I need help...I gag terribly at the dentist when taking x-rays!?

I have a terrible gag reflex and HORRIBLE anxiety when I have to visit the dentist. I haven't been there in about three years because of it, and every time my mom schedules me for an apt, I make her cancel because I'm just so scared. So I finally had her make me an apt for tomorrow and am determined to go.

My only problem is x-rays. I'm TERRIFIED of them. And I mean that, completely terrified. They have to use the child cardboard squares on me because my mouth is so little but I still gag really bad. They can never do the back ones on me because they just can't seem to get them in my mouth. Is there any way I can not get them? Or try a different method maybe? Has anybody ever refused the x-rays and asked for a different method for doing them? I remember last time I gagged so bad that the lady said that we didn't have to finish and just made me bite down on this machine and it went around me and took pictures. I'm fine with that. PLEASE help me I'm petrified for tomorrow!

The chloroceptic spray works well...you could also try rinsing with mouthwash right before they take the x-ray. Anything to numb the back of your mouth/throat will help decrease your gag reflex. Remember to breath through your nose and relax your tongue. A panoramic x-ray can't be used to diagnose decay (cavities) so that is not an option. Good luck tomorrow...the more you go to the dental office the more comfortable you feel and the easier the appointments will seem.

That is not your fault! This is a natural reaction when something forgein is placed into your mouth such as dentures!

LASH,

THEY CAN SPRAY A TYPE OF NUMBING ANESTHETIC IN YOUR MOUTH SO YOU ARE NOT TERRIFIED TO BITE N THE SMALL SQUARES.
THEY CAN HAVE YOU TAKE A FEW FILMS HOME TO PRACTICE ONCE THEY SHOW YOU ON A MODEL HOW TO DO IT.
THEY CAN ALSO TAKE A PANORAMIC X-RAY FOR WHICH NOTHING GOES INSIDE YOUR MOUTH. YOU JUST HAVE TO BITE ON THIS PLASTIC TAB WHILE THE X-RAY MACHINE GOES AROUND YOUR HEAD. THIS IS A BREEZE TO DO.
WITH ALL THESE OPTIONS YOU DO HAVE A CHOICE.

It helps me to breathe deeply and slowly through my nose.

Lash

The trick is when they put the xray in your mouth,just breathe through your nose and not through your mouth.Works with the worst gaggers we have at the office I work at.

I'd buy some cloraspectic sore throst spray and spray your mouth right before- it numbs stuff just a little. I have seen salt licked off your hand right before work. The trick, is to breath out of you nose, and think about anything else. Gagging is in the mind somewhat. sometimes , the office can actually put you on Nitious (Laughing gas) to do the xrays. You just have to ask. another thought is call the office and ask for some Valium before the appointment to help calm your self. Tell them you are terrified. A lot of people gag- but not afraid of it, just don't like to gag. Let them know- they will help you. If they don't your not at the right doctor.

what you do during these quite uncomfortable moments is close your eyes and relax. just chill out and breathe slowly through your nose. don't think that anything bad is coming. just close your eyes and relax as if you were going to sleep. i find it helps very much.