extreme FEAR of DENTISTS, can't bear the pain?

Question

I HAVE THE SEVERE FEAR OF DENTISTS! EVERYTIME I GO, I'M VERY APPREHENSIVE. ONCE I'M SITTING IN THE EXAM ROOM I'M SWEATING PROFUSELY AND SHAKING IN FEAR. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT SOON AND I'M GONNA CANCEL! WHAT AM I GONNA DO? I REALLY HATE NEEDLES AND DRILLS, THEY R VERY PAINFULL! IT FEELS LIKE A TORTURE ROOM IN THERE!

Answer 1

As in most cases, what you imagine is far worse
than any reality. Dentists should not be synonymous
with pain, what they practice actually PREVENTS pain.

Eating a healthy diet, brushing & flossing, and seeing
your dentist regularly(2x a year) GREATLY reduces
the chances of gettings cavities. No cavities = no fillings.

And not all fillings/restorations mean you need a needle or
drilling. Dental treatment has advanced greatly over the past
decade or so. Some cavities are so small and don't go
deep enough to warrent a local injection. Also, there are different
types of laser that are used instead of a drill, and often time
eliminate the need for a needle as well.

If this is a routine dental visit you speak of, there is no reason
to suggest a need for a drill or needle.

It appears you have been a victim of a bad past experience
and/or heard quite a few exaggerated stories. But it is in your
best interest to see the dentist, as NOT seeing him will probably
lead to more dental problems that could result in alot of more
complicated and involved procedures (those most likely
will require injections, etc.)

Good Luck! I'm sure you will get over your fear with a caring
and patient dentist!

Answer 2

I understand what you're going through. Your dentist probably offers nitrous oxide. Request this and it will help calm your nerves. I got some when I got my cavities filled and it calmed me down a lot. If you hate the sound of drills, your dentist will probably let you listen to your MP3 or CD player while they use drills so you don't hear it. Talk to your dentist about you fears and make sure they know that you're scared.

You may also want to find a new dentist that specializes in treating patients with dental phobias.

Answer 3

I feel your pain, my friend. I am 51 years old and I have a terible fear. I have never had a cavity or any kind of dental work done BUT I become physically sick before an appointment. New techniques claim to be pain free. Talk to your dentist and tell him/her how you are feeling. I am sorry you have these fears but you have made me feel better by knowing I am not the only one who hates the dentist. Hve you considered shopping around for a new dentist?

Answer 4

true. but it is more painful later if you don't go in for maintenance periodically. find a dentist who does IV conscious sedation.

example:

"I offer conscious IV sedation,
which allows me to finish the
dental work in one appointment."

BIOLOGIC DENTISTRY AND IV SEDATION

Before Conscious IV sedation was used in Biological Dentistry, there was no other choice but to have the patient come into the office as many as 5 or 6 times for treatment.

According to Dr. Hal Huggins, a pioneer researcher of biological dentistry, IV sedation is...[a good] approach for the patient's welfare because...[it will] not interfere with the 7-14-21 day cycle of the immune system. ...this new approach...[allows] for faster recouperation, excellent detoxification,...and [is] less stressful for the patient.

IV sedation is performed by a licensed anesthesiologist (M.D.). ...we use MIDAZOLAM. The risk is minimal with heart and blood pressure being monitored throughout the procedure. ...[It] can last anywhere from 3-6 hours, depending on the amount of work required; But...to...the patient,...[it will seem like] it has only been an hour or less. The patient does not go under. They can talk, use the restroom, and interact and participate throughout the procedure. Some...patients drive home,...although...the patient [may opt to] bring a friend or spouse with them.

Answer 5

With a good, established, professional dentist you SHOULD NOT feel any pain at all. If this is your first visit to this person it is very important to let them know how anxious you are. There are things they can modify to make it more comfortable for you. There are medications (Valium), anesthetics (local, topical, gas) music (bring an ipod or headphones). If you let the DDS know this issue they will talk to you about it before anything. I work as a surgical assistant for a periodontist. So many people come in freaked out about the procedure and tell me later that it was nothing like they expected. Easy as pie.

Answer 6

Find a dentist in your area who specializes in patients who suffer from dental phobias. They take extra courses that teach them how to deal with the patient's fear. It may be various relaxation techniques or medication (laughing gas), etc. This is easier to do if you live in a big city, but very difficult if you live in a small town. It might not be possible.

I think it's best if you talk to a dentist who specializes in dental phobias to get the best advice. Listening to other people tell you that it doesn't hurt or to get over your fears is not helpful for people that have phobias. Dealing with a phobia is challenging and you need professional help to get over your fears.

Did you have a bad experience with a dentist as a child? That is one of the most common causes of dental phobia.

Answer 7

ok just cause you go to the dentist doesnt mean that you have something wrong with your teeth normally they just check for cavities and clean your teeth, they tell you that you need to brush more or less. if you do have anything wrong then they would numb your mouth so that they can fix it example: a cavitiy. people go to the dentist all the time. its scary looking in there with all of the drills and stuff but most of those things are used for cleaning your teeth anyway. you will be fine dont cancel.

Answer 8

There are many people that have fears of going to the dentist. Now you can be sedated and get all your dental work done. Below is a website and maybe you can find a dentist in your area. If you can't find one on the site, check your phone book and call around. Nowadays, you don't have to put off your dental needs because you are afraid. I wish you the best of luck.

http://www.1stsedationdentist.com/?source=overture&OVRAW=sedation%20dentist&OVKEY=sedation%20dentist&OVMTC=standard

Answer 9

I would suggest you call the dentist and ask for something to ease the anxiety. Also, have someone drive you to and from the dentist. Laughing gas helped me out a lot too.

Answer 10

well usually the dentist does not do anything invasive the first appointment, just x-rays, exam and maybe a cleaning. Definitely tell your dentist that you have that phobia, he/she might try laughing gas, drugs like valium, and worst case scenario he might refer you to a place that does IV sedation, hope i helped

DMD in IL