Dental Phobia

[Brân]

Hi,

Just wondering if I was the only one with an absolute phobia of the dentist and also, if anyone had any tips in helping with the anxiety?

I'm much better than I used to be - but for me, it's that build up waiting - I don't know what kind of thoughts to think to rationalise myself. Hoping someone has some advice to not only help me, but maybe others with similar.

Thanks in advance, wonderful community.

 

[sinking_ship]

I wouldn't say I have a phobia, but I definitely have more fear/anxiety than the average person. I can go down a lot of spirals with tooth-related stuff so I mostly just try to avoid thinking about it if something comes up. And I take a xanax before an appointment. I hope others have some helpful strategies for you.

 

[Sunspots]

I have an awful phobia of dentists. I spent several months last year in such pain and with a swollen face because I couldn't face going. In the end my husband got really angry and marched me there himself. I had a huge abscess and had to have several courses of antibiotics to get rid of it. I was supposed to go back after three months to see if the tooth could be saved with a crown but that was in February and I haven't been back yet...
I take an Ativan or two to get through.

 

[Lotus]

After having my teeth plated back together the pain and intensity of the treatment left me with a crippling fear of the dentist. I find having someone present helps calm my mind and distract myself before the run up to any dental procedure. It's amazing what distraction can do to alleviate the predental nerves

 

[Ash600]

Just noticed this, yeah I know it's a bit late but anyways.....

What people have already mentioned are good ideas. In addition to getting someone to accompany you or taking a prescribed anxiolytic other things which may be of help :

- Finding an understanding dentist, ie one that specialises in dealing with anxious patients

- Pick an appointment time early in the morning so you have less time to dwell on it.

- Agree a sign with the dentist to signal that you need a break and want them to stop. It can be as simple as pointing your finger, and will help you feel more in control.

- Talk to the dentist about using a numbing gel if you have a fear of needles.

- Use headphones to listen to music during your visit. It may help you relax.

Also, if anxiety is extremely high, then there could be the option of an NHS sedation clinic which specifically deals with nervous patients. Some people find simple inhalation sedation very helpful to relax them for dental treatment. This is a bit like gas and air given during childbirth, but instead of being delivered through a mask it comes through a nosepiece.
f you're extremely nervous, then another option could be sedation through an injection into your hand or arm (intravenously) during treatment. The drugs won't send you to sleep – you'll be awake and able to talk to the dentist – but they'll calm and relax you so deeply you probably won't remember much of what happened.

 

[DrownedFishOnFire]

Im the opposite. I do have anxiety but not for the dentist. I look foward to going to the dentists. My teeth feels alot more cleaner when I go. I actually enioy the sensation of it being cleaned/fixed. It does not hurt at all. When I need my filling fixed- they give me the numbing shot but that part I do not like for few hours feeling numb not being able to control my mouth where the shot was given. Been this way since a child.

Maybe thats a suggestion to change your mindset that the dentist is a cool person and the teeth will be happy teeth after its said and done. You are not alone. I know my friend has not gone to the dentist in over 20 years. And her husband way more longer than that. They have dental insurance just refuses to go theyre afraid of the dentists too. Think you are not alone and I am in the minority.

But ask me to go to the hospital its a whole different story.

What about writing up good reasons and how much better you will feel? Good luck there