In response to your enquiry, there are a number of reasons why people have such a sensitive gag especially when taking impressions, so dont worry you are not alone. The obvious one is fear for the dentist, and nerves of that choking feeling, and the other is hypersenitive innervation of the soft palate. Impression taking last for about 2-4 minutes so your main aim is to get through that. Good impressions are importants as this is the basis of a retentive, stable and well fitting denture.
it is important you have a good relationship with your dentist as this builds your confidence up which in turn will reduce your nerves which will help tremendously during the procedure.
At my practice Smilessence, with people just like yourself there are a number of things we do to make the whole process alot less daunting.
- warm the imoression material - so it sets quicker ie less time in the mouth
- block out more time so the appointment or the procedure is not rushed
- not to overload the impression tray with material
you can also try hypnosis..
I hope this gives you a little more insight
Kind regards