Scared of the Dentist

[blackford]

Haven't been to the Dentist for 9 years - because i'm so scared.

I've finally made an appointment,& terrified about going.
What will happen ? How can i stay calm ?

I always Panic & cry my eyes out. Can i take a Sedative ?

[andy-hughes]

OK, first things first.

What will happen is a check-up, your dentist will gently prid each tooth to check for decay and so on, and his nurse will chart the results. He will then advise you of any treatment you need, and you can make an appointment for that.

You can always advise your dentist in advance by phone that you are nervous - most are quite used to, and sympathetic with nervous patients.

If it is going to be a real issue, ask your dentist if he can prescribe some Valium, or its equivalent for you - just 2mg will take the edge off - 5 mg will have yo so relaced you ight drop off to sleep.

If your dentist doesn;t supply - have a word with your GP.

Good luck.

[beejaybee]

Try some RESCUE REMEDY before you go. It`s a great help for anxious times. And it`s natural.

[Picky]

Hi Blackford

I am also terrified of the dentist. When I moved up't North, I decided after years of not going that I really had to and I was so frightened. I made sure that I found a dentist that was used to dealing with nervous patients, and I spoke to them on the phone before going (although even calling the dentist had me in tears). My dentist came out the waiting room and chatted with me and allowed me to sit on a normal chair for the first visits whilst he had a look. With me I found it was the fear of the unknown also that made me so frightened. Although I still can't have any work done without sedation (that's my next goal!) and it's taken a lot of patience on the part of my dentist and being extra brave from me, I can go to the dentist now without hyperventilating and sobbing in the street. I would really recommend calling the surgery to let them know how nervous you are - but you will be fine, I promise!! Good luck

P x

[pussnboots]

Dentists are a real pain in the neck, or should I say mouth.
I hate going but force myself every 6 months. Sometimes I can't believe that I have had the courage to go through some of the treatments that i have needed but every time I walk out of the surgery I wonder to myself why on earth was I such a baby. Dentristy has moved on so much now and you have nothing to worry about, nothing will happen on your first visit then it is up to you if you go back if needed, but keep up with your 6 monthly check ups and then you will get to know your dentist and he you. Good luck be brave you will be glad you did.xxpuss

[Petal~flower]

I hate the dentists. I put it down to seeing a school dentist when I was small, and afterwards seeing a butcher of a dentists all through my teens.

But I agree with puss, Dentists are completely different from years ago. Mine is lovely, and my kids have no fear of going. I am the one sitting there with the white knuckles! (baby). I would also agree with taking rescue remedy, it works wonders.

I always "remind" my dentist every time, that I hate going, am sure he rolls his eyes, when I walk in the door.

Good luck blackford. Let us know how you get on

[Sasha13]

I didn't go to one for 10 years as couldn't find one, and was terrified!

Went along the dentist was fab, needed a filling but that was it. didn't feel it.

Rescue Remedy is really good, but talk to your dentist too - they'll be used to nervous patients!

Good luck x

[johnlambert]

Most tooth mechanics today are very aware of the reputation they have for inflicting pain so are very well trained in putting their victims, sorry I mean patients at ease without the patients realising it.

[Josyjo]

I used to be the same - and the BEST advice I can give might sound lame, but REALLY works for me! Lots of deep breaths, counting to 10 both in and out as far as you can, and don't stop until you feel yourself relaxing.... really concentrate on the breathing, and you can't help but to feel calmer.
I have had root canal treatment and an extraction (my absolute WORST nightmare) by doing this - and can feel so relaxed now when in the chair that I feel like I'm having a rest from work!
I used to be so scared that I would throw up in the street on the way to the dentist (aged 25!), and this was the only way I got over it. I works!

[saxy_jag]

The most important thing of all - tell your dentist, truthfully, warts and all, how scared you are. He or she will be quite used to dealing with nervous patients and may even be a specialist in this area(they do exist).

I never used to like them very much, either, and my first two dentists were awful - no more than butchers, I reckon. Then I found a really good dentist whom I trusted implicitly. I was devastated when he moved away and I went through a string of other dentists, finally finding my current one when I became one of her emergency patients. She's just amazing (and her list is full, unsurprisingly).

I guess what I'm trying to say is, if by any chance you don't get on with your dentist, then it's important to 'shop around' as it were, without feeling guilty for doing so. You need to have a good, easy relationship with your dentist because if you don't like him or her, then you'll be even more tense than ever - and that's gotta hurt!