I saw a dentist once when I was 5, didn't again until my early 20's. Smoker, poor dentail hygiene choices, had to get a wisdom tooth removed.

Sat down (first real time, eh), was given local anesthetic, didn't take. Was given another. By this point I'm aware that the process is fairly violent (I later dubbed this man The Butcher, as he was for certain people). The anesthetic itself started putting me into a minor shock, elevated heart rate, difficulty breathing, shaking, but I'm staying strong because I'm doing this alone and I have to prove to myself I can do this.

Finally, anesthesia is all done, doc has to shatter the tooth and take it in pieces. He forces down with one of the tools to the point his arm is shaking and the tool slips (I knew it would hurt later by the feeling, and the expression of the assistant). Does it again, it cracks, he starts pulling everything out. I'm shaking pretty hard by this point, doing everything I can not to hit this man instinctually because I know he's hurting me.

Finally get up, white as a ghost, and walked home after being given a prescription for T3's (iirc). Get home, gauze isnt stopping the bleeding. Call and am told to use teabags which actually stop the bleeding. The following couple of days were the most physical pain I have been in in my life. Use the T3's which make me care less about the pain but theyre short lived. About 5 days later I have my first cigarette figuring dry socket can't be much worse than this horrible pain. Pain almost stops instantly and just gets easier after that (which I would never, never suggest anyone do, I was stupid at the time).

He damaged my lingual nerve, at least that was my conclusion based on: half my tongue was numb and it was divided down the center like I had a permanent hair stuck on my tongue (like how a hair feels sharp on your tongue, but straight down from tip to base). The numbness went away after about a year and I got full feeling back.

I thought this was normal, had to go back where he suggested I have a bunch of teeth removed all at once to avoid further appointments (i-tooth?) next to front teeth split in half was why I went in. I refused but let him take the canine next to it. He left pieces in. He knew I was broke, didn't want me to salvage anything, just tear em all out.

I have had one dentist apart from him, they took a tooth and I was almost laughing when they said "all done" because it was nothing compared to the butcher.

My children, now, I make sure they go to the dentist, get whatever work done that needs to be done - with humane treatment. I stress over their dental hygiene.

I am deeply terrified of getting dental work done because of my prior experiences, I always seem to have long lasting wounds where the injection sites are and I don't react well with anesthesia (which I think is due just to the first experience alone). I applaud your willingness to learn from others' experiences.