dental phobia?

Question

high dental phobia..........advice

Answer 1

1

Answer 2

Find a dentist you trust. I have a dental phobia (and a little bit OCD, I think) and I found a dentist I liked when I lived two states away. When I had a chipped tooth, I actually drove 6 hours to see him (well, I'm friends with his family) so that I wouldn't have to see a new dentist when I didn't feel ready. Your dentist should actually pay attention to you, not berate you for dental problems you've come to get fixed, be willing to answer questions, etc. Be sure to let your dentist know that you do have a fear, so that he or she can know to explain (if that would help) or not (if that's better) what they are doing.

Also, find a dentist that will work with your fears. More and more dentists these days use relaxation techniques like providing headphones so you can listen to music during a procedure (it really keeps you from noticing the scraping or other oo-gey dentist sounds) and/or administering nitrous oxide (I have two children, I LOVE getting to go somewhere and be allowed to relax like that for a while), even for minor procedures.

Other than that, make an appointment and just GO! If you don't, your teeth could get worse, which would mean you either suffer from dental pain or have to get more in-depth, nerve-wracking procedures done later.

Answer 3

I wish I had some advice for you but I don't. I am the same way. All I can tell you is don't wait don't avoid it. I waited 7 years, two pregnancies (apparently that can weaken your teeth) and when I finally went I hyperventalated (sp?) and one dentist had to come in and hold my hand. I then had to get about 7 cavities filled. It was horrible but at the same time it actually changed my life I was in some much pain when I ate certian things and now I'm not. Still walking into the dentist office I get that sick feeling but i muster through it.
Try and find a dentist that understands you. I mean they will all say the understand your fear but don't quit till you find one that really does. For example I was supposed to get a tooth fixed last week and a filling. For some reason I just couldn't get my self comfortable. My dentist said hey I have plenty of other stuff I cold do we all have our days and if you want to come back another time by all means do it. He was so understanding and nice about it. So I have to go back later.
Oh one more thing you can see about getting a seditive prescribed before you go. My dentist offered me that.
Good Luck.

Answer 4

My dentist recommended that I take some benedryl which will relax you and make you kind of goofy. Take about a dose and a half of what is recommended and HAVE SOMEONE DRIVE YOU!!! You should also talk with your doctor and dentist to make sure there wouldn't be side effects. Good luck and don't be afraid (I know, easier said than done), icky teeth are scarier than a dentist.

Answer 5

I agree with everything Sunny said! Yea Sunny!!! Find one that cares and understands your fear. Don't be afraid to ask for sedatives, (just be sure to have them call them in early enough for you to use), use headphones for music, have a friend hold your hand if you need too. We don't care as long as you are comfortable, and not jumping around. It's hard enough working in someones mouth with sharp instruments, we don't need any added outside obstacles to take our attention away from the job at hand. When your comfortable and relaxed, it makes our jobs a whole lot easier too! Hopefully before you know it you will be looking forward to your appointments. Well....it was just a nice thought! :) Good luck!

Answer 6

I just went to the dentist an hour ago, really it's not that bad. It's not like an amusment park but it's not terrible. There are lots of things used to numb your mouth and the novacaine barely hurts at all. You can get laughing gas to calm your nerves, however, its about 100 dollars.

Answer 7

I was thinking that you could go to see a dental surgeon. They have the ability to put you right out. That would certainly fix any anxiety problems.

Answer 8

check these guys out:
http://www,rda-enterprises.com
I had severe acrophobia which is an intense fear of heights, a friend recommended them to me and i bought the acrophobia relief cd. after listening to it daily for around 6 weeks, i was actually able to climb on my parents roof to help replace shingles after the hurricane. Before listening to it I was not even able to climb more than 3 rungs up a ladder without freezing up and shaking violently. My friend had a fear of flying, and she was able to overcome that...she flew to hawaii just last month. Hope this helps you out...

Answer 9

Make Dentist aware of your fear! Ask to provide you with a sedative before going to appointment,so when you get there, everything find and dandy! Of Course get someone to drive you there and back..

Answer 10

Now a days they have sedatives and laughing gas for you. I'm petrified of the dentist. so I take advantage of these resources. Good luck! :)