Terrified........and i mean TERRIFIED

[clairelouise]

Where do I start?? Obviously, just ny the fact im on here, IM TERRIFIED, Im scared, Im petrified. I need to go to a dentist. I KNOW I need to go to a dentist, but Im not sure my legs will get me there, Firstly I need to find a sympathetic and patient 1. Im just wondering if anyone here can give me any help and advice as how to actually get myself in there and how NOT TO FAINT !!!!! For Gods sake, im a 40 yr old woman, this is ridiculous, but i just cant help the way i feel.. Ive got palpatations just thinking about dentists.

[carole]

Hi a lot of people find a few dental practices and either phone or e mail and see how they feel about the response they get back, you can make an appointment and tell the dentist how you feel and what you are afraid of. They are very good these days, but you need the right one for you. If you don't feel comfortable with the dentist and feel you couldn't work with them then see another.

A lot of people on here have been in your position and at a pace that suits them they have managed to be able to get the work they need doing done.

What are you frightened of?

Good luck and all the best we can offer you as much encouragement and support as you need, if that is what you want.

[bisja]

Don't feel bad I am a 58 year old petrified woman. the only thing that helps me to go is to take a 5mg valium about an hour before I go, otherwise I honestly think I would run. Is there a chance your doctor would prescribe you something to keep you calm?

[Blues22475]

First don't belittle your fear: it makes sense. I myself wasn't too keen on the idea of going to a dentist, but I had to go to one because I knew I had problems with my teeth. If you let it keep getting worse, chances are when you get to a dentist your fears would have come true (and your problem would have intensified).

Like carole said, look around for the right doctor for you. I actually called a couple of places myself before I settled down to a small office (the dentist was really nice so was the staff). Let them know you're afraid and they should be able to help you with that fear (at least the good dentist places should imo).

[Dr. Daniel]

Hello

First hand reccomendations are very useful. You can ask around your family and friends, specificly about a gentle dentist who is suitable for anxious patients.

It is also useful to use the support of other people: ask for someone you care for to escort you to the dental clinic and you can get lots of support and good advises in this forum.

[Aldridge]

I had a friend whom I knew was only slightly less terrified than myself when it came to dentists. She recommended the first one I went to as being great with people in a state of abject terror. He was great! I only left there because we moved 200 miles away. Then I went right back to square one and it took me years to pluck up the nerve to register with someone else. I chose the dentist I'm with now because he was so kind to my son when he had a fall in the school playground. Someone who is good with children will, in my experience, be good with nervous people too. Ask around! And good luck!

[clairelouise]

Just in the process of emailing a dentist on a friends recommendation. Just knowing that I will HAVE to go is frightening. Just talking to my hubby about it reduces me to tears. The thing is, Im a grown woman and there is no logic as to why Im like this.
Its so embarrassing having teeth like mine, even I don't like looking at them!
Just hoping I can have an early appointment as theres NO WAY I'll be able to go in the afternoo, waiting all day for the appointment will be torture.
Vent over .
Any advice as to how I can actually get me foot in the dentists never mind sitting in the chair would be most welcome xx

[Aldridge]

I can't do afternoon appointments either!
Plan something really nice for afterwards and try to focus on that.
Take a confident friend or family member to the surgery with you if that would help.
I'm sure you will get lots of good ideas from people on here.
You've done brilliantly already! x

[Pippa]

Welcome to the club !
I am a grown woman too...,actually retired now...but still had to face going to the dentist resently after a long time not going.
Like you, the mere thought reduced me to tears .
It might be possible for you to suggest a time for your appointment,or ask for an early morning one.If you tell them you are nervous they should understand.
Focus on the end result...better teeth and succesful treatments. Reward yourself each time you have something done at the dentist. I bought myself the lovely home and garden magazines I love to read,but are expensive.
Good luck, it wont be as bad as you fear, just the very first bit,then it gets easier.

[clairelouise]

Thank You Ladies !!!!
This website has really helped............I know you'll understand when I say that you feel like you're the ONLY ONE who feels like this . Its reassuring in a way that many people are as bad as me.....or worse. I think initially its the embarrassment and also being frightened of losing control, crying etc.
I HATE the poker thingy they use, its awful.
Thank you again for your support, I'll let you know when the appointment is and how its goes !!!
xxxx