AIBU after finally seeing a dentist despite a ten-year phobia?

7 replies

TheOpalFox · 21/08/2026 12:38

Had a dentist phobia for ten years, I went today

OP posts:

LittleGreenShoots · 21/08/2026 12:47

SunCreamQueenie · 21/08/2026 12:42

How did you do it? I haven't been for much longer due to how badly it went the last time.

For me I was honest about my fears and they gave me the most gentle and understanding dental team who went very very slowly with me to just do a check up at first. Is it ok to look in your mouth, let us know if you need to stop, etc. Feeling in control and trusting the team was everything. I think the first step is finding a dentist you feel good about and telling the receptionist about your fear- they have absolutely seen it before.

OlderGlaswegianLivingInDevon · 21/08/2026 12:43

Not quite sure why this is in AIBU ?

However that apart, how did you get on ?

do you have to go back for any treatment.

if so

what is your phobia ?

Is there a sedation clinic / dentist in your area that you can be referred to if necessary for any treatment - it's called conscious sedation it means you are apparently awake and talking but for some reason you won't be aware fully of the treatment / won't remember it all.

I am sure someone else can explain that better !

but you will be required to have someone take you home.

LittleGreenShoots · 21/08/2026 12:43

What's the am I being unreasonable part?

Well done for going. I avoided them for five years at one point, the knowledge I should be going weighed heavy so it must feel great to be free of that now!

SunCreamQueenie · 21/08/2026 12:42

How did you do it? I haven't been for much longer due to how badly it went the last time.

Loulou4022 · 21/08/2026 12:40

Well done on meeting your fear head on 💐

Waitingfordoggo · 21/08/2026 12:40

Well done- give yourself a big pat on the back; that can’t have been easy. I hope it went ok and the dentist was kind. Do you think you’ll feel able to go more regularly now?

walrushurricane · 21/08/2026 12:39

Well done!!

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