Dental Anxiety

[user1469525654]

Hi I hope I am posting in the right place and this is long so stay with me. Basically since a dentist visit almost six months ago I have had to put off the treatment due to shortage of money and I have a dilemma because I am terrified of her and the treatment and now I have the cash I know I need to get it done and I am starting to feel pain. On the one hand I know I need the just shut up and get on with it because I have severe anxiety about losing all of my teeth by 40 (I am 38). On the other hand I am terrified of doing it. I have a couple of extractions and four fillings to do and I am in such a state about it that it dominates my thoughts night and day and its causing panic attacks. I feel so stupid

Why don't you change dentists? Go to one of those who specialise in dealing with nervous patients. They can put you into a medically relaxed state so that you don't care what's going on.

You said it yourself, you’ve got a fear of having to get them all removed so by not going, you’re increasing the likelihood of that happening.

I know it’s crap and I’ve been in a similar situation (in that I don’t want to go cos I’m scared they’ll say ‘right, they all need to come out”, so it’s like ignorance is bliss.

So I do understand but if you go and get it over and done with, the outcome will always be better than the outcome of you don’t go!

If the dentist isn’t particularly nice, could you persist change?

In all honestly I didn't go to the dentist for 11 years. The last 3 knowing I really needed to go, but didn't because I was so ashamed.

It took me a month to build up to my first appointment. I went in shaking and she commented on it too. But I feel like I built it up so much in my head. she was friendly, made jokes and played music whilst she worked.

I would say what the others have said, find someone you feel a bit more comfortable with.