Is there such a thing as dental phobia?

Question

Im so terrified of going to the dentist,when i do usually because I cant take the pain anymore I actualy for real shake in my chair/ once the dentis had to give me valium because she said i was to nervous and shakey/ Ihave tried to be put to sleep the only thing with that was i slept for 2 days no lie I feel i am unnaturaly afraid the next day i fell asleep at two stop lights on the way to work cars were blowing there horns i dont know how i made it . how can i get over this fear because i need to go back because my tooth broke and it really lose

Answer 1

Dental phobia is one of the most common phobias. Everyone has had some horrifying experience at some point in their life. The mouth is such a sensitive area, and many of us don't care for our teeth as we should therefore pain is almost inevitable.

However, while I don't believe total fear of the dentist can ever be overcome completely (it's like any phobia or fear, you get butterflies in your stomach/anxiety just about the thought of going)......you can do many things to CALM YOUR NERVES. It has all to do with mind over matter, and meditating, breathing deeply, putting positive images in your head to calm yourself before you go.

It may help you to have a good talk with your dentist. Get to know your dentist, explain your fears or anxieties. The more 'fun' you have, laughing, joking, confronting your fears and such, the more you will be able to be free with your feelings. You will learn to trust your dentist and surrender the anxieties which cripple you.

Be positive. Take control of your own fear and know that you will get through any dental visit. Taking care of your teeth is in your best interest - as gum disease can affect other organs in your body, seriously. And to me, that's more to be afraid of than any dental work.

Be strong. All will be okay and good luck with that broken tooth -go get it fixed, before you do more damage.

Good luck!

Answer 2

There are many people who are petrified of the dentist. So you are not alone. Trust me, I'm a Dental Assistant so I see it every day! From now on ask the Dr to prescribe you Valium ahead of time. Take it before your appointment but make sure you have someone to drive you to the Dr and take you home! It is not safe to drive while you are on it! If you want to be put to sleep ask the dr if they can give you a lower dose! The only way you will be able to get over the fear is if you find a Dentist that you really like and you feel comfortable with! Explain ahead of time that you are scared and uncomfortable! I promise you, if it is a good Dentist/Assistant they will not make fun and they will be very understanding. Also, when you are that scared have your blood pressure checked. When we get scared it tends to get out of whack and if it is too high than they will need to put the appointment off! Good Luck!!

Answer 3

Yes there are many people with dental phobias. Have you thought of using nitrous oxide instead of valium? I got a massive amount of dental work done using nitrous oxide. The best thing about it is that when they turn the gas off, it is gone. The effects of the gas stop immediately so you can drive, go back to work, etc.

People who tell you just to relax do not understand the dental phobias.

Good luck to you.

Answer 4

Sure, there is a phobia for everything. You really should have someone go with you to drive you home. Dentist's aren't anesthetist's don't have them put you out. I'm surprised you're still alive too.

Answer 5

OOh yes - and dental phobia is very common. It is also quite easy to treat. Hypnotherapy, NLP and CBT are all very good at extinguishing it.

Answer 6

Wow, I thought I was bad. I go to a dentist that uses the happy gas. That helps tons! L