[jujubean99]

so, i have a cavity and you know what that means, another trip to the dentist and for me that is fraught with perils. first, in the waiting room i sit there in the corner tapping my feet, biting my lip and panting, then i get into the chair and as soon as it begins to lower cue the tears and whimpering. I am under eighteen and i go to a childrens dentist so there i am, surrounded by 6 and 7 years olds lying peacefully in their chairs and i am crying and sweating and whining uncontrolably with disapproving stares from other patients and dentist staff (although it is possible the disapproving stares are all in my head, but it feels like they are all looking at me). its the shot that maks me feel like i am going to die right there in that dentist chair. i have a cavity that is starting to hurt, but i cant force myself to go into the dentist. any tips on how to 'man up' and get in there? or at least find a way to deal with my anxiety?

[Perna]

Hi, jujubean, welcome to PsychCentral (PC). I'm sorry you are having trouble with going to the dentist, I can't really identify much because I "like" going to the dentist.

The first time I went to the dentist, it was with my brothers and step-sister and there was a little comfort in knowing them; anyway you can take a friend along? Doesn't one of your parents go with you, can you ask them to come in and wait with you? It's so much harder to face things by ourselves!

I make friends with the dentist and their staff and that helps me, I go and get my teeth cleaned and checked every six months and other things done and over time I get use to the various procedures. Yes, the shot hurts and is scary but I can pretend it is a shot in my arm, etc. Maybe you can ask your parent to find a "family" dentist that sees adults too so there won't just be younger children around. I'll think you'll find adults don't like the shot either and many are afraid and embarrassed, etc.