Call around, ask for recommendations, explain the situation and you’ll find someone who will take your fear seriously and truly take their time and work with you! It’s all about finding the right dentist who is willing to be patient with you.
Depending on all what needs to be done. Sometimes they’ll put you to sleep! Talk to the dentist about your anxiety towards seeing them and they’ll help you!!
One of my worst fears ever it took me a long time to face it
Talk to your dentist before making the appointment and explain your anxiety. I had mine give me something to relax me before doing any work. If not you primary care should be able to give you something low dose for the anxiety you can take before going
Find a dentist who offers sedation. Makes it more
Comfortable of a visit for you
Sometimes the dentist can give you valium ahead of time if your anxiety is that bad.
You judge yourself way more than any dentist will. I had the same issue. Trust me, no matter how bad your teeth are, they have seen much worse and will be happy that you’re in there to get them fixed.
My first call to the dentist (after 12 years because of a traumatic experience as a kid) I told the receptionist my fear of the dentist and my concern with my issues. She reassured me.
First visit, they were so very nice and empathic. No judgement. Gave me some meds to take before the next visit which was when they began fixing my teeth.
Bite the bullet and go 
you’ll be so glad you did and kick yourself for waiting so long!!! I’ve got about 11,000.00 invested in my teeth and I hate I didn’t do it sooner
If you have a lot of work that needs to be done especially if teeth may be coming out, search your area for sedation dentistry where they put you out to do all the work. And explain to them your phobia, you can also find really good dentists that will accommodate having a fear whether it be by giving you a Xanax to take before you come in or making sure you’re fully comfortable and numb.
Also, don’t be embarrassed. They have seen the worse of the worse… they’ll just be happy you are there . And want to fix your teeth
I work in dentistry and have for the last 12 years. I can tell you patients like you are my favorite type of case. You come in and you are so brave taking that first step. It’s always so rewarding to see where you start and where you end up when all the work is done. What area are you in?
I just went after 20 years. In the first consultation, I mentioned my apprehension about the procedures and they told me they can prescribe something to help me relax before. Just talk to the dentist. They know people have fears and are willing to help.
I had a dentist smack me when I was 5 I understand this fear all to well. You need to be very clear with the dentist on what you need from them to make the experience comfortable. Call around ask friends who they go to and if they like them.
Dentist know they are feared and most will make it as comfortable as possible.
A good dentist will understand and wont just dive into your mouth with a drill.
They usually have web sites with reviews so check them out before booking.
Explain fully your past experience and fear.
Dont be embarrassed …the first visit is always the hardest. Start with a look and one tooth…then it gets easier the more comfortable you get with them
No matter how bad your mouth seems to you…they seen much worse and you’re going to feel fantastic once its all sorted
Just do it. When you first walk in, let the dentist know that you had a traumatic experience with a dentist in your childhood and haven’t been able to get the courage up to get in until now. If the dentist acts like an ass, go elsewhere.
Ask for recommendations locally! My son’s orthodontist has awesome assistants and one recommended a local dentist. They were so understanding, patient, and careful. I have a very similar story. Hadn’t been in at least 16yrs after my experiences as a kid. This dentist office was the perfect choice and I would have never found them without her! It’s gone a very long way towards how I feel about the dentist.
I had a fear of dentist and didn’t go for about 15 years, I made so many appointments over the years and didn’t turn up out of fear that they wouldn’t book me in with them again but it got to the point of not wanting to leave the house or talk to people out of shame of how I looked 
, i eventually got to the point where feeling so low on how I looked out weighed my fear of going so I went and booked in to a new dentist had all my teeth removed even thou i was a nervous wreck the whole way throu but it’s the best thing I have ever done and I even wondered why I was so afraid come s it wasn’t half as bad as I thought it would be
I’m terrified of the dentist also…I had the meanest dentist growing up. I know I will have to go again soon and I’m scared to be honest
Make sure you have a good support system
I went after almost 20 years and super happy that I did
Jus tell em to knock u out.
First, go to your doctor and get a prescription for Ativan!! Take it before your first dental appointment. It will help relax you!
I was shit scared of the dentist now i literally fall asleep in the chair… find a dentist who will take things at your pace, not afraid to use numbing meds or get you some anxiety meds when you head in… also helps if you find a decent looking one too 
I am the same way. I have to call monday because a tooth broke
Two words… IV Sedation
Find a good dentist with good reviews that isn’t opposed to prescribing something to help with your anxiety or that does sedation dentistry
I am getting anxiety just reading this. I would rather give birth. An that is no lie
I had a similar situation but I mustered up the courage and made that call- yes, you feel embarrassed, but remember they’ve always seen worse. When I left I felt SO much better, I felt like a weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. It’s not an easy feat to get over, but making that first step is key. Pregnancy took a HORRIBLE toll on my teeth and they understood that and my fears. Find a dentist who is willing to listen to those fears and help you overcome them!
Went to anytime dental in Chandler.I fear dentist from past visits myself and was embarrassed and when I went there they made me comfortable and didn’t judge me neither.They where glad I got into getting my teeth fixed.They give u meds where dont feel nothing and I recommend this place
Ask pcp for something to calm you or the dentist. Arrive in time but not too much waiting time
I’m not asking you to not be scared. With time I’m a little better but I am with you. Unbelievable fear
For me it was me finding someone that made me comfortable. I went to a local office that had several dentist in the one office. I was forward about how I felt and they actually all came in and met me and let me decide who I wanted to see. She took her time and explained everything thoroughly and answered every question. It really did help. I go see her now without an issue
Getting the work done us worth it, I promise!! Start by finding a good dentist!
I would look at reviews on dentists that you are looking at. I’ve had some dentist that are so rude, and some dentist that totally understand and will be compassionate. If they are being rude, find another one. The first step is always the hardest.
You need meds for the anxiety.
As a former dental assistant I’m telling you please don’t be embarrassed. Those of us in the dental field have seen it all and are genuine caring people. In all the offices I’ve worked in I’ve never heard anybody in the office make fun of a patient. Better late than never! You got this!!
I was and still am afraid of the dentist. I’ve been going to the same dentist since I was 8 years old. He’s the only one I will go to even tho I’ve moved to a different area I still will only go to him he knows my pain tolerance and how much novocain to give me so I don’t feel anything the needle is what scares the hell out of me tho so it’s hard 
. I’ve had all my top teeth out because one of rotting away I have poor enamel on my teeth. And that was terrifying. My suggestion to you is find one that will put you to sleep with laughing gas or something so your not awake when they do the work. My husband is same way he will shake like a leaf and has walked out of the dentist cuz he’s so scared he needs one that’ll put him to sleep
I promise you will feel so much better about yourself when you do it
Relieve it or not this is WAY more common than you think. Best first step is to find a dentist you trust and are comfortable with. Read google reviews / ask friends and family who they see. Put up a post saying something along the lines of you’re looking for a new dentist and does anyone have any recommendations! You’ve got this!
Definitely find an office where you explain your feelings and be upfront. Good luck on this journey you will do great.
I always bring a blanket with me when i go and it helps to have a comfort item
I have been traumatized by the dentist when I was about 14 years old. He froze my mouth for a filling but it didn’t freeze where it needed to and he didn’t believe me, told me I was dramatic and had his nurses hold me down whilst I felt everything. I was and still am to this day traumatized.
Now when I have to do to the dentist to have work done they have to either put me asleep or give me laughing gas, bottom line I absolutely REFUSE to have work done without it. It may be more expensive but I’m my eyes it’s worth it… I’m sorry you had a traumatizing experience as well, and hope you are able to get the work needed done
My husband has a dentist Playlist, all kinds of different music and puts in his earpods, also when I call and set his appointment I let me know that due to childhood trauma he will be freaking out, and they are always real nice, some dentist even offer a mild sensitive so you can fully relax
Ask for halcion
U won’t remember a damn thing
Saved my life cause I cannot do dentists
Having worked in a private dental office as a dental assistant for 15 years, I can tell you we have seen it ALL! Do NOT go In there feeling embarrassed at all! The first step is to walk in the door. Go in for a full evaluation and X-rays so they can see the full picture, and give you a more throughout idea both financially and the best outcome for your particular mouth (ex. Bone retention, decay ect) our doctor always saved the ones that could be saved, and you’ll determine whether it’s worth investing money into ones you’re going to loose in 6mo, a year or 5 years. You’ll leave with a lot to think about that first visit, but I highly suggest to get a second opinion no matter what, get to know the dentist and go with the one thats going to make you feel most comfortable returning, and decide which route is best for YOU! Also… don’t expect to get them fixed overnight, we always reminded our patients “if it’s taken this long to get them this way, it’s going to take a couple visits to get them back in shape” we always took full mouth pictures also, to remind you as a patient how far we have come from the day of you walking in! 
Best of luck, and fyi these cases were always my favorite because I got to be there all along and see the before/after outcome! 
I found a female dentist and it made a world of difference for me. Just take the next step and schedule the appt. You are going to feel so much better just starting the process. They may also give you something for anxiety if you ask ahead of time.
The good news is the dentist has certainly seen worse, and in the event that they haven’t a good dentist will approach your dental care with more compassion and care. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Shit happens and our teeth get messed up. It’s their job to fix it.
Many dentist will prescribe medication for you to take before the appt so that you are more relaxed.
Get some meds to help you relax
I was the exact same way! I found someone who cared about my feelings and made me so comfortable. I had all my top teeth removed and denture put in the same day. I feel so much better about myself!!!
Consider sedation/sleep dentistry! I had all my work done in one appointment while I was under sedation and I would 100% do it again if needed 
I wasn’t taken to the dentist properly as a kid so I feel this. I have made appointments and didn’t go because of the fear of judgment but it’s something you just have to do. Cause if you don’t, you wont.
Find a good dentist. Google dentist in your area and phone the top rated one. Phone and let them know your predicament, “that you had a bad experience when you were younger and haven’t seen a dentist in years because of it” most dentist are understanding and will work with you to get through it.
I really feel like it all depends on your comfort with the dentist since how you were treated. I was also treated badly, had bad experiences and had a phobia of the dentist. I found one I am super comfortable with and have no problem going now
Every one hates to go too the dentist…just be brave and get it done…
I was you just last year. I WOULD NOT go. It took me hurting so bad that I didn’t even care anymore. I finally got my smile back & couldn’t be happier. You got this!! Go get your smile back!! 
Consider sedation dentistry. You will have it all taken care of in the same day. It will be expensive, but worth it. Best of luck
Idk because I’m 36 and still fear the dentist. I have to be put to sleep to just get one tooth pulled.
I’m 48 and it seems about every 10-11 years I get a tooth or teeth that start aching so bad that I can’t bear it anymore 
I make myself go … I’ve had 7 kids naturally, 6 with no pain relief, but tooth ache is the absolute worst !!
I wish I could come with and hold ur hand thro it. Probably would be best for u to have sedation and then u won’t even know what’s going on. Just own it and explain to the dentist how u are feeling about being there and they are usually extremely understanding 
best of luck x
They offer a sedative if need be, you just need to explain your feelings ahead of time. Also research different offices and look for reviews. There are some great people everywhere but not everyone is understanding.
After I had my first child, I found out I had a calcium deficiency, so its took a toll on my teeth. When I laugh I cover my mouth and I never show a smile in photos. But I am as well petrified of the dentist. I went to a money hungry dentist one time because I had a tooth break and it exposed and pinched a nerve and I needed it out immediately. Omg he started waaay before numbing even had a chance to take (after already having a bad experience when I was younger) and I didn’t go back to the dentist until 2017 and I had good insurance and I was scared not gonna lie and they removed 8 teeth, while he was gentle the drills bothered me, and now I have a wisdom that broke off and other teeth bothering me badly to where I can only eat on one side and I’m 37 weeks pregnant with twins. But I’m having to deal with the pain and I use sensitive toothpaste and orajel mouth wash to help but I’m terrified to go back but I’m to the point I’m fed up with the pain so once I get the clear they are all coming out. In my opinion you don’t really get over the initial fear itself, you just get fed up. Research dentist in your area and look up reviews and ask people you know , so you can kinda make a decision on a dentist to pick, I wish you lots of luck and I hope you find a good one
I’m 66 and used to cry every time I went even now but I just started getting gas every time!!! And it makes a world of difference!!! Please try it❤️
Think about being toothless
Best way to get over any fear is face it head on. Just look at photos of lovely straight clean teeth and it will encourage you
I was scared of the dentist too I didn’t go for a good 4-5 years and thanks to my fear I have 2 less teeth at age 19. Yes I know that’s a young age but I would fight my mom over not going because I was just terrified from a previous bad experience. The pain and discomfort became so bad I couldn’t take it anymore so I went to many different dentist for just X-rays and cleaning and if I didn’t feel comfortable or felt like the dentist didn’t understand my fears/ anxiety I wouldn’t go back. I finally found a really nice and understanding dentist who would do procedures when I was comfortable and wouldn’t push me. But the biggest motivation of all is seeing the results and no longer being embarrassed to smile or in pain.
Go to a place where they sedate you and you sleep theough your whole apt!! No reason to be embarrassed!! Get a consult and a game plan then knock it out and get it done!!! Esp if it’s gunna be paid for
I’m the same way and I have them put me under
They can prescribe something for anxiety.
Find a dentist that caters to ppl who have the fear of the dentist. Meet with them and see if you’re comfortable with them.
I explained this at my dentist after a few bad experiences and he put on music and let me hold a mirror. Now im fine with going
Your doctor will wrote you a prescription , for your nerves . You just have to go see them and tell them. !
Wear headphones while they work on you so you don’t have to hear the drills and such as much.
I haven’t been to the dentist in 10 years. I finally decided to go last year after very bad tooth pain. I ended up choosing a dentist that was extremely gentle and made every procedure painless. My advice is to read all the reviews of your local dentist and be honest about your fear of the dentist. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to stay. Unlike when you were a kid where you didn’t have a say
I have a crippling fear of the dentist. I had my teeth completely removed in August because I couldn’t handle it anymore. There was one dentist who offered me a pill, I dont remember what it was called, but it was supposed to help anxiety. I’d call around and let them know about your fear and see what they say. Not all dentists are good but there are a few good ones out there
I was prescribed medication for my anxiety of the dentist before. It helped.
When you go for your initial visit and checkup tell them and also ask them for something for your anxiety before your first actual appointment. I had to do the same and it was great after that.
Laughing gas is beyond the pale. Thank God for that few minutes or I’d be in a corner rocking myself.
IV sedation is the way to go. I will not
Go to the dentist not even for a cleaning unless I am Put to sleep. Period!!!
I was the same way. Had a fear of the dentist since i was a kid. Had bad experiences. Come to find out as i got older the lidocaine gives me reallllyyyyy bad anxiety! Mix that with the bad experiences i had as a kid and boom! I was in the same spot u were in. Finally once i put 2 and 2 together, it became alot easier to go. My mouth is all fixed up know. Dig down and find the courage to go, who knows maybe u have the same reaction to lidocaine as i did.
I have a horrible fear of the dentist too. I recently started going again after not going for prob around 15 years too.
My advice….always ask for the gas. It always relaxes me and allows me to not focus on that needle prick that’s coming.
I wore headphones and turned some music up. Unfortunately i had to have all mine removed and get dentures. I promise u will feel so much better, and gain a level of confidence u didnt know u had. Do it! I promise its worth it
Hey there! Dental hygienist here! You wouldn’t believe how often we have people come in who feel the same way as you. So embarrassed, waited years and years to come in, and don’t know where to start. It happens all the time. Just like any other profession we see it all. I have people who floss more than I do with very clean teeth that come every 3 months, and people who have a denture and 5 teeth left, and people who were met addicts with holes of decay in majority of their teeth after getting sober, and just people like you who waited awhile and have some work to do. DO NOT be embarrassed. Be honest about your fear and just make an appointment to start with x rays and an exam. Ask to have things explained to you (which they should do) and just start slow! I absolutely love seeing my patients like you relax the first time after horrible experiences or years of waiting and I love seeing my families who ive had as patients the past 8 years grow! Dentists can always refer you to specialists if you need sedation or other specialists depending on your needs but can also review insurance with you and treatment plan costs of treatment you might need. I agree to read reviews and try to find somewhere you feel comfortable. The first step you already have taken by finding the courage to look for help and now just doing it will make you so much more confident. But I tell all my patients, do not be embarrassed. You don’t go to your doctor with a sinus infection embarrassed that you waited 2 weeks until it got bad enough to go in for medicine, the important thing is you are there now. I wish you the best of luck and hope you find a wonderful dental home !
Find a dentist office that specializes in anxious patients. I have mental health issues and did similar. I personally take anxiety meds and I do nitrous. And I fight the nitrous every step of the way. It took several years(Covid screwed thing sup) of short dental appts and I’m now on a regular schedule. Also I have an anxiety playlist to help drown out the sounds and my normal dentist and his asst know to touch my shoulder when they need my attention. You can do this!
Think in your mind over and over. I have to do this. It’s what’s best for me. I’m lucky to have someone who cares about me enough to pay this for me. If I make it hard it will be hard, if I make it easy it’ll be easy. So just take it as it comes and try and relax.
Find a pediatric dentist… no joke, one who can calm your fears. Talk to them first.
I also have a fear of the dentist and need alot of work done to my teeth. I have started slow with getting a few teeth pulled and then taking a break and going back for more work. In my opinion it’s going to take some time to get over this fear so slow is best.
Ask for nitrious oxide.They can give it to you even if its just for cleanings. I have extreme anxiety when it comes to the dentist and when I get nitrious, i don’t give a damn about anythinnnng. lol floating on cloud 9. dont be too shy to ask them to turn it up too
I was Scared the dentist hurt me when I was a kid and wouldn’t go back to them my teeth got bad I was scare I found this new guy they don’t hurt their patients like they use more of them try the best not to hurt u
I did not go to go the dentist for 7 years. I hated the dentist. I finally found one I like, and go every 3 months. At the beginning, I always needed work done. Now, my teeth and gums are a lot better.
Go to a place with iv sedation
My husband’s dentist give him a prescription for Valium and he takes one the night before, 1 when he wakes up and 2 an hour before the appointment or something like that and it works like charm
I didn’t go for over 10 years. I ended up with a broke wisdom tooth that had my whole face inflamed. My husband took off work, made my appointment, and took me like I was a child after a month of hurting 
I am still in the process of getting other things fixed but once I got past the first appointment it was so much better. Maybe just go in for a consult and cleaning before you jump in!