ALL OF THIS HITS MY INNER CORE! I worked on my dentist phobia for five years and finally gave up. To much energy with no results. Every time I go to the dentist I have multiple flashbacks and nightmares for weeks. I get anticipatory anxiety for three weeks prior and nightmares and flashbacks to follow. I avoided the dentist once for 8 years resulting in 37 cavities (unfortunately I have soft dentine). OK, here's what I did.

I found a sedation dentistry practice who specializes in phobic patients. I identified what the specific things were that put me on the ceiling - full blown panic and communicated them to the dentist. I printed out and shared with the dentist information regarding dental phobia and childhood sexual abuse so he understood and was sensitive to what may trigger me.

I only wear slacks to the dentist. I take diazapam before I go, use nitrous oxide for all procedures (even a cleaning) and while there try to use mental imagery meditation.

My T wants me to begin using the klonopin or diazapam three weeks prior to the dentist so I don't get so wound up. I usually don't and pay for it. The whole staff realizes my stress and anxiety just being in the building and are very supportive. The key I have found is communicating what you need and standing up for yourself when it is not being done.

I also have a gag reflex and can't stand anything in my mouth other than liquids. This has led to an eating disorder which is stabilized. It always seems like such a mind game to keep this all in check where I am controlling it and it not controlling me!

Cindy