I also have dental anxiety. Alot of my reason for not going was no insurance but for me I try to do alot of pretending I am at beach, soothing sounds. Deep breathing. Let the dentist know you are anxious often they are actually pretty good at dealing with it. Let them know if you need a break or if anything is hurting during visit. I drive to my dentist further away because they are good at dealing with it and make me feel comfortable.

Feel the fear and do it anyway. I am also not a fan of the dentist OR the gynecologist. But I know both are necessary. Can you take someone with you to help you feel calmer?

I always think of dentists as just people who want to help me feel my best. I always think of it as if I suffer a bit the pain It will go away. But definitely let them know.

I can't resist the need to judge, Belle. I need to judge dental anxiety as fair and just. I was one of those kids whose adult teeth came in rotten. I was a young adult before I was able to arrange dental visits myself. It took endless hours in dental offices to clean out the infections and reconstruct the damage as far as dental science was able. Not a one of those courageous pros has judged me harshly for my dental phobia.

I did take them up on their suggestion of nitrous oxide for calming that beast. I swear by it. No, they wouldn't sell me a tank to take home. Stingy S.O.B.s. . .

Take a moment and praise yourself for the important first step in writing it out!

You will have to remember to breathe easy, relax your shoulders, and do the best you can as each move, each sound, each word, and each person is near you, working on you, being with you, and that the end result is you're getting active help with your mouth, jaw, teeth, tongue, and that will help you feel better.

Dental anxiety is common. I told the dental surgeon that my anxiety is the first thing I think of when I have symptoms. Everyone was really kind, gentle, and made sure to look at me and show me what they were doing before they did it.

Best wishes as you do this!

I can relate! You will be fine. You can do this!

As already said, let them know that you are anxious. They are used to having anxious patients. They will do everything they can to make you more relaxed.

You will feel so happy afterward that you did this.

Best wishes!

Oh.... me, too!!! The last time I went (for a root canal), I downloaded a book to listen to. The dentist didn't mind me wearing ear buds, and it did seem to help a little.

Nothing silly about it. You know there are some natural things that can help you with an anxiety, get a some chamomile tea ans lavender, took some melatonin in the night before and talk with your doctor about the anxiety, tbey are professionals, they are face with this everyday and they can be more helpful ans understanding thay you expect.

I had not been to a dentist in many years till I had a tooth break and went 2 years ago. Last November I had another break and it was sharp and hurting my mouth. I had to find one here in town. Only one would see me. The last question on the form was "are you afraid of dentists". I put yes.