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I have a fear of dentistry but also a fear of sedation, what can I do?
Hello Doctor,
Just want to say thanks first for taking the time to read my email. Ok, so I have been scared of the dentist since I was little, with a combination of painful experiences and a bit of a scare in connection with sedation to obviously I have pretty much avoided the dentist for the last 15 years. My teeth are in pretty bad shape, as a number of cavities have had the chance to take hold and i really at a loose end to what to do as i need them treating but i also fear being put under in case i never wake up. What would you suggest to help me relax and get through my visits?
thank you very, very much for your time and any help you can give
Hi
well done for having the courage to look for help .
The first thing to do is find a dentist who is empathetic to nervous patients .
what treatment you need has to be discovered before deciding with you what is the right way for you to get it done .
Anxiety management ranges from psychological strategies to help your anxieties to sedative medications in various forms .
You may opt not to have IV sedation if you have had a previous bad experience , or if you feel that its not possible to have treatmemt without this , then the dentist can talk you through modern techniques which have a very good safety record .
I suggest you take a look at an organisation called Anxiety Uk which has some very useful stuff to help , also www.dentalfearcentral.org
