Terrified of the dentist!

I, too, am terrified of the dentist. I won't relate the "whys" because if you are anything like me, it will start the cycle of terror going whether you have an appt or not. I have been known to pass out cold AFTER everything is over and done and it's time to go. Nice.

Can you get nitrous for this appointment? Can you get a sedative? Sometimes if you call and relay your issues, they will work with you.

Some things I have tried - singing to myself in my head (sounds weird, but hey, whatever works), lamaze breathing, positive self talk, and most importantly - TELL THE DENTIST of your fear. I have just recently heard of someone local that is excellent and will even put you out and do all the work, but I haven't called...the fear rules. For the moment.

Good luck and I hope you feel better soon! Just think how great it will be to not have that toothache. :)

I'll be happy to share super good experiences with the dentist.  I had two teeth pulled when I had my braces put on.  They gave me a lot of novacaine and I felt absolutely nothing.  It was quite simple.

 

I also have more crowns than Queen Elizabeth!  The first time I went to this endodontist for a root canal, he leaned the chair back and, low and behold, there was a small television in the ceiling!  He handed me the remote and while I was having a basically painless root canal, I was watching The Price Is Right!  It was a piece of cake and I felt soooo much better getting that painful root out and the bad abcess. 

 

So, try to relax.  Dentistry has come a very long way.  If you are having any pain, be sure to let the dentist know.  My dentists tell me to raise my hand if I need more novacaine.  You might tell them you will let them know by raising your hand.  I'm sure you will do just fine.  Let us know how things went.

 

By the way, those of you that have had terrible experiences with the dentist, you need a new dentist. 

 

Sherrine

When I was a little girl, my dentist gave me several shots of novacaine, because just one didn't help. I assumed most ppl had more than one shot for there dental work. The thing that did bother me was that the shots hurt, I hate needles. As an adult, I went to a dentist who felt ONE shot was plenty, I shouldn't feel anything. I felt everything. I made him stop and give me a couple of shots, one at a time, till I felt nothing.
I did not go back to him. I know what I'm feeling, I don't need some jerk telling me how this doesn't hurt. I know what hurt feels like. The only good thing is now they have the gel they rub on the area to dull the shot. Where was that when I was a child?

I went to a new dentist this past time and he was very gentle and listened to what I had to say. I told him I have Fibro and I'm in pain (I had an abscess), he was very gentle and helpful. I am a nut about my teeth, brushing, flossing, mouthwash, the whole deal.

I would rather go to the dentist than the gyn. Just me!

God bless. Alice.

I made it through alive!! LOL I had two teeth pulled and the dentist was great! I took all of your advise and told him how terrified I was (I used to feel stupid telling the dentist I was scared) what a difference that made. I am now going to go back and have all the work I need done. He set up a treatment plan within my insurance budget and I should have a great smile soon! I am so happy I found a good dentist and now know I don't have to feel dumb to be honest. Thank you all.

This is wonderful news!  Keep those pearly whites smiling! 

 

Sherrine