fear of dentists

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Yeah, I hate going to the dentist and today I have to go (have to refill one of my cavities). I'm scared that it's going to hurt really bad, even though they use a numbing shot. Anyone else hates dentists? Any idea about how to survive it without having an aspie meltdown?

Just take a deep breath and relax, a lot of people dislike going to the dentist. Just keep telling yourself that it won't be that bad. I always get nervous if I have a cavity or have to get a needle at the doctor's office. I'm always afraid that it will hurt and you know what, I barely feel a thing. Don't worry, you'll make it out of there alive, I guarantee it

I haven't been to the dentist in 20 years. (I'm lucky to have not had any cavities, but I brush obsessively.) For me it's not the pain - I can deal with that; it's the proximity of the person to me. Dentists are literally "in my face." I just can't stand it.

I used to have a terrible fear of dentists. It stems from when I was about 8 or 9 and was getting some baby teeth removed, under anaesthetic. The dentist escorted me to the chair. Then, without any calming or explaining, a figure appeared from nowhere and put this huge mask over my face. Then I was sick for 3 days. It was a horrible experience, but I don't think it's like this at all these days. I never went at all, during my teenage years. As time went on, I worred that my teeth must be decaying and that I'd need loads of work done. But, when I eventually plucked up the courage to go, I only needed a little filling repair. These days, I'm fine with the dentist and I never need anything done. In fact, I'd much rather go there than to the hairdressers

Hi. I have braces. I used to hate going to the dentist for checkups, because they get so in your face while you're there, and I had several meltdowns when I was younger before anyone realised I had asperger's. Since I was diagnosed, my mum helped a lot, by finding a aspie-wise dentist, who could make accommodations for me. When I have to get braces changed, I go to an orthodontist, which is basically the same thing anyway, but different staff. They are really nice there, to help prevent meltdowns I have a break where I can sit up and stop having someone in my face, and they let me listen to music so that I have something to take my mind off it.

My personal advice, which works for me:
-shut your eyes
-remember to breathe
-read something that interests you in the waiting room, so you don't get worked up (and you have something to think about during the cavity refil
-if you can, tell them you are nervous, or tell them about your aspergers and ask them to be accommodating.

I kid you not when I say I was scared of the dentist, and now I'm only mildly anxious about it really.

I HATE going to the dentist. I suggest you wear ear plugs or head phones and nose plugs (breathe through your mouth) because the smell and sound of the drill and the "shaving" machine are horrendous and at least for me they make the pain way worse. If you startle easily and are likely to move during the procedure tell the dentist. That way they can hold you still or let you know when they're going to drill or give the needle ect. Tell them about your anxiety, sensitivity ect. tell both the dentist and hygienist.

Ha, oh yeah, I feel you on the dentist...though I don't have a dentist specific phobia, I do suffer from emetophobia, so having anything put in my mouth really bothers me, ESPECIALLY if there's a potential gag reflex. I hadn't gone for probably six years before finally going last year and despite being incredibly nervous before each appointment (needed cleaning, then three fillings over two appointments), each time went great and I felt a pretty big sense of accomplishment (kind of sad ). What helped me a lot with the initial fear of pain was actually pinching my leg during the shot and any points that the drilling was kind of irritating...it's almost like stimming I guess but since pinching the bottom of your leg hurts a heck of a lot worse than anything the dentist will do to you with anesthesia, I still felt like I was completely in control and therefore kind of in a safe zone. Anyway, all three appointments went infinitely better than I'd imagined and I hope it's the same for your next appointment.