Fear of Dentists..

[BlueKangaroo22]

But I need to go, I have had a bad tooth/jaw ache for the past couple of days and its becoming clearer that I need to do something about it..
But this is the thing and it is really pathetic really...I am terrified of going to the dentists, the drill terrifies me, I only have to hear it and thats it, even passing by a dentist gives me the creeps, I don't know why this is, I have never liked dentists (cause lets face it, who does?) but its now got to the point that i am terrified, I haven't been to a dentist since I left home at 16. (I'm 22 now)
The thing is and I am ashamed to admit that I do not have the best oral hygiene. i.e I don't brush my teeth every day, eat loads of crap etc, so I haven't done myself any favours.

I have looked up the dental hospital as SIL went there to have something done on her teeth and she was put under a general anaesthetic for it, so I was wondering if I arranged an appointment there then they would do this for me? I can't even bear the thought of being concious for a check up!!

This is really pathetic right? Anyway is there anyone out there who has a similar fear or someone who could suggest anything?

Thanks for reading :)

I can empathize. Am terrified too, and I hadn't been to the dentist for over a decade when I broke a tooth earlier this year and was forced into it. I doubt they will give you a GA, but one of the things that helped me was being allowed to just plug myself into my ipod and not listen to what was going on around me. It might help a little? I also found a really great dentist who knew how terrified I was and was very careful. Good luck.

I used to be terrified. I would wake up in a cold sweat every night for about a week if I had an appointment. I was also sick with fright every morning I ahd an appointment for years. I always made the appointment for first thing in the morning, as I just could not function to do anything if it was later in the day.

What changed me was I spoke with my GP who referred me to a specialist "phobia" dentist. She is fantastic. She did not even get me to open my mouth for a peep the first couple of appointments. I had an appointment this week and I can honestly say I was as chilled as could be going. Its not my favourite place, but now I feel my fear is a normal fear and not a stupidly life-affecting phobia.

Could you find out if you have anyone like that near you? Also, perhaps you could explain your feelings when you phone and make an appointment with the dental hospital. Perhaps they have someone who specialises in people like us!

I found that the fear of going is worse than the actual dental treatment. Good luck.

Thank you guys :) Its reassuring to know that I am not the only one! I know I really need to go, if anything for my daughter, she doesn't want a mummy with no teeth does she? Lol!