The Cure For Dentophobia

If there's one thing I hate it's going to the dentist. I mean, who doesn't? I can't imagine anyone thinking it's a relaxing thing to do or enjoyable for that matter.

Whether you're in for a simple cleaning or heavy duty repairs, it's just so unpleasant. I mention this because I have an appointment this afternoon. I'm willing to drive 60 miles to go to a place I'm actually comfortable in.

My fear of the dentist began at a very early age. Living in New York, my parents took me to a total butcher for my first dental experience. It was supposed to be a cleaning and checkup. It was the scariest event of my life. I just remember accidentally biting the dentist and him screaming in pain and anger. There were tears on my part.

Needless to say, that was the first and last time at his particular office. We ended up at another office and it was just as unpleasant - but not because the guy was mean or anything. It's hard to keep your mouth propped open while some guy you barely know tinkers with your chompers. Scary stuff.

From that time on, I would get sick right before going for that every six month cleaning/xrays/checkup etc. I would think about ways to escape from the car while my mother was driving me there. "Maybe I can jump out onto the grass. It won't be the softest of landings but we're not moving so fast."  While many friends of mine tell me of stories that their parents blatantly lied and said they were going out for ice cream but took them to the dentist instead, my folks were entirely forthcoming. Sometimes I wonder if it would have been better if they lied and tricked me into thinking we were headed elsewhere.

They Have Dentists In New Jersey Too

When we moved to New Jersey, I was a little older - entering fourth grade. I was hoping my parents would forget about the need for dental care when we crossed state lines but sadly nope.  They remembered.  Thankfully, we found a great dentist in Howell. The experience was still unpleasant and the stomach pains and headaches would still set in right before going to his office each and every time. However, the staff was nice and it was a pediatric dentist so I figure I will get through it.  On the trips to his office - same thing.  "Maybe I can tell my mom I need to go to the ER" or "how can I jump out of the car and soften the landing."

Because of my mother's expert advice to always brush twice a day, floss and brush extra after a particularly sugary meal or snack, I have never had a cavity. Ever. Most of my friends are totally amazed considering their mouths are one big filling. The most horrific day of my life was when I was told at the age of 19 - still going to the pediatric dentist - that I was not going to be able to see this particular dentist any longer due to his 20 year old cut off... and that I needed all four of my impacted wisdom teeth removed.

Time To Go To The "Big Boy" Dentist

Reading horror stories and hearing others talk about their oral surgery experiences, I was ready to die. It was terrible. I walked around the house moping, looking at my things and saying goodbye. Nah, I'm being overdramatic. But it was not fun.  I realized if I could possibly live through the experience, I could really deal with anything. I was trying to prolong it but then it became time. The meeting with the oral surgeon was unpleasant because of what they planned to do to me. I was relieved to hear I was going to be knocked out. No such luck.

After being sick the morning of the surgery - use your imagination - I was brought into the room, they used the stuff to knock me out but when they started, I heard everything. All the grinding. No pain though. I even heard the dental assistants talking to the doc about the weather, what they were gonna do this weekend and how things were going with the procedure. I laid there in horror. Couldn't speak. Couldn't move. Just put myself totally in their hands. It was soon over and I was in agony. However, they gave me full instructions on what to do and everything was A ok.

Fast forward to the next dental appointment after the surgery, there was absolutely no fear. Thanks to that experience, I have no more fear of the dentist.

The dentist I'm seeing today is up in Freehold Township, quite a hike from my home in Ocean County. It's worth the drive. Not only am I fully comfortable, my entire family goes to him. The hygienist knows me and that I sometimes need to take a break during the checkup from the scraper, what kind of toothpaste to use etc. And then the dentist cracks jokes and talks about golf.

Are you afraid of the dentist? Do you get sick before you go like I did? If so, get some oral surgery. It will fix you right up. Hey, it worked for me!