Dental phobia- just booked an appointment

[LifeonMarss]

No judgment please I know it might sound silly. I had a filling as a child and was nervous but no more nervous than an average child however dentist was horrible which made me more upset and he told me If I don't stop crying he will rip out all my teeth. Needless to say I've been scared to go since.
I carried on having check ups into my teen years but usually had to go the hospital who specialised in nervous patients so I know I need work done but it was never booked because I was too scared.
I haven't been now for about 10 years and last week noticed a black mark on the back of my front teeth- It isnt decayed or anything (I hope) it's just a black stain so im praying it can be taken care of easily but I know i will need about 7 fillings maybe an extraction. I'm quite blessed in my teeth arn't really yellow and are straight but im so worried they're going to tell me I need teeth taken out especially my front ones or they all need work or any other catastrophe.
Anyway, I've booked an appointment at a dentist who specialise in nervous patients but I won't be seen for another two months and I just know it will be two months of worrying whenever I think about it. So, does anyone have any tips of calming down? I'd have prefered to have been seen asap as then I would only have been anxious for a few days/weeks. I literally cried making the appointment and can't calm myself down so any help would be appreciated.

Well done for making the appointment! My DH avoided the dentist for years due to a phobia, we found a new dentist who specialises in nervous patients and he’s found him brilliant. Dentists today are much kinder and better informed.

It sounds like distraction may be your best bet for now - obviously you can’t avoid thinking about it but could you try to do some things to distract yourself when you do?

Also maybe let them know you’d like to be contacted if they have a cancellation open up?

TLDR: Can you get some beta blockers from the GP

I had an awful dentist a few years ago - more interested in flirting with his assistant and general cba attitude. What tipped me over was being given an injection for a filling (really badly done too, they shouldn't be more than a slight scratch if done properly) then being made to go and sit back in the waiting room while he saw other patients and it took effect. By the time I got back in to him it had mostly worn off and the filling was agony.

The next time I had to go and see him I was having mild panic attacks before so went and got some beta blockers from the GP. I changed dentists and got a lovely, lovely old man, but he then retired after a few months😥

Well done OP! I hadn't been near a dentist for 30 years, until my also very nervous friend found herself an all female practice and persuaded me to try it too. She'd been twice and told me they'd pretty much cured of The Fear. I had to wait 8 weeks after making the appointment, and they let my friend come in with me. I'll not lie, I sobbed after they'd finished because the were so very kind to me. 30 years and I only really needed a scale and polish and x-rays.