I have developed a fear of the dentist, what should I do?

[HELPME]

Brief story, always went to the dentist, then my senior year was into drugs had a bad experience and then would have panic attacks not knowing what they were and I would call them where I would "Freak out", developed a lot of phobias, not wanting to fly, driving far, the dentist, was afraid that if I had a panic attack that I would die or something. I have overcome most except still havent flew anywhere and the dentist. It ruined most of my life but at the same time kept me away from drugs still to this day. I have learned from my experience and have conquer most on my own with no prescriptions or any of that and Im proud of that but one thing that I have really lacked bad in my life is my teeth. I let them go to ****, have lost about 4 of them from cracking and then just completely falling out, have been in pain where my face swells up so bad but wouldn't do anything about it, I wake up with a Dried bloody mouth every morning.

I have been to the dentist a few times but never for a cleaning just for a filling once and I forget what else. The problem is, I have always had no issue with it, I think the main thing is once I get novicaned up, your not in your normal element and that causes me still to have a panic attack. I truly believe its mind over body and your mind is a powerful thing. I have learned to control it for the most part. I have to get my teeth fixed, this is linked very strongly to heart disease because bacteria gets into your blood stream and attacks your heart. I have lost a friend my age to this and almost my father. Dont want to follow in their footsteps. Im perfectly healthy and take care of my body except for this.

 

[bumpthumper]

Helpme -

The only thing I can think of to suggest would be for you to call a dental practice or two, and explain your fear. See if they are accomodating to your needs, and see if you can make an appointment just to talk to the dentist. Maybe if you meet and talk to a dentist before getting into the chair, some of your fear will subside.

Hopefully there will be a few other responses to your post from others, with other suggestions.

Whiatever you do, I wish you good luck!