Absolutely terrified to not so bad!

[wanttosmile]

Hi

Long story short I had not been to the dentist for 17 years. I found the longer I left it the more I thought up horrible scenario's about visiting the dentist and had myself absolutely terrified of even making an appointment. I had imaginings of the dentist telling me a long long list of what I had wrong and preferred to ignore the inevitable! 6 months back my wisdom tooth broke in half and decided that I could chew fine on the other side until it got infected and then I chose to live on painkillers for a few months but the last straw was when my teeth started moving and eating is now very uncomfortable for me. Anyway, it was strange because after being so scared for so long I kind of did a 180 and realized that I had no choice but make an appointment and even though I was very nervous on that first appointment I still went.

Anyway the dentist was lovely and kind and gentle and she kept asking me if I was ok. She even let me put the instruments in my mouth when she took photos which made me feel more in control. And happy to say after all my fears I only have 8 fillings! Oh and the dreaded wisdom teeth out but will deal with that when the time comes!

So after the first initial appointment I was feeling so much better and a little less scared. So last week was my 2nd appointment of a cleaning. Not so bad. I was panicking when she was doing it but when I walked out of the surgery....piece of cake!! I even made another appointment for 6 months time!

So next was my 3rd appointment....the oral surgeon to discuss my wisdom teeth extraction.....still very scared about this but feel there is no turning back now and I must do what I have to do. Luckily he was lovely and made me feel a bit calmer. Anyway am now booked into hospital next month to have that done.

So 4th appointment is tomorrow to the orthodontist to talk about straightening my teeth and then next week the dentist is doing two fillings with two done every two weeks!

So apart from feeling like I currently live at the dentist I can honestly say I am so proud of myself to be getting this far and it is true that the more you go and the more information you have the better you feel. It has alot to do with the dentist themselves as to how comfortable your visits are. Im so lucky I have found a great team of dentists!

 

[takingflight]

Wow, I wish I had your check-up after 17 years - that's fantastic! Congratulations for facing your fear and going after such a long break!! It sounds as though you are happy with them and they are taking things at a pace you're comfortable with. Best of luck with your future appointments!

 

[wanttosmile]

Well back from the orthodontist and Im literally dancing around the house! I can get Invisilign to straighten my teeth (thought my teeth were too crooked and would have to have traditional braces)!!!! AND the news Im happy about is that they dont even have to take anymore teeth out!! YAH! I have wanted to have a perfect smile for soooo long and its finally going to happen and it will only take 14 months!!!

Only drawback is the cost....$7800 BUT to me its worth every cent!

 

[wanttosmile]

Me again,
Had to tell of yet another successful day yesterday! Had my two BIG fillings done and my dentist is brilliant!

I was nervous at first and I tensed up for the first 20mins so much so that my chest and shoulders were aching. The last 20mins I was actually concentrating more on the tv they had on the ceiling than I was on what was going on in my mouth!

I had not one bit of discomfort or pain or anything, she was so gentle. I didnt even realise that she had put the local in it was that painless. Im so proud of myself and feel kind of silly to be that petrified in the first place. I even made my Mum an appointment for next time (she is worse than me in the dental fear stakes so had to make it for her) cos I need to let her know that there is nothing to fear when visiting the dentist!

Two fillings down, six to go! Wisdom teeth removal is looming but will deal with that in few weeks. I just cant wait to get my Invisilign on in December!

 

[wanttosmile]

Bit of an update for my success post!

Well I have now gotten through two more fillings and only have 3 more to go! Nearly there! The last one was a bit less of a success as the first one because the dentist managed to hit a nerve when giving me the needle but apart from that, all good!

I made it through the wisdom teeth removal a few days ago! Yah, so proud of myself. I thought I would have a huge feeling of relief when it was all over but must say I feel a little traumatized. The surgery went great and was over before I knew it but I did have a panic attack just before they put me out which I feel a little silly about now. Im just glad its over now and Im trying to get over the whole thing. Three days later and im still in a bit of discomfort and living on painkillers but I can tell its getting better.

So two more appointments and then I start with my Invisilign. Cant wait for that!