I have a severe fear of going to the dentist. Any ideas on how to get rid of or minimize this fear?

Question

I have a severe fear of going to the dentist. Any ideas on how to get rid of or minimize this fear?

Answer 1

tell the dentist you need a xanax

Answer 2

If you don't like the dentist you have now find a new one. You want one that can make you feel comfortable and not scared. If you don't mind the dentist you have now try these simple tricks:

1) Ask your dentist EXACTLY what he'll/she'll be doing that appointment.

2) Ask if he/she would mind if you brought your iPod/MP3 player in to drown out any scary noises.

3) Just pay attention to the TV don't pay attention to anything scary like tools or sounds.

Never just give up on the dentist. It's good to see your dentist for regular check ups!

Answer 3

just drive by the dentists office daily.

after a week park in the parking lot.

do that for another week

then on the third week go inside, but don't get an appointment.

then get an appointment when you are comfortable

Answer 4

Get to know your dentist. know his/her opinions, if he/she has kids. just be friendly and tell them how you feel. having a dentist you know makes it a ton easierand less stressful

Answer 5

Ask to be sedated. They will put you under Nitrous Oxide. Its good stuff. Make sure you have atleast 2 hours, because it takes that long to come down to a safe level of consciousness.I hate dentists too. I asked the same thing and they were more than willing to help me. I couldnt feel anything and I thought I was at home sipping a beer watching a football game LOL...

Answer 6

Find the cause and kill the cause.

Answer 7

just go and tell them just to clean your teeth which doesnt hurt at all and slow by slow it wont be that bad.

Answer 8

Yes. Go to the dentist.

Answer 9

Keep a good Oral Hygiene routine and you should minimize your trips to the Dentist:P

Answer 10

Dental anxiety or fearing the dentist is a problem that many people have, and something that is somewhat difficult to overcome. This fear normally prevents rational people from visiting the dentist and maintaining the health of their teeth. The key to keeping your teeth healthy is to prevent problems before they start. Those who suffer from dental anxiety will try to avoid going to the dentist, which results in problems.

When someone who suffers from dental anxiety finally goes to the dentist, they normally find that even the smallest of problems can turn serious and require a lot of work and intervention from the dentist. Even though you may not realize it, regular cleaning visits to your dentist is the best way to keep your teeth healthy, and prevent problems such as decay and cavities.

You can use several techniques to overcome dental anxiety. Some of the techniques require mild sedatives, also referred to as sedation. Sedation is a way to relax, given by breathing or IV (Intra Vein) through a vein in your arm. Sedation will help you to calm down, although you will normally be awake to answer questions or talk to your dentist.

Some people who suffer from dental anxiety have had bad experiences. Any type of negative dental experience will normally result in emotional scarring and last for years. Anything that results in negative feelings for the patient will normally cause them to feel in a negative way toward the entire dental profession. Although all dentists aren’t bad - a negative experience will certainly make a patient feel that way.

When you look fora dentist, you should always ask your family and friends who they use, and who they recommend. When you visit a dentist, you shouldn’t hesitate to ask him any questions that come to mind, so you can be more relaxed. You should always keep in mind that you are customer, and the dentist is the one who needs to make you feel relaxed. Never should you feel intimidated, as the best dentists will do everything they can to establish a sense of trust.

Establishing trust is very important with the patient/dentist relationship. You’ll be going to your dentist on a frequent basis, so you’ll want to be sure that you can trust him. When you go to your dentist for the first time, you should let him know about your dental anxiety. If he isn’t willing to talk about it with you or do things to help you relax, you should look into a new dentist.

You can always tell who the better dentists are by the type of facilities they have. Dentists who have a lot of customers or nice offices, have established themselves and proved that they are indeed the best. If a dentist has a lot of customers, it lets you know that he has them for a reason. People that are satisfied with a dentist, normally return.

If you suffer from dental anxiety, you should always let your dentist know in advance. This way, he work with you to overcome your fear. Over time, you’ll find that you can overcome your fear and establish a great relationship with your dentist. You can get over your fear of dentists, no matter how bad your fear may be. It will take you some time, although your dentist should be willing to work with you. Before you know it, you’ll be over your fear and more than willing to go to your dentist.

Answer 11

smoke a blunt

Answer 12

Go to a dentist that a friend/family member reccomends. Right when you get there ask for the gas. It really relaxes (if they let you have the gas right off the bat) Idk what else to say. sorry!

Good Luck!

Answer 13

Go to one that uses Laughing gas...Helps calm you down a LOT!!

Answer 14

This is very common.  You need to be brave and make an appointment.  The best thing you can do is talk to the dentist and the assistant and tell them how you feel. You might even ask to speak to the dentist on the phone before you make the appointment and ask them to tell you what will be involved.  If you work with your dentist they can go very slowly and explain to you what they are doing and how long it will last.  They can give you the option to stop the procedure at any time.

Also, some dentists can work with you to put you under anesthesia for the whole procedure so you are unconscious, but this should be a last resort.  

Mainly, don't be afraid to tell the dentist how you feel and what you need to make you feel more comfortable.  Like, I said this is a very common fear.

Answer 15

If you don't go to the dentist your teeth well become rely disgusting and bad,it doesn't even hurt i love the dentist its actually kinda fun you should go unless you wanna have bad teeth and stinky breath aha,

well goodluuck x

Answer 16

Go to the dentist, then award yourself with something good.

Answer 17

I can't tell you it will be fun, but you should go before the problem gets worse. I waited too long and now I am paying for both figuratively and literally. Try listening to music that makes you feel comfortable on the way there or at the dentists office.

I agree, the pain of a tooth ache will help you overcome the fear.

Answer 18

What does the fear stem from?  There are several dentists that will let you sleep during the procedure (with thier help of courea0 and do everything you need from xrays to cleaning and all work.  It's very easy just look for sedation dentists.

Answer 19

idk i have ben 2 the dentist like a billion times and im not scured just calm down wen u get ther think bout happy stuff the dentist wont do anything 2 u really

Answer 20

The dentist isn't a bad place, unless you don't take care of your teeth. So to help, I'd suggest taking care of them.

Answer 21

Personally I think you should try and talk to a dentist and ask them questions on what they do and Im sure that you will understand that there is nothing wrong with going to the Dentist.

You should try having a friend or someone who you are close with to come with you too.

Answer 22

My gf has a severe fear of the dentist. I think once you find a dentist you really like your fear will fade. Some dentists are really gentle and make sure you don't feel pain. But to get over the fear and go I think you should think of something you have really been wanting or love and treat yourself to that after you go.

Answer 23

well i have a huge fear of cockaroaches i dont think im ever getting over it so maybe u wont ever get over it either but try to go anyway and maybe u will get used 2 it

Answer 24

2 words .. sedation dentistry

my best friend is terrified of the dentist, ever since she found this doctor's office that does sedation dentistry she's never been happier!

Answer 25

Severe dental pain might persuade you to go.

Don't let it get that far!