yes, belle, i deal with this in spades. i was one of those kids whose adult teeth came in rotten. mouth pain has been my most constant companion in this life. i've heard tell that childbirth is the most intense pain there is in this life. i've done drug free childbirth and impacted molars. my vote is on the impacted molar as the far greater pain.

i cope with nitrous oxide.
now to get one of those masked bandits to let me bring a tank home with me.

Having a jaw infection due to not getting teeth extracted, painful beyond any childbirth measure, like Arfie mentions.

When you go in, tell them you are extremely sensitive to touch, sound, or whatever sensation gets you going full blast. Be specific, and it will help them do better work fast.

Salt on the sore area does help relieve the pressure temporarily.

Hi Belle,

I don't know anyone who LIKES going to the dentist! My last therapist, even, had a huge fear of the dentist. So she couldn't help me with talking about my fear of the dentist!! LoL.

The good news is that dentists and their offices are used to this. Tell them right up front that you are anxious about this. That you are nervous. Then they'll ask you what would help you feel better. Some offer a short acting sedative that you take with water, some have headphones where you can listen to music or listen while watching a show on a TV screen.

I've been getting some dental work done lately, and I hate it, but you have to just make yourself go because like you said, if it is infected, then you can't leave that in your body. If they have to pull the tooth, it's not that painful. I just had a tooth pulled and it wasn't that bad at all (surprisingly!!). I just sit there in the chair and try to zone out and think about other things,

Just tell them you are nervous, anxious, fearful, etc.... They are used to hearing this from patients and they will go out of their way to make you feel as comfortable as possible.

You can also have someone go in with you, too, if you want. They can stand right by the chair the whole time (just not during the X-ray). Maybe your new husband could go in with you?

And think about how after that day, you will be feeling better and you will have done it and over with.... YAY!!!

Let us know how you do, okay?

I have anxiety through anything medical! I have found by expressing my anxieties, the Dr/nurse/dentist take a step back and offer comfort. It is really nice getting that and then it calms the anxiety.

Google is AWFUL! Stay off of it. Notice how Google puts more anxiety and fear in? Lot of mis information? Every Healthcare personnel has told me stay off Google because it has worse case scenarios and incorrect. I miss encyclopedias!

The best person to talk with you about this is your dental provider. Ask all the pertinent questions and they will be helpful. That is their job and duty to get you the help you need and deserve

Xanax also helps, just saying. Same as flying.

The proper dentist will understand the fears. My daughter has a fear and she changed her dentist and now has a much better easier time when having her dental work done. The trade has come so far that there is so much they can do to calm you. Best of luck to you.