Dentist Phobia

[honeybeeridiculous]

MY best friend has confessed she hasn't been to the dentist for 7 years as she is petrified. She reckons she needs lots of work done as she says the dentist mentioned having a crown last time she saw him, I want to try and calm her fears and said I will go with her if she wants, but tbh I'm not a great fan of dentists myself we've looked into dentists in our area specialising with nervous patients but of course they arnt NHS so will prob cost a fortune. Just wondered how I can best help her and if anyone has any tips on keeping calm in the dreaded chair? I suggested

[LizaTarbucksAuntie]

I used meditation/self hypnosis

I found a dentist I felt happy going to.

I did save up so I could go private and now pay for dental insurance.

I managed to beat a 20 year phobia this way.

Please tell her it can be done and it really won't be as bad as she fears. Someone told me that a good dentist will help you realise they do their job because they want to help you have a healthy mouth and they really aren't judgy about you

[bamboobutton]

ask if they offer needle free numbing injections.

[chelsbells]

Marking my place....
Absolutely terrified of the dentist (cried having a filling done when I last went)
One thing I've been told is to wear headphones to block all the sound out - not sure if anyone does this or if it helps?!
Would love to here the advice!

[SpottyDottie]

I've just started a thread about how are phobias cured. I have the same problem as your friend except that I have continued going to the dentist, I just haven't knocked my phobia on the head! My dentist helps me by giving me sedation but I'd like to cure the phobia as it is making me so unhappy.

For me its not the sound or the needles, although unpleasant. I gag and hate all the paraphernalia that gets put in my mouth. I even hate lying flat out. I don't even sleep like that. My dentist is great though and keeps it to a minimum but I don't feel better about it.

[SharpLily]

I'll only go to the dentists when I visit my parents in Spain - my dentist there offers intravenous sedation and I'm such a wimp I won't even have a check up unless he puts me right out. No, it's not cheap, but if the alternative is bad teeth I'm happy to pay.

[SpottyDottie]

SharpLily Have you ever had to have a series of treatments which required several iv sedations? I'm asking because I've had 3 sedations and one general in the space of 3-4 months. (The general wasn't a dental procedure though) That alone worries me. I'm facing more treatment soon and I either get this phobia licked or more sedation and I just feel its too much!

[YNK]

I get nitrous oxide for every visit at my nhs dentist. It really does the trick!

[SharpLily]

God no, Spotty. I've never even had to have a filling and seem to be immune to plaque and general tooth dirt - the dentists says he doesn't even get to do a scale and polish, and I only go once every couple of years. I can see why you're nervous about the regular sedations so maybe you should ask your GP if it's likely to be a problem? In my case again, it's essential. Even with the sedation, on the way to the dentist in my father's car I look longingly at the motorway and consider opening the car door and chucking myself out. It's just the only way.

[SpottyDottie]

Thanks for your reply SharpLily

[SharpLily]

Good luck with your treatment!

[SpottyDottie]

Thanks and good luck to us all finding out how we can get over this!

[KatherinaMinola]

Ask for local recommendations for a nice NHS dentist. And just GO for a check-up - they don't do the 'work' on the same visit anymore (at least not IME). At least then she'll know, and can psych herself up / calm down accordingly (and book the treatment with the same dentist if she likes them).

And it might not be as bad as she fears. DH went recently for the first time in 12 years - I was sure he'd need half his teeth out, but no - not a single filling!

[Pinupgirl]

I have a severe dentist phobia-I have not been to the dentist in 20 years! I hate my teeth-they are crooked and horrible and I never smile in photos.

I wish I could get over this but I cant even walk into a dental surgery-I make dh take the dcs! I had very bad toothache a few months ago was lucky I didn't overdose myself with co-codamol but I still wouldn't go to the dentist! Dh gets very,very with me.

[KatherinaMinola]

OP (and others), if you post on the local MN boards someone should be able to recommend a friendly dentist. Good luck.

[honeybeeridiculous]

Thanks everyone, just reading about the dentist gives me goosebumps but I do go, and seem to hold my breath for the whole time I'm in that chair I will show my friend this thread when I see her and see if we can work out a plan, she's near southampton if anyone has any good NHS recommendations