I suffer from agoraphobia (fear of needles) at the dentist. i heard of lidocaine spray and gel. do they work the same as the injection? i need help...

Topical products: The topical Lidocaine is used to anesthetize the soft tissue before the injection to minimize if not eliminate the pinch of the needle. Your dentist may also use nitrous oxide or oral sedation before your visit to help alleviate your anxiety. Feel better soon.

Not as good: Talk to your dentist about IV sedation. If your dentist doesn't do this ask for a referral.

The spray wil: Minimize the pain from the injection. They will still give u both.. Try these technique to ease the fear- before they give u the shot , imagine a lovely scenery, do slow deep breathing and hold your breath just before they give u the injection. Bless u!

Some clarification: Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by anxiety in situations where the sufferer perceives the environment as being difficult to escape or get help. Fear of needles is known as needle phobia or trypanophobia. The spray & gel are topical anesthetics and numb the area somewhat but not as profoundly as an injection. They are generally used prior to the injection.

ATT & Exposure Tx: 3-5% of population estimated 2 have a needle phobia-"trypanophobia." it's poorly understood & prevents many from seeking medical/dental care. It's unlike other phobias: they generally cause heart rate & BP 2 rise + feelings of panic. But trypanophobia causes heart rate & BP 2 fall + fainting. Learn applied tension technique: http://bit.Ly/11imvmd a clinical psychologist doing exposure tx can help.

CBT: Seek 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.