fear of dentist

[wonder years]

need some help got phobia of the dentist but iam in pain and made a appionment today and just managed to stop a panic attack now i have to go tommorow havent ate since breakfast, i probs wont sleep either, my legs feel like jelly and theres a rock like feeling in my tummy, its like ive just getting over losing my dad last year, then at work since christmas not knowing about my job now this i know its only the dentist but iam so terrified

[chinadog]

Try not to worry wonder years. Your dentist will give you 5mg diazapam to calm your nerves. Just ask. Good luck.

[marval]

You need to tell the dentist of your fear, I am sure you are not the only one. Try deep breathing exercises, when the panic starts. If you can take someone with you to hold your hand it might help. You will be so glad when it is over, and once you have been you will probably realise that it was not so bad after all.

I hope it goes well for you.

[ladyalex]

Tell the dentist, or if you cannot manage that. tell his/her receptionist/nurse , or get someone else to tell him/her.
Get someone to go with you.
Try to concentrate on controlling your breathing...remember that breathing OUT is how you get rid of the tension, not breathing in. So, normal breaths in then breathe out as slowly as you can.
If you're still having trouble, ask your GP to refer you to someone who can help. They should know who is available in your area. If you happen to be near a dental school, they may well have staff there whose main job is to help people overcome their fear of dentists. You are by no means alone.
Please don't cancel or don't show up. It will only make things worse for you. Even if you can only get through the door to the consulting room and explain that you are afraid, that will be a huge step.
Good luck.

[Everhelpful]

If it is a Male Dentist get hold of his testicles and say"We are not going to hurt anyone are we"? Good Luck.

[jno]

lots of people are scared of dentists (including me for about 20 years, though I got over it). Dentists are pretty good with nervous patients these days. (They're also much more painless than they used to be.) Tell him and ask him for any pain relief/diazepam going.

[Postdog]

Ditto jno.

Didn't go at all until 20 (50's now) years ago when I had a chipped tooth that was (literally) doing my head in.

I was very very scared, but I got through it, so much so that I used to actually fall asleep sometimes (I worked nights, saw him first chance I could)

The fear is real, but honest, there is nothing to fear.

[tiggertan]

I'm the same. Put off going for a filling for a year then had to bite the bulllet. I was so scared I laughed a lot (nerves) and my toes were permanently curled. I lay there ridgid and kept thinking I was going to have to jump up and run out as my breathing was uncomfortable. I have never told him I'm nervous though! Anyhoo, I ended up having a root canal, thankfully he didn't tell me that until it was finished. Just thought it was a drawn out filling. So glad I went and now I've coped with that I don't think I will be as scared now. (I hope!) I'm 30 by the way!

How did you get on?

[macheke]

Firstly go to a good dentist and ask for 'happy gas' it really does work and removes all the mental tension...

[wonder years]

thanks to you all for you kindness went got tooth removed big wisdom tooth, i was really scared but got through it and the dentist said i was really good and has seen people far worse than me so thanks again, sorry i did,nt write this sooner i lost my power pack to recharge laptop !!!.

wonder yearsxx