In horrible pain, yet I still can't get myself to go to the dentist.

[LeeJune]

For the longest time I've always had a major phobia of dentists, I don't particularly know what it is that causes the fear, It just all seems too much. I can't even watch dental commercials without literally crying, or needing to leave the room. It's so embarrassing, and recently I've lost 2 teeth due to cavities, and I'm in HORRIBLE pain to the point I can barely eat, yet I still won't go back to the dentist out of fear. Even thinking about it is enough to send me into tears. On top of that, everytime I MANAGE to go to a dentist in the past I've always been left with pain from my jaw that was so bad it left me awake for nights sobbing. I just don't know what to do anymore.

 

[Sassycass]

Hello! I actually went to the dentist for the first time in 5 years, in March of this year. It took a really bad toothache for me to go in. My doctor prescribed me a low dose anti anxiety medication, but I found out it mostly didn’t help me. What helped me was being honest and upfront with my dentist about my anxiety. As well as wearing headphones and listening to Christian music and holding onto an ice pack. Those help ground me.

I have been to the dentist 6 times since March and it gets easier and easier each time. I actually have my last visit for this year this morning.

Putting it off is worse in the long run because you are giving into your fear and letting it control you.

Sometimes I do self talk and say, I am going to the dentist because I need to get this done in order to be healthy. If I am healthy I am happy and pain free. I always also warn my anxiety, if you’re gonna give me an anxiety attack do it right now because this is your only chance otherwise I don’t have time to have one because I have things to do. Usually when I tell myself to give me an anxiety attack it doesn’t and it helps each time lessening the fear from taking over.

Also maybe give yourself a reward after. Like today after my appointment, I’m going to treat myself to a coffee from a local shop (which I only do occasionally). This gives you something to look forward to. Or you can think, it’s just an hour of my 24 hour day at the dentist. Once that hour is up, I have 23 hours to myself.

Those are just something’s that have worked for me!

 

[krlovesherkids777]

LeeJune, to DFC! Thank you for sharing . You have Alot of people who really get it and can encourage you, you are not alone! Dental fear can be so debilitating. Sounds like when you've went in the past it has just led to more pain and suffering, which would make so many scared to go back. Do you have a dental office you are looking at? Maybe you could write them something like this, like you are scared , you've had bad experiences in the past that only led to pain and suffering and want to take a step towards them but have dental anxiety and need to go slow and understand everything and really let them know your fears. It might be really hard,but it will weed out the ones who are not compassionate depending on responses. It's really important to have a dental team that really gets where you are coming from and what you truly need in dental care? I know my trauma response is Freeze and if I am scared it will cause me to just not want to do anything.. but if I take the tiniest step to see if an office or dentist may earn my trust it has been good. Remember you decide ultimately and you are worthy of good compassionate care!!!