[Latte]

I know of people who take meds before they see the dentist (e.g. xanax, valium). I used to work for a dentist and it was actually pretty common for people to take an anxiety med prior to coming - just make sure you clear it with the dentist before you go because depending on what kind of anesthetic they use, they might want to use another tactic to help with the anxiety.

Did you let your dentist know that it was hurting you ? I am quite surprised they didn't give you more of the freezing. I've had to get a few cavities over the years due to the fact that I am at higher risk for cavities (I am very careful to prevent them though by daily brushing and flossing, limiting sugary drinks, etc). I've seen multiple dentists because I've also moved several times. And I always need extra freezing and every dentist has accommodated that because most of them aren't sadistic and would rather that I am waaaaaay too frozen than have me be uncomfortable.

I would recommend that you see another dentist. You can tell them about your experiences too they will accommodate that in the treatment plan to take care of the cavities.

I would strongly encourage you to deal with the cavities too because it can get worse. For example, it could get to the point where the nerve for the tooth is damaged and you need a root canal or even a full blown extraction, though most dentists do whatever they can to avoid removing teeth, and you don't want to need a root canal if you can avoid it. It can even affect the gums and bone surrounding the tooth. As scary and uncomfortable as a filling can be, it's a much better process to do that and avoid it becoming a bigger deal later.

I'm not trying to make it worse for you, it's not like you have to rush in there tomorrow. So here's what I suggest:

1. Look for a new dentist. If you have anxiety about going now, you're not likely to enjoy this current dentist any more and you should look into getting a new dentist. Do whatever is necessary, such as seeing which dentists are covered by your insurance, look for reviews online, make sure that your insurance provider will cover the change (e.g. they all have different rules -- it might be that you can get 1 new-patient exam a year, a cleaning every 4 or 6 or 9 months, which changes depending on plan, and a full exam with a cleaning from the hygienist and check up with the dentist every 6 or 9 or 12 months, again depends on the plan, and you might be able to get routine procedures like fillings on cavities filled up to 80% up to a $600 yearly max, just as an example). Don't worry about the insurance though if you're covered by your parents -- just let them you plan to see a new dentist and let them deal with that.

2. Book an appointment. If you see a new dentist, you will probably have an initial new patient exam with xrays, gum-health exam, etc. a cleaning by the hygienist and a visit from the dentist to discuss the results of the xrays, gum health concerns, etc. and he/ she/ they will tell you what needs to happen next. In terms of dental appointments, this should be fairly low stress because it would be very rare that a new dentist would do anything like a filling on the first appointment unless the situation was very dire (and even then, you could just say no, and book an appointment for the next day/next week to come back so you can prepare for that work
- I would recommend asking them to tell you over the phone what they will do during this first appointment so that nothing will be unexpected.

3. Ask for a detailed plan and if they can write it down for you. For example, if they say you need 3 fillings on the left side of the mouth, and 2 on the right side, ask questions such as if they can do 3 in 1 session and 2 in a 2nd session, which teeth they are, how long it will take, if you can take anything in advance for the anxiety and if they can prescribe it, etc.

4. Book those appointments within a week of your appointment. It might mean you have 3 dentist appointments within a month, but think about what a relief it will be later when you no longer have to go to the dentist for more fillings AND have no cavities you have to worry about

5. Ask you dentist for advice on better dental hygiene if brushing is a problem for you.