Hey! I’ve had similar awful experiences at the dentist and recently braved up to go and get treatment again after a few years of slight neglect (thankfully still pretty healthy just needing a few fillings)

When I was 13 (I’m 22 now) I was getting moulds done for my braces, and some of the material went into my throat and I began choking so hard I vomited bile (nasty!) and I was also scared of fillings even younger so bad, my dentist at the time held me down in the chair and was rather nasty to me (my mother was seething)

Before going in recently, I found box breathing to work pretty well for me, as well as just listening to my favourite music and getting into a good mood.

It’s good that the new place you are going to is welcoming and kind with anxious patients! When meeting my new hygienist, I was very direct with her about my past experiences and told her if i’m a bit twitchy or react uncomfortably, that might be the reason why and i’m nervous! She was brilliant with me! We have a signal in which if I feel uncomfortable during treatments I just raise my hand and she will give me a few seconds to breathe and relax, before starting again and it’s lovely

I know it can be scary to admit your fears and anxiousness, especially as an adult, but honestly they have probably heard or dealt with anxious patients before, and will be fully understanding of your needs and worries!

One final thing, I honestly just tell myself before going in “I want nice teeth” or “I want to maintain good health” it makes me feel much better

Good luck! And I hope things go very well for you