the way the NHS charges now work.)

Choose to have good experiences rather than bad.

[Hapless]

Why not investigate the private dentists in your area?

Pros - More time, more relaxed, more choice of treatments, more able to adapt to a nervous patient, muh more likely to help you through your fears.

Cons - Might be a bit dearer (But not necessarily with the way the NHS charges now work.)

Choose to have good experiences rather than bad.

I'm on income support so private dentists are not an option I'm afraid.