re: What's your go-to relaxation technique when going to the dentist?

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Sounds like vasovagal response. I know a few people with that issue. They feel no anxiety whatsoever, but upon the site of a needle or thought of a shot, the heart rate slows and blood pressure drops and they faint or almost faint. They have to lie down and elevate their legs. I don't fully understand it, but it's some sort of involuntary response and is relate to a nerve, I believe. You can look it up.

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My dentist thought it was the epinephrine, so he switched me to an anesthesia without it. Haven't had the problem since. I never had a problem with prior dentists who used anesthesia containing epinephrine, which makes me wonder if it had something to do with how this new dentist injected me. By new dentist, I mean this was the first time this dentist numbed me.