S
scaredykat11
Member
- Joined
- May 19, 2019
- Messages
- 27
- Location
- US
Hi! I'm new, but I've been lurking for a few weeks now ever since I learned of the dental work I need.
I'm 39, I do have generalized anxiety disorder, and going to the dentist is one of my phobias. Before Christmas '18, I needed to go because I got a bad abscess. I researched the best dentists that deal with nervous patients and found one who was really kind and considerate of my needs.
She pulled my tooth even though I was shaky and nervous (and panicky), and 2 weeks later pulled another! I still can't believe I did all that! But really, the pain was just to much to handle.
But now, I need a lot more work. I need a bunch of fillings and... gulp... a deep cleaning. Deep cleanings scare me because I remember when my mom had one done, she came home crying and bloodied, and I swore I would never, ever get one of those!
So for the last few weeks, I've been dreading my appointments. I even dread going for the fillings. For some reason, I fear the anesthesia won't wear off, or something else will happen. Even though I was able to get through it in December, I still have these "what-ifs".
I'm also working on it with my therapist. She's suggested trying to visualize my appointment in a positive way, but all I do is think so negative.
How do you get past this?
I'm 39, I do have generalized anxiety disorder, and going to the dentist is one of my phobias. Before Christmas '18, I needed to go because I got a bad abscess. I researched the best dentists that deal with nervous patients and found one who was really kind and considerate of my needs.
She pulled my tooth even though I was shaky and nervous (and panicky), and 2 weeks later pulled another! I still can't believe I did all that! But really, the pain was just to much to handle.
But now, I need a lot more work. I need a bunch of fillings and... gulp... a deep cleaning. Deep cleanings scare me because I remember when my mom had one done, she came home crying and bloodied, and I swore I would never, ever get one of those!
So for the last few weeks, I've been dreading my appointments. I even dread going for the fillings. For some reason, I fear the anesthesia won't wear off, or something else will happen. Even though I was able to get through it in December, I still have these "what-ifs".
I'm also working on it with my therapist. She's suggested trying to visualize my appointment in a positive way, but all I do is think so negative.
How do you get past this?