Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Xanax

Sedation isn't an option for those of us with medical trauma. My dental anxiety stems from having been sexually assaulted by a dentist when I was 18. He probed my mouth and inside my throat while saying disgusting things to me. I was in the chair laid back and there was a tray if instruments over me. There was no one else in the room. I froze. He then drilled my molar and started a root canal. I never went back to him and avoided dentists for 10 years. No way will I incapacitate myself around a man.

OMG, I'm so sorry.

I was SA by a gynecologist when I was in my early 20s. These horrible people do real damage.

Tysons Dental Esthetics has been good for me. I get Nitrous -- it's the only thing that works for me.

It’s very common and almost all dentists will accommodate. (I had a multiple adult teeth shattering accident and have significant dental anxiety after all the subsequent root canals/implants/etc.)

I find the key is to be matter of fact and up front (and to listen to bring your AirPods and listen to a good book or podcast!) I had an Ativan before a particularly involved appt a few years ago but that’s it. However if I still felt highly anxious I would ask for it again.

Anonymous wrote:Xanax

Sedation isn't an option for those of us with medical trauma. My dental anxiety stems from having been sexually assaulted by a dentist when I was 18. He probed my mouth and inside my throat while saying disgusting things to me. I was in the chair laid back and there was a tray if instruments over me. There was no one else in the room. I froze. He then drilled my molar and started a root canal. I never went back to him and avoided dentists for 10 years. No way will I incapacitate myself around a man.

Xanax

Dr. Yelamanchi in Rockville is fantastic with root canals. He’s very calm and the procedure is almost pain-free.

I had been putting off getting some cavities dealt with for several years due to anxiety but had a good experience with Varney at:
https://www.capitaldentaldds.com/capital-dental/our-doctors/

I had major anxiety about a root canal, and I was able to take valium the night before and the morning of and it made a huge difference.

I’ve used Bethesda Sedation Dentistry and had good experiences. (I have high dental anxiety too!)

I suffer dental anxiety and have it well managed, currently. I had to find a new dentist after my long time wonderful dentist retired. I asked for recs from friends and neighbors for siomeone who is kind. When I met my now dentist, I was upfront about my anxiety. I explained to him what it feels like for me being in the chair, even for just a cleaning. I let him know what helps me: not being flat on my back, being informed of sounds and smells which might occur, being told how much longer it would be, etc. I recently had a cleaning with a new hygienist and I filled her in beforehand. I had minimal anxiety! As far as root canal, go to an endodontist and white knuckle it if you have to...you don't want an infection. What area are you in?

I hope you get good response to this OP.

I too have dental anxiety am looking for a new dentist as well. I need a lot of work and am so anxious about the amount of visits it will take, the pain and expense.

I hate the feeling of being trapped in the chair!

I wish you well with your dental work.

Can anyone please recommend a dental office that can deal with adult with dental anxiety?
I need a root canal, a few cavities that need filing.
Any adults with dental anxiety that can relate or have any tips that could help? Thank you!