Fear of Dentist

I have a very serious fear of dentist from an early age.  I just had an abscess that developed in my jaw.  I went to the ER and was told it was dental.  However the Dr did lance it with a size 9 needle with out  numbing me.  That has sent me really over the edge with fear.  What type of dental reference should I look for in the future?  Is there any help for me with the fear?  Pls help I'm am so scared.

[mammo]

There are dentists who truly understand your fear and they advertise this, so look for this type of dentist.  What happened in the ER won't in a dentist's office.  They are able to apply a topical numbing agent which prevents you from feeling the needle to numb the area.  The doctor at the ER was probably very concerned about the abcess (abscess) and felt it needed to be drained right away.  I don't know why he didn't do something to ease your pain.  But he may have saved you from further suffering by draining it and from 10 days on antibiotics to get rid of it before the dentist could do anything about it.  Trust me....you won't endure this with a dentist, this is their specialty and they do and have everything to keep you comfortable.  If they hurt you they know you won't come back and they also don't want to hurt you.  Don't be scared get in and get that taken care of.  I hope this helps and best wishes.

[Caliban]

muckbunny,
A lot of people have fear of needles, pain, dentistry etc. I think most important is to find a doctor (not just dentist but any doctor) who you are comfortable with.

Still in college but already working with patients I am learning that it is easier to provide patient with as much information as they wish me to tell them. As I disclose information about the procedure a sort of trust is build.

So do not be afraid to ask questions, do not be afraid to ask for topical prior to local anesthesia. It IS your body and that's YOUR money you are paying for your health.

Lastly, do a quick internet search say for "best dentist in "name of your city". Choose name you like and give them a call. Talk to the receptionist, ask if you can talk to doctor. Also, try asking your friends and family about their doctors.

[muckbunny]

Thanks for the advise.  I'm not afraid of needles being I am a Lupus patient that get injections on a monthly basis.   Trust me thy give you nothing before those injections.  I have found that this was not abscess after all it turned out that I had a severe sinus infection where there was no where to drain but  next to my ear canal.  I still need to find a dentist but at least I'll have this advise to help me along the way.  Thanks again.

[muckbunny]

Thanks for all that you do and will do, just pls never forget your bedside manner.  People like me need that.