Very helpful input. Thank you so much. It definitely is the lack of control and total vulnerability that is so unnerving for me. I've had a lot of dental work over my lifetime due to one accident and now, because of crowns needing to be replaced. It never used to bother me much, but the laying back now automatically causes the cough response and sometimes need to expel the junk. Then, too, the new device my dentist now uses that forces my mouth to stay wide open causes major anxiety. I fear that I won't be able to swallow or what if I have to cough. I think I really do need to ask about some sort of calming medication. Hopefully, my insurance will help to cover the cost. Thanks again for your input!