im scared of dentists how can i overcome my dental phobia???

[___dAmIaNo___]

im scared of dentist i hate going there sitting in the chair the smell ,the noises of the machines it freak me out i always was in bruises after visit to dentist cuz my parent had to hold me so they could do something with my teeth i havent been in dentist for a lot ( like 7 or 10 years) but now i need to go i have a hole in my tooth and when im brushing my teeth it seems like blood is coming out of the gums it hurst when i eat or drink somethign hot or cold

[HLM]

All you have to do is practice. have a friend pretend to be one and act like you are at the dentit. get a big chair and a drill and pretend that you are there and that the dentist is filling your tooth. It wont be the same as the real deal, but itt will help.

[SusanS1609]

go to a dentist who specializes in nervous patients and offers nitrous oxide (laughing gas). I've done it, and I wouldn't have cared if they ran me over with a Mack truck at the time.

[hilarator]

The bleeding gums and sensitivity is just the begining of something bad that can easily become serious, painful and expensive if left untreated. You're right to be concerned.Thankfully, you have alot of options. Start by looking for a dentist that is gentle and good with dental-phobic patients. Some even advertise that they "cater to cowards." I also recommend consultation visit so you can meet the doctor and plan your treatment without worrying about what comes next. As far as the actual visit is concerned, you could try tricking your senses: Wear headphones and listen to loud music during the appointment to drown out the drilling and close your eyes. If that isn't enough, you could ask your primary care physician for a one-time prescription of low-dose valium or something similar to take before your appointment. You could also seek out a dentist that has nitrous oxide (laughing gas) available to patients that need it to relax. That way you can try the appointment without it, but ask for it if you need it. You will be aware of everything going on around you while you're on it, but you just won't care. It's use isn't without risk, but if it's the difference between getting treatment or not, I say use it and get the treatment. You can always try not using it on subsequent visits. Some dentists offer intervenous sedation for simple procedures now, but I feel that's a last resort for only the most severe cases of dental phobia. Of course, if you are going to be impared in any way don't operate a car - arrange for a ride home.Good luck.

[Saucy]

Find a dentist that will make you feel at ease. Start asking your friends, call the offices and ask them how he/she is. Also consider getting an anti-anxiety pill from your doc. SERIOUSLY. Not kidding about it. My dentist told me that it's a really good idea if you're too freaked out about a procedure.I think if you can find a dentist to make you feel at ease, you'll be a lot less worried. You don't want that tooth to get worse... because the pain is going to be a LOT worse than your fear. I didn't go to the dentist for a long time either... maybe 7 years, but I found a great one and I'm not as afraid anymore. Also make sure to let them know you're very anxious about it and they'll usually work with you. Nitrous can be good, too Hang in there!! And go get that tooth looked at...