I'm scared

I relate hard to this, I had a terrible phobia of dental care and let my teeth decay for years until I was in unbearable pain and one actually broke in the middle of class. Luckily I found a wonderful dentist and laughing gas helped immensely, I’d recommend getting that if your country allows it. Note that you can also schedule a consultation without any actual dental care being performed, just letting the dentist check your mouth and have a conversation with them to see how you feel; if they’re scaring you even more, you can try with another doctor, but dentists are generally very caring and nice people who only want your well being.
Like all phobias, it’s irrational and blown out of proportions, so yes you’re over exaggerating but it’s completely normal. It takes time to fight it, but none of your deepest fears about dental care will ever come true, they’ll just anesthetize the teeth that hurt and the only thing you’ll feel is the vibration of the tools, which can’t hurt you in any way. Bringing earphones and a good playlist can help, that’s how I fought my own phobia along with laughing gas: an hour of care goes by in five minutes, and it’s actually very relaxing now lol
Taking care of your teeth is so, so important for your health, and it can be actually quite enjoyable when you find a good dentist who you trust. The most important part is to remember your phobia is irrational and has no basis in reality, it’s just like a nightmare, and nothing bad will happen. You’ll be just fine, and even better if you take good care of your teeth! <3

I'm literally getting four teeth on my left side extracted tomorrow! It's gonna be my first time having an extraction, a few people said it's not that bad, one even said he went to work after. But those were single extractions, not 4 simple and complex extractions :c

I'm a little nervous too. I have tooth decay, abscesses, gingivitis... Every 8-12 months or so one side of my mouth goes through excruciating pain

I'm really excited to have them removed tomorrow though! The pain in my left side will stop which will be amazing haha. And I'll get the 3 on the right side removed and have my gingivitis worked on with taxes and stimulus money

I won't be going under either, just a numbing like you. I'm a little nervous about being conscious while the dentist carves and pulls my teeth out, like going through unimaginable pain while being confined to a chair bed. The thought of not being in pain from the teeth afterwards gives me strength though, like it's a small price to pay

I hope you find the strength too! If you're in pain now you'll definitely enjoy *not* having tooth pain. Not sure if you relate, but like that numbing sensation in your jaw that resonates with your heart beat that that can be felt throughout your head and brain... gone, just gone! Don't be afraid of the momentary surgery, look forward to the results of your decisions!

First of all go to a dentist you can confide in. If you can’t, ask to see someone else. Then relate all your fears to him. Any medical practitioner worthy of his license will be able to allay your fears.

They only want the best for you. I've been loads of times, and it's honestly never hurt me, and I've never had any reason to be scared. Good luck, though!

I was also away when they extracted my wisdom teeth (in the 1980's).

If its done with modern western medicines it just feels a bit weird when they are extracting your wisdom teeth.

The pain comes after the numbing medications wear off... and I was given drugs to manage that.

I had a 1st date with a really nice lady that night too... Interesting times 6 hours after having 4 wisdom teeth extracted...

You should be OK...

Damn! Where are you from?

I had mine out a long time ago, under general anesthesia so I can't speak to what it's like to have an extraction with only local. But I did have a cavity filled last week with local anesthesia, and have had that done before. They do it by injecting it into your mouth with a needle, and that's the worst part. It does hurt, but once you get through that part and it's all numbed up you can sit back and zone out pretty much. At least with drilling, you barely feel anything except some vibration.

When your mouth is numb it's really easy to accidentally bite down on the inside of your cheek.. try not to chomp down too hard. And listen to their advice about soft foods. When I had my wisdom teeth out I broke down and ate tortilla chips a week or so later.. it got infected. Not fun to have them clean that out.

This is of those things that kinda sucks during the process, but it's not unbearable and you'll be so glad it's over with after. You only have one set of wisdom teeth so you'll never have to do that again. And you won't have the nagging worries about your teeth anymore.

I haven't done this but I wonder if they might let you put your earbuds in and listen to some music or a podcast/book while they're doing it? Maybe something relaxing? Just an idea.