Help - I'm terrified of the dentist...

[hunkermunker]

Even thinking about going makes me want to sob wildly.

I've not been for years, at least. I have crowns where I broke my teeth when I was 9 and they're horrible - I'd really like to have them changed, but am too, too scared.

Help?

Poor thing I wish there was something I could say - it's so horrible to see them in pain At least you're seeing the surgeon tomorrow so should be able to get things moving quickly, but so worrying - makes you feel so helpless, doesn't it? Cuddle him from me, gorgeous boy.

will do - thanks.x

I went to see a hypnotherapist for being scared of the dentist....and it is a bit better - I no longer cry from the moment I sit in the chair

Was going to suggest hypnotherapy too. It's a good time to get it sorted out if you're pg and can get free treatment for a year after - if you could get everything sorted out while it's free (I bet you need less treatment than you think) then you'd hardly need any work done after that.

Having said that, I widdle myself everytime I have to go to the dentist. I only started going after *** years when I was pg my breath smelt like poo (my gums were a mess) - I figured if I went when I was pg she wouldn't hurt me .

My childhood dentist was horrendous (he was eventually sent to jail - that's how bad he was). Didn't see dentist for many years afterwards, but dental problems got worse so had to see someone. Found female dentist from surgery that made you fill in form re. previous experiences, how you felt about dentists etc. Although I'm still extremely nervous about it, she has been brilliant (especially in sorting out the botched jobs done in childhood).

Ask all your friends for recommendations. Ring the surgery up and ask about how they deal with scaredy-cats. Go and see them, just for a chat.

WIll definitely have to give myself a stern talking-to. Is mad to be so scared. And not good for my health either.

TP - your dentist was jailed?! OMG!

My first dentist had halitosis...er, not a great recommendation, really!

Have definitely been thinking it'd be better to go while pg as they can't do really horrible things to me then Hypnotherapy...hmm, actually do know a very nice hypnotherapist...

my dentist if absolutely fab! in fact he's so good that when i moved to the Lakes from Manchester I stayed with him and go back there for appointments!

I've been recommended sedation, but still haven't got up the courage to go... I have a strong face phobia (even the optician makes me very very stressed) and hate anyone doing anything near my face (combination of too close, can't see what they are up to/lack of trust and powerlessness, I think). I have sat in the dentists chair and been completely unable to open my mouth! I have gum problems and two broken teeth, so I know I need to go, but I still can't do it. It's not the pain - I broke my jaw last year and had to have 8 injections when they took the brace off. Unfortunately the hospital wouldn't do the broken teeth then, as I probably would have gone through with it then. It is worth asking around - you'd be surprised at how many people share your feelings, and how many dentists specialise in this area.

oh god I've probably got the worst teeth on here combination of phobia of dentists and needles - went when I was pg with DS2 (who'll be 2 in November ) as I had really bad toothache (didn't sleep for nearly 4 days because of it, and DH got fed up and made an appointment for me). Before that it was just after DS1 was born (and during for a tooth removal).

Before that..........ermm, well, err hmmm.....I was still at school - and was supposed to be getting braces fitted, but everytime I went to see the dentist he'd tell me I still had a baby tooth to come out and to come back 6 months later.....this went on for 2yrs - until I got fed up of phsyching myself up and didn't bother going again.

I think the key is to find a really good, kind dentist who is sympathetic to your worries.
I am a big baby when it comes to going to the dentist. I had years of orthodontic treatment as a teenager and lots of nasty experiences with operations etc which has contributed to my fears.
When we lived in the UK I went to the dentist religiously every 6 months as I felt that it would be awful to waste all that money and work that I had done when I was a child. I had a lovely dentist but even she said I was one of her most nervous customers. Once I jumped so hard when she was giving an injection that I bent the needle 45 degrees and had to be calmed down in the waiting room .
When we came to NZ I used every excuse not to go ... mainly that we couldn't afford it (as you get no dental care on the health system here). But after 3 years and 3 broken teeth I knew I had to go. I spent a lot of time trying to find a nice dentist ... and eventually found one. He is just fantastic. He won't sedate me (believe me, I asked!) as he said it wasn't going to help me get over my fear as I would be using a crutch.
He is the gentlest dentist ever ... even the injection doesn't hurt. The secret, apparently, is to administer the anaesthetic really slowly ... he uses a really fine needle that I don't feel go in and then he sits there for a good 2 minutes pushing in the anaesthetic really slowly ... and it truly does not hurt! I am so grateful I found him and if he were to move away I would follow him
You are not alone Hunker ... {{{}}}

ghosty - exactly my point!

Me and DS are off to the dentist tomorrow. I had let our appointments slip and like you used to be really frightened.I was embarrasssed into making an appointment when my DS (who's 5)asked why we didn't go to the dentist anymore! It had been 9 months. Before he was born, I registered with a practice with lots of nice young dentists and they're all lovely. Our dentist lets you wear shades so the light doesn't go in your eyes and you can hide behind them when you're scared. I think the younger dentists are trained now to be more sympathetic to us scaredies. My boy is actually looking forward to going.

Message withdrawn

i go to a community dentist (otherwise known as a phobia dentist) ive got an appointment after a year waiting and there gonna knowck me out yay

Hunker,
Let me know if you find a good one. I too have not been to the dentist in many a year because I am a wuss, I know i need to go.
Do you know I am not even sure I know what a crown is.[embarrassed]

I too am terrified of the dentist and have been for a check up today and need a root filling!I am absolutely dreading it He says I can have timazepan but not sedation although he could send me elsewhere for that but would cost loads I have had 2 kidney transplants so don't fear anything medical or pain just dentists It has to be done Does anyone know how strong timazepan is and will it knock me out?

Finally did the dentist thing after ten years! and two back teeth actually falling out! . have slapped one dentist and climbed out of window of another so i know fear of the drill wielding ones! but after becoming quite ill with mystery tiredness thing, drs put it down to mercury poisoning......because of bad teeth! that news combined with still being under maternity cover (FREE!) finally pushed me to do it.... had three sessions, and in truth they were pretty awful but i just went along after a gallon of rescue remedy with the mantra in my head. " its an hour of this or dentures at 33!" and i had final session last week. If i can do it, you can too! AND YOU WILL FEEL SOOOOOO PROUD OF YOURSELF!