I've got dental phobia: how effective are the sedatives?

Good; don't go alone: Xanax (alprazolam) and valium are the most prescribed, but it is only recommended if you have someone else drive. They are usually prescribed in 3. 1 the night before, one the morning of, and 1 about 30 minutes before your dental appointment. They are safe and very effective like this. Also helpful is hypnosis, music, and acupuncture.

Take that first step: First, possibly go in and meet the dentist and his/her staff and find out how they do their procedures. Some dentists practice sedation dentistry, which will not place you totally asleep, but you takes some meds prior to the appointment and this really helps you relax, even with cleanings.

Sedatives generally : make both children and adults not care what happens

CBT: For a more long term solution as an alternative to relying on sedatives, consider seeking a cognitive-behavioral therapist who specializes in phobias. One method they use is systematic desensitization which slowly and incrementally brings the person closer and closer to the thing they are afraid of in slow, graduated steps that help make the anxiety more tolerable.