I am so terrified of going to the dentist

Q. Hi I am so terrified of going to the dentist infact I can not remember when I last went to see one. All I know is every time I have gone I have had the injections which are awful and still feel the pain when they start the work the last time I went it was for a root canal work I asked the dentist to stop as I could still feel the pain and she got very annoyed and told me it was all in my head. I never went back to finish that proceedure and never seen a dentist since. However it is getting to that stage where I really should see one I have old fillings dropping out teeth that have broken at the gum line what do you suggest I do about the fear of dentists?

A. Having trust in your dentist makes a huge difference ask friends for recommendations
Some do well with counselling and or hypnotherapy
Tablet sedation (eg valium) will help you make to the appointment, you should expect to still feel anxious but it should be within what you can manage.
Intravenous sedation gives a profound relaxation for 60mins and then you will remain sleepy for the rest of the day, generally you forget the details of the appointment.
The PCT (primary care trust) in your area will have details of those with contracts for NHS sedation. For private facilities ring around. We use an anaesthetist stays with you during the treatment and tops up the sedation as needed during the treatment. Because we prefer work in this way our fees are £145 per one hour visit of sedation plus the relevent treatment fees for the work carried out.

Dr Rob Tennet St Johns Dental Practice 18 Bennett’s Hill, Birmingham, B2 5QJ Web: www.e-dentalpractice.co.uk

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