Dear ComputerS, by the sound of it you have a phobia of dentists, which is a quite common one. I used to have a colleague that would start shaking if anybody ever mentioned the "d" word. She would also start getting sweaty palms, and her breathing would noticeably become shallow. She needed to visit her dentist badly for a filling that became loose, but left it until too late.

It's quite understandable that having someone poking into your mouth with those steel instruments is nerve-wrecking because it is so seemingly unnatural, but dentists don't do it because they are sadistic, and they don't induce panic and pain on purpose. It is rather our reactions to events that colour our perception of the world. CBT might help you change that perception you have of dentists. Once you diminish your fears your experiences with dentists will change. Your fears are making you angry, and that's only natural.

Take care

I am dental phobic as well. The sounds, smell, etc. And then this guy telling me "it won't hurt and you'll feel a little pressure". What BS is that? My dentist tried to pull out a wisdom tooth and he pulled so hard, my neck muscles were wrenched. I punched him in the head and knocked him out for about a minute. He threw me out of the office. I have to go to an oral surgeon for any kind of dental work. I am with you.

I hate the kind of dentist who holds a casual conversation with the hygienist while he's messing around in my mouth. I feel like I'm an animal at the vet. Woof woof! How about I bite your fingers?

I too have a phobia of dentists and I will pay for the gas if I have to. Of course, I no longer have dental insurance which keeps me from going. I had a dentist that would drill right into my gums! I had another one that did a root canal with no Novocaine or anything to help with the pain. It was awful. Some dentists will now do all the work in one sitting and WILL knock you out. I won't go to a dentist that doesn't have laughing gas as I call it. They have to use Novocain. That is inhuman not to. Trust me, I know! I have the same problem with a racing heart from the Novocain, and it takes many shots to get me numbed because of my anxiety. You are not alone in your fears, anxiousness, and anger. Hugs GB

I have had 3 dental implants which are about as painful as anything you can have done to your mouth . They actually drill down into your
jaw bone to implant a surgical screw. After severe pacic attack during the first one , I took and Ativan about 30 minutes before the next 2 and
it made a big difference. Pain was the same but my attitude and tolerance were much better.

Sara your commit made me smile and my mother told her dentist if she felt pain his nuts where at hand level he majorly numbed her then.

Lol.

I had a dentist tell me all my teeth were going to fall out. That was 40 years ago. He is dead and I still have all my teeth. I hate the profession too!!!