My youngest (7yr old daughter with Down syndrome) is petrified of the dentist. We have struggled to get her in the chair, let alone to open her mouth. She’s on the waiting list to go under general anesthetics for a proper dental check up.
As for yourself, what is exactly your fear ? do you fear a doctors visit as well ? is it fear for pain ? you say you prefer to give birth without drugs above a dental visit ? in reality the removal of 2 teeth is less than the pain at birth. The pain is temporary and fades pretty quick. You coulI would at least express my fear to the dentist, the dentist will most likely be understanding and support you.

I am also petrified of the dentist but I had to get my wisdom tooth removed a few months ago because it was too painful. I just made sure I was completely upfront with the dental staff about how terrified I was and went with a friend for emotional support. In the end, they were very accommodating and made me feel a bit better through my extraction. Call your dentist and ask them if there is any medication you can have to ease your anxiety, either administered by them or prescribed by your GP.

Try not to overthink it maybe try some hypnotherapy heaps online for free try meditating with positive thoughts for the visit

Maybe have the checkup and teeth removal separate so there’s a visit that doesn’t have bad stuff happening! Tell the dentist your concerns and ask them to talk through everything (or not if that makes it worse!)
And if things are really that difficult a good counselor/psychologist may be helpful!
Good luck

I, too, have an aversion towards dentists. My fear relates to a bad experience years ago and although not completely over it, it is much better now. You do need to find a dentist you can have trust in and, if that isn’t your current one, you have to change. I told my dentist from the word go of my experiences in the past and how scared I was and he was totally sympathetic, kind, considerate and gentle (and still is). I tend not to go the option of anesthetic for a filling as I find the needle more painful than the procedure, but I would for a tooth pull.

You say ‘possibly need pulled’ – perhaps you should get some information first and have an appointment where this is checked, asking for NO WORK to be done. They may take an x-ray or something to see if there is any deeper decay damage and be able to give you an answer as to whether they need pulling or perhaps filling or maybe there is something else going on entirely. You are in control and have the choice. And you can always get a second opinion, assess your options and weigh up the long term pain/problems with possible treatments. You’re not helpless, which is I think why a lot of people fear dentists. Ask them not to do anything while you get the information you need.

As for the gas before they start and focus on the tv show. It relaxes you and you don’t feel anything but chilled and happy!

Meet with a dentist first you feel comfortable with! It really shouldn’t hurt, they have numbing etc or can even put you to sleep

Sedation dentistry uses a combination of techniques, ranging from nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” to general anesthesia, to relax a patient during surgeries or otherwise uncomfortable appointments. For even the most severe dental phobias, there is no longer a reason to avoid the dentist altogether.

Maybe a visit to your Dr to explain your extreme anxiety prior to the appointment might be beneficial

Ask them to use the numbing cream before any needles!

You can pay to go to a dentist that’s knocks you out from the get go.