phobia of dentist?

Question

i am scared to death of dentist as had a bad experience once, i heave all the time and i think my phobia is worse becasue i am also scared of being sick, can anyone recommend any tactics or a good dentist???

Answer 1

It's very common to have this phobia. There are some techniques you can try, but the best solution is a good Dental Nurse and Dentist. When working with nervous patients I always suggested that they breath in through the nose and out through the mouth, although this sounds very basic it does help. Also in the centre of the palm of the hand there is a reflex point for the solar plexus (this is where we usually feel nervous from) just put your thumb on this area and press gently and you should start to relax. Rescue Remedy (you can get it in Boots) is fantastic, it's a herbal tincture designed to help with periods of stress/anxiety/ panic etc, it really does work. It's very important that you discuss your fears with your Dentist and try to establish a trust with him/her and their nurse. Any Dental team worth the letters after their names would be happy to take the time to help you deal with this phobia and work with you to combat it. Hope this helps. Just as a suggestion, try working out a signal like raising your hand during treatment when you are feeling panic or sick, which will indicate to the Dental team that you need them to stop. : )

Answer 2

I am sorry that you have such a fear of the dentist. Many women who have been the victims of sexual abuse fear dentists, I believe it is due to the position they are put in. The dentist I work for (in rural Vermont) does a lot of work for women who have been abused.

1 Call the NON emergency number of the local rape crisis hot line, or other abuse center in your area and ask them for a dentist that they recommend. They will give you the name of someone who understands victims of abuse and will make the situation a lot easier for you.

2 Call the actual office, and see if you feel comfortable with the person answering the phone and ask them about the office. If you don't feel comfortable repeat step 1.

3 Medications. Some people go to their doctor to get pre medicated before they go to the dentist. Some people opt to go to a dentist with nitrous oxide. Other people choose to not be sedated at all. The advantage of the medications is that you are sedated and far more likely to be relaxed, the problem is you might not feel in control.

4 Have a friend come with you to the appointment. For most survivors of abuse, they do better if they have an independent observer sitting or standing a few feet away. Please note, during X rays you will have to be alone in the room, but your support person can talk to you during the procedure.

I hope this helps.

Answer 3

I had the same problem as you and simply stopped going to my dentist who was horrible to me and did really bad work. Earlier this year I booked an appointment at another dentist for a check-up. Right from the start I felt at ease. I have never been in any pain, even though I had to get a lot of work done. I no longer fear the dentist, in fact I'm in the middle of having cosmetic dentistry done and I love the whole process. The moral of the story is, don't assume all dentists are the same, find another one you are happy with.

Answer 4

I'm the same as you. I had a very bad experience when I was young with a bad dentist.............. I'm now 52 and on the very odd occasion I go to the dentist (when I have to) I start shaking to such an extent that its hard for the dentist to work on my teeth. I know its an irrational feeling and I tell myself to stop it..... but there is nothing I can do about it................. I have looked on the Internet and found that there are some dentists that specialise in people like us................... have a look and good luck!

Answer 5

Look for a dentist that uses Oral Conscious Sedation. This makes the patient more relaxed. Being more relaxed will reduces your stress, and the phobia will not be as bad, or even non existent.

Answer 6

I have the same Problem. I just have the dentist Put me to sleep. it's Much easier , then when i wake up , it's over !! .. Just tell the dentist you go to , how you freak out , an ask him what options are available to you. Most now a days will knock you out , cause alot of people are freaked out by the dentist .. ewww just the thought of Hands in my mouth an a needle .. AHHH .. yea .. get knocked out !!

Answer 7

maybe try taking a gravol prior to going in to see the dentist... get some recommendations from friends for a good dentist, cause they do vary in how well they deal with anxious patients... then talk to him or her (the dentist) prior to going in and outline your concerns- having them prepare fo you specially may help make your next visit a success... hope you don't put it off too much longer, avoiding the dentist may not have any immediate consequences, but you'll probably regret it big time when you get much older... good luck!

Answer 8

I am also really scared of the dentist, I find it helps to take music to listen to - the dentist won't mind. Also I tell them not to tell me what they're doing or show me anything, I just close my eyes and listen to my iPod and he taps me on the shoulder when its all done.

That's the only survival tactic I have, I hope it helps.

Answer 9

any phobia can be overcome, read up on NLP or just visit a dentist and tell them upfront your their for a checkup. then when you are comfortable you will come back for say a scaling, then a filing then....and move on that way. try finding a nice calm, gentle female dentist alternatively their are these new age laser surgeries and dont involve needles for specific matters.

Answer 10

There are LOTS of dentists who specialized in fearful patients. Just look in your local phone book at their ads. Some will even put you in twilight sleep to clean your teeth if it's that bad a fear.