Anxious Anticipation of a Dentist Appointment

[Guest]

Success!!!Alright, I stopped obsessing after Friday, but the anxiety was still in the back of my mind about the dentist chair. Got through work today but as my appointment time approached the anxiety started to build. I went through all the steps of stopping the attack and it didn't happen. Then, the thought entered my head that I wouldn't be able to do the breathing while in the chair. I don't know if this is true but I thought I wouldn't be able to breathe out of my mouth with all that work going on. And then I got called to the chair. I immediately told my dentist I have an anxiety problem that I am working on and being in his office was very difficult for me. I think my anxiety dropped from a 4 to a 1 just by telling him. And as for my dentist, what a great guy. He knew exactly what he was dealing with and just said OK and started talking, getting me out of my own head.He gave me my shot, continued to talk and then worked on my tooth for about an hour. I was still a bit uncomfortable but the anxiety was minimal to none after a while. Thanks to all of for your words of encouragement. Especially Karilynn, you are very wise for your years.
Tony

[rose_thorn98]

Woot Woot, WTG Tony, it's a great feeling isn't it. I had to go to the dentist a little while back and your experience sounds a lot like mine. I told the dentist up front about my anxiety and he was really great. Glad you had a great experience! Keep up the good work!

[Guest]

Mainstay, I don't have a fear of vomiting but gagging for sure. I have a very bad gag reflex and when I had my tooth pulled I was worried that the shot would make me too numb to swallow or something would make me choke. None of that happened. The only problem I experience was my what iffing. It really did help to tell my dentist beforehand. I was little embarrassed but did anyway and they were like a lot of people feel that way. He said I did really well because I didn't run away lol.