Subject:

First time in years!

Date:

Wed, 15 Apr 1998 16:48:56 +0100

Newsgroups:

alt.support.dental-phobia

From:

Julie <Juliey@locomotive.com>

Hello

I am so grateful for this newsgroup and the web site - it has helped to read other people's experiences and to know that I am *not alone* with my fear.

Last week I plucked up the courage to go to a new dentist, alone, for a first consultation and check-up. I was very, very lucky to find such a nice and understanding dentist straight away.

After not going for years and years because of some very bad experiences, I booked an appointment and went today. I needed just three fillings and a bit of a clean up :-)

I was terrified, but the dentist was nice and chatted to me the whole time. I took my personal stereo along with me and played my favourite tape, this helped calm me down.

It actually didn't hurt!!!!! He didn't even use the drill (I think that might have finished me off completely) ;-)

If I can go and have two fillings (without a general anesthetic), then believe me, anybody can. I have not been to a dentist for years and I was amazed at how much everything had changed, for anybody out there who is too scared to even put a foot in the door, why not go and just find out what needs doing and meet the dentist - if you don't like that one,
just keep trying until you find one that you do like and (half) trust!!!!

I can not believe now that I have wasted years worring about going, having sleepless nights and panic attacks at the mere thought of a dentist.

I now believe that often the fear of going is far worse than the actual event :-)

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Julie Yeaman
"And I don't know a soul who's not been battered,
I don't have a friend who feels at ease,
I don't know a dream that's not been shattered or driven to it's knees"

Paul Simon
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