Dental phobia & GAD

[amandah]

Hi I have not been too well at all with chronic Anxiety and awful heartburn. I am so scared as I will have to go into hospital and have many of my teeth out, as I cant even get through the door of a dentist. I am hoping that some one on here, might know of some one with whom I can talk to about this.(CBT) I would be so grateful for any advise. I have only just got up as I didnt sleep to well last night. Anyway sorry to moan on. I have had GAD since childhood. Also suffering from Hormones as well.!! Regards amandah

[caz1625]

Hi Amanda

I didn't go to the dentist for over 8 years due to a bad experience with a **** of a dentist!!!!

Last year I got to the stage that I couldn't eat hot food and couldn't drink a cup of coffee ............as for cold stuff I just didn't even attempt that
Anyway I decided that enough was enough and I spoke to my doctor who gave me diazepam and I found a really good dentist who dealt with patients with phobias. My first visit he came out and spoke to me in the car then next time he came out and got me and I just had to put one foot over the door. By week 4 I was in his room sitting in his chair. It took me 6 months altogether to get all my teeth fixed including getting 6 out, 3 of which were front ones and I got a plate fitted. I felt so good when it was all finished and I could look in the mirror and smile again without being ashamed. I actually bought him a present and a card to thank him for giving me my smile back.

It was the best thing I have done and I will definately go back next month when I am due my checkup. I will never leave it that long again!!!

Find a really good dentist and go see your doctor. Believe me if I can do it anyone can. I cried like a baby the first few times I went

Good luck

Carol xx

[sugarplums]

hi amanda , i can sympathise cos ive had anxiety since childhood aswel, although the panic attacks started when i was in my teens. I too have struggled with going to the dentist, i went about a year ago because i had a tooth absess and the tooth had to come out, i need to go back to have a filling done on another tooth but i keep postponing and rearranging the appointment. Its awful isnt it.
Even though i know its important to go and get it done, i just cant face it yet. I think the thought of going is actually worse than the actual event because when i went before i was in too much pain with the absess to worry about being at the dentist, and i was completely fine there. It might be good to go through the worst case scenario and that whats the worse that could happen.. Easier said than done i know,
Annette xx

[sugarplums]

plus my friends daughter sees a dental specialist who deals with all kind of dental phobias etc so it might be worth looking up if theres something like that in your area. I live in somerset. Hope that helps a little xxx