Having an understanding dentist helps me. I've trained him. He listens to me when I say no to something. He's seen me hyperventalate and cry etc so I'm not so ashamed and I'm more comfortable with him now. (I also know him socially outside the office.) Don't know what I'd do if I had to find someone else and go through it all again.

I fear dentists and needles and gas. Just nothing that I like about the whole thing. Last time I needed a cavity redone (no new ones, but the old ones keep needing replacing) I finally let him use the needle, but usually I do not - I'm that scared of them. I say the pain is sharp but short without the needle - if I use the needle then the effects last longer instead of just an instant.

Hope you get a dentist who listens to you and works with you!