Dentists

[paulz]

I need to visit the dentist, [assuming I can find one who still does NHS] but am too scared. I now it sounds wimpy, it's irrational & plain stupid. The older I get the less I want to go. My daughter has picked up on this either thru her genes or by eavesdropping. She won't even discuss it. We tried to be good parents by taking her along when she was two or three, but even then get her into the surgery. My dentist then at the time said that if she was scared he wouldn't force the issue. Any ideas? Would hypnotherapy work? Solutions please? HELP!!!

[woofgang]

paulz, have you thought of trying a phobia group or treatment? Your Gp should have information on local mental health services which should provide this help. I'm betting that if you could be treated successfully, then this would help free your daughter as well. There are lots of ways of tackling this and the success rate is high. Good luck and good wishes

[coggles]

Hello Paulz, you could try the 'reward system' for you and your daughter. Sit together and make a list of rewards you would like, starting with small things (not crunchie bars) and ending with something special (like a big day out to a theme park, or whatever). Once you have found an NHS dentist (good luck), don't make an appointment straight away. Firstly, just get in the car, drive to the dentist, park the car, wait a few minutes, then drive off to get your 1st reward. Next time, you could phone and ask the dentist if it would be ok to sit in the waiting room for 5 minutes before leaving, and then go and get second reward. You can build this up with as little or as many trips to the carpark etc and rewards, until you are ready to have your check up and then go get your prize for being brave!

[andy hughes]

I sympehtise totally - I used to be so phobic I couldn't get into the building, never mind the surgery, and as for the chair ...! My dentist prescribed 5 mg of Tamazipam which was enough to relax me, without rendering me unconcious - 1 taken an hour before my appointment, and i was fine. After a few appointments, i tried it without, and i was OK - and the feeling of triumph is still with me each time i go! Have a word with your dentist, or GP, and see if they can help. Good luck.

[David H]

Though they are rare now, I recently saw an ad for a dentist (NHS) who still uses sedation. Though general anaesthetic proved too dangerous for all but major dental surgery, sedation does the job (I'm told) and you basically lose most awareness of the whole procedure, and will therefore have no reason to fear a return.

[Hamish]

Since I had a bad experiance at a dentist I have been very scared of them. I rely on my wife to make an apointment for me. I took time to tell my dentist how I felt and he is very understanding. I have pinned the fear down to not knowing what he is doing at any point in time, and he take a moment to expain a few things as he goes. Seven fillings later and I'm still nervous but I dont feel sick any more when I go. I even had a small filling without anasethic last time. In some ways I have confidence in him now wich I had lost previously. Perhaps find a dentist that soemone else can recommend.

To put this in perspective, I have never felt so sick or scared as when I went to the dentist even when I split my head open. I have also worked with some faily grusome things, so I have pinned it doen to trust and knowing what is happeneing.

I hope this helps.!

[LOOPYLOO]

I have had a severe phobia and haven't visited a dentist for 25 years. Last week I found a dentist that did Intravenous sedation and went on Monday and had 7 teeth out. Let me tell you, no-one could have been worse than me, but I was fine. The shot is given into a vein in your hand, painless, and seconds later your are in NeverNever Land, you really don't know whats going on. I would urge you to try this rather than putting up with the pain and hassle like I did. Hope this helps.

[robber1]

I avoided dentists for many years and found that fillings etc due to lack of care is more painful than going regularly and keeping them in good condition. I forced myself to get them sorted out (terrified for the first few times) and now I have a reason to keep them good. Regular check ups and good cleaning.Result...no pain, no fear.