I have a terrible fear of dentists I'm 31 years old and I don't care if you call me a big babyi can't help it.ive only ever been to a dentist 4 times in my life due to the fear.I have 2 very bad chipped teeth,both back teeth on either side since last year.every couple of weeks I get severe pain from them and take a lot of painkillers rather than going to the dentist.the other thing is I take bad panic attacks due to anxoety that gets worse when I'm nervious.I went to a dentist last week with my father he was addending there and even sitting in the waiting room for him my heart was racing with fear of the place.I did have a bad experience as a child with dentists and its not that alone that's stopping me going.can anyone please give me advice on how to get over this fear and how to calm down if and when I decide to go.thanks for any help in advance ty.

I have anxiety attacks. I have a great fear of dentists also. When I go to a dentist, one of the first things that I tell him or her is "No Novocaine unless I expressly say so." I also don't like shots. I have suffered through many a dental procedure because I wouldn't take the shot for the Novocaine.

One time, when I was tearing up the dentist's chair without taking the shots for the Novocaine, as he was working on me, he said, "Gosh, I feel so guilty."

When I was a child, I had an experience with a dentist where he actually spilled water on me because I was being uncooperative.

Another time, I needed a tooth extracted from the rear of my mouth. I needed to go to an oral surgeon for the procedure.

I argued with them about putting me out by giving me the shot in my arm. After it was all done, I woke up laughing. Not because of the medication, but because it had been all so simple and I didn't really need to worry.

The bottom line for me is, that there have been so many advances in the dentistry field that there is little reason to fear the little pain that you will have by going through whatever procedure it is.

You can handle it. I did. You will be okay.

Where I am now they have dentists who knock you out to take care of all your dental needs even a cleaning

I so totally feel you anxiety. First ask a trusted friend who they see as their dentist or as you did before ask your dad take you back again. You've already been there and have already met him. Call the dentist and speak with him on the phone. This is what I did and I've managed to keep the same dentist now for 3 years. Tell him how you feel and why you're afraid of dentists. With cracked teeth and severe pain you don't have much of a choice. You're running into the risk of nerve damage or abcess. Your dentist can prescribe a mild sedative and or give you relaxation gas in the office which wears off quickly once the procedure is over.
I can pretty much tell you that dentists these days are used to having patients that are fearful from past experiences especially as children. They don't what to add further to your pain but ease and treat you.

First rule is go to a good dentist. The needle is the worst part and a good dentist will make it feel like a very small pinch. After that it is no big deal. Tell him you will lift your hand if you feel pain as a sign for him to stop.

Oh, boy what you and Clough wrote sounds like experiences I have had. LOL, I once had a dentist (I was only 4) who threatened to slap me in the face if I did not stop crying.

I refuse to go to a dentist who will not give me the "gas" (nitrous oxide) prior to any shots, etc. I can tell you though that unhealthy teeth can lead to an unhealthy body.

There are many dentists now who do knock people out (as mentioned above) for most any procedure. In my area they call it "Gentle Dentistry".

I have to have about $17,000 worth of dental work soon, oh, boy, and I dreading that!! LOL

I once had the same fear, overcame it when the pain, discomfort became so severe I had no choice and I read how unhealthy it was... I bit the bullet, visited him, advised him that I had a fear of the dentist since I was a child (I was about 44 at this time), then told him what I wanted done, he looked, agreed with me that all my teeth should come out and be replaced by upper and lower dentures. He put me to sleep, never felt a thing until I woke and before I got up from the chair, he placed the new dentures directly over my stitches and each day, week that passed, I became more comfortable. Now I only visit to get an oral cancer screening but never for abcesses, pain, etc. I can eat steak, ice cream, etc with no discomfort. It's one of the best decisions I ever made. I suggest visiting, discussing your concerns, desires, goal but don't make any decisions that day. Good luck.

Some dentists can prescribe anti anxiety medication for you to take before you go to the office (you will need someone to drive you there and home). You could also ask for nitrous oxide (laughing gas). These 2 methods are less risky than being put under a general anaesthetic.
I agree with Chippers, ask your friends and coworkers who they see and if they are happy with their dentist. Word of mouth(pardon the pun) is always the best advertising.

Thanks all again I'll be going to the dentist soon your kind words have eased my mind somewhat.thanks again all for the advice I'll post an answer when I get it done ty

Hey Liv!
I can totally understand where you are coming from!
I'm 36 and haven't been to a dentist in 20odd years.
I had to have 2 fillings when I was kid and it was done with NO pain relief... not my choice but the dentists suggestion.
My hubby thinks I'm silly but I can't help it. Just the thought sends shivers up my spine and gets my heart going.
My thoughts are with you. Let us Know how you get on?

You're a braver man than me!
God bless
Moomin

I understand. I am 35 and I am missing most of my back teeth. I had such a fear that a dentist suggested that I get 6 root canals at one time. I was so terrified that I didn't go back. My teeth got infected and my entire face was swollen like a baseball. I had ear infections, etc...

Years later, I finally called a different dentist and talked to him on the phone. I told him my story and how scared I was. He asked me to meet him in the parking lot of his office. He and the nurse came outside and talked to me. We went for a walk and I explained more of my fear. Once I felt a little comfortable, I went into his office. I couldnt' even sit in the dental chair. I sat on a stool in the waiting room. He gave me a prescription for the infection and I went back the next day to get the work done. Again, he came outside first. He talked me through it while he did the work. I ended up losing all my back teeth and he is now making partials for me. One day, I hope to get implants when I can afford it.

The dentist was so nice, he had a meeting with his office staff. They now schedule my appointments when I am the only one there. He gets me in and out and there is no waiting. They call me in between visits and I have even gone in to just 'visit' with them, when I don't have an appointment.

I went in today for my cleaning and to be honest... I was still a little nervous on the way there. I did okay, but when I got home I had a stomach ache from the worry. (That's how I ended up finding this thread) It can be done... go before you have too much damage. Trust me, I know what I am talking about.

Jenni

Tell me about it!
I'm a dental student and I hate dentists, in fact even now I'm avoiding going to one even though I have a carious tooth! (Don't judge me)
The thing is when I was younger, I had loads of dental problems, and well they hurt. And dental pain is hardly something I need to elaborate more on right?
So yeah, it's hard making yourself go face it again and again knowingly, but one has to too.. That's why I'm becoming a dentist, so I can get rid of the fear and anxiety (and derive pleasure out of inducing it in others *evil evil grin* haha just kidding!)
Anyway, good luck to you!

Search around, find out more information about the best dentists you can find. Ask your friends. If you cannot find a good dentist, search around for the best one you can find. There is nothing to be afraid of. If the hygienist is a soft cleaner then you won't expierience pain. You cannot solve these problems with your teeth alone! Search around and find the best dentist you can find. Hope you find a great dentist! God bless!

It seems very sarcastic & uncencerned like the way some dentist actually treat you.

I'm a fraidy kat as well. I can't stand the dentists the offices smell,drillz. I get paniky the day before my appointment. Like now! I was put out my dentist office by the daughter, whom never worked on me before, but all of a sudden wants to do a tooth touch sensitivity what-ever they call it. She just did a full mouth x-rays, so why touch the tooth? When it's already has me crying, gums hurting, eating baby food, pain shooting up to my ear. I'm looking for anther dentist as well, but I know my insurance won't pay for the sedation. So now I'm searching for the cheapest out of pocket sedation dental specialist in philly. If I can find one affordable & knocks me out he/she will be my dentist for life.look for & ask dentist do they use any type of sedation? To my knowledge they are I.V.Sedation (I likes!) twi-lite sleep with the 10 mg valium they give you along with some other pill. The dentists usually waits for you to seem very relaxed to drowzy. Sometimes in my case it'took darn near 30 min to settle down & keep my leg from sounding like woody wood pecker on a tree! This type of sedation out of pocket costs was the cheapest I found. $110. For this sedation & it worked 3-4 times. But as I said this time I got into it with the daughter, so missy told me not to come back. So I took my x-rays and walked & found other methods for the intense pain.