I don't think I can do it.. (Previous Post)

[Regiment67]

I should be going to the Dentist in about 8 hours now. I have been up thinking and dreading about it, and looking up videos of procedures all night. I don't think I can do it. I've never had a tooth extracted, I hate even the thought of going to a Dentist. I just don't know what to do now.. the thought of dealing with this toothache and letting my condition get worse somehow seems better than going and getting it pulled..

[Lynnmain]

It's not bad at all, I had 4 wisdom teeth pulled at once. I got an injection and before I knew it it was over. It was that simple! My face was puffy for a day or two and I think my mouth was a little sore and then I was back to normal.  Looking up videos was not the best idea, try to forget what you saw ( if possible) and just go and it will be over with. Taking care of your teeth is important. Good luck and don't worry !!

[InTheMoment]

I've had it done once and I can say with a fair amount of certainty that it's not going to be anywhere NEAR as bad as you think.  Not even close!!

Step away from the computer!!

[Hohum]

Dental anxiety was my original trigger for HA many years ago, so I know this feeling all-too-well.

You absolutely CAN and WILL do this. Trust me, as someone who let things go on far too long with his teeth and never even got a dental injection or had a filling done until aged 27, the WORST part of this ordeal exists in your mind right now. The reality is not terrifying or painful at all.

Take it slow, and take it in small steps:

Step #1: Drive to the dentist's office
Step #2: Get inside quickly, get your name down, and sit somewhere comfortable
Step #3: Ignore the urge to leave! Visualise yourself after the procedure, how you'll be pain-free and have a much nicer/more healthy feeling mouth without this rotting tooth
Step #4: Get into the Dentist's room when called and try to relax!!! I always found that closing my eyes and thinking of a nice, calming place worked well for me.
Step #5: Dentist is in the room, quick chat, tiny pin-prick in your mouth...aaand done. Believe me the WORST part of extraction is the injection and it's barely anything at all. After that, it's quick and pain-free. It'll be over before you even realised they started.
Step #6: Dance a merry jig because you conquered your fear of extraction...and it was nothing at all!

Believe me, if you call or cancel that appointment, you will absolutely regret it. Stay the course, all be over in a few short hours! Good luck, let us know how it goes!

[Puggy77]

Hang in there!  I had a tooth pulled while going through anxiety and it was totally worth it!  I had even pictured it happening worse than it was...in fact when he pulled the tooth I didn't even know it was over it happened so fast! Just go and get it done. One less thing to worry about!

[Harmony]

I've had so many tooth extractions in my life, yet it never gets easier.  I completely understand your fear.  However, it really, honestly and truly isn't as bad as you think it will be.
I had 6 permanant teeth removed when I needed braces at 14, and in a month I am going in to have all 4 wisdom teeth removed.  As a child I only lost 2 teeth naturally and had to have the rest extracted because the roots were so long. 

It really will be just fine.  I agree with Hohum, keep your eyes closed.  I usually close them as soon as I sit down in the chair.  I tell the dentist that I have anxiety and I'm just going to keep my eyes closed.

You'll be so happy that you got it done and over with and you'll see it was no big deal at all.  Dental anxiety is common and dentists are used to dealing with anxious people.

Best of luck!!