Excessive fear of dentist. - Dental Health Message Board

ittal · 09-09-2005, 01:36 AM

I'm sure this has been asked to death but I couldn't find any recent threads.

Is there a reason, a statistical reason, to have an overwhelming fear of going to the dentist? I cry, have panic attacks, see my life flash before my eyes when I sit in that chair. I shake when the drill comes out. I went to the dentist as a child, but have always been afraid.

Is this warrented? I see a lot of people post on here about problems they've had - fillings falling out, failed root canals, long term pain and infections. Are these 'common' problems, or is it just the fact it's a board entitled 'dental problems' and all the evils of dentistry are congregating here?

I have a large amount of work that needs to be done - at least 4 fillings and possibly one root canal. My husband needs 5 or 6 roots canals and has bony impacted wisdom teeth - his parents never (when I say never, I mean never) took him to the dentist. Both of us are scared as heck. I know it's normal, but is it logical? Just curious - I'd like to know how well the odds are in my favor before I go into this...

jareese · 09-09-2005, 03:35 AM

If I were you, I'd look for someone that does sedation dentistry. If you're that nervous about it, that would be about the best solution.

Miss L · 09-09-2005, 05:11 AM

Hi there i have a real phobia about dentists and it really is mind over matter. I started with a lot of facial pain so had to go to the hospital because i had tmjd surgeon said if i wanted my face pain to get better i needed to get my teeth fixed so i had no choice im onto my 5th filling last one and ive never felt a thing the whole time except when she hit a nerve with the injection but thats another story i still have 3 root canal treatments another scale and a crown and i just dont think about it at all you really shouldnt worry take each step at a time and you will be fine

Miss L

Warah · 09-09-2005, 10:30 AM

Many people have dental fears and most dental offices are equipt to help patients deal with them. Have you ever tried nitrous? You might want to try it and then bring some headphones. I find that this works great for patients. If that doesn't work a lot of dentists will prescribe valium prior to treatment as long as the patient brings a driver. Discuss this with your denist and find out what they have to offer and how they can accomodate your needs.

Good Luck

ittal · 09-09-2005, 09:21 PM

It's not the fear of having the work done - I can stand the pain and grin and bear it.

It's the fear of something going wrong after the work is done (losing a filling, having a deeper infection, etc etc).

PS : I have tried nitrous, and I'm allergic. I develop asthma type symptoms from it.