• Dental Phobia Support

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Appointment cancelled

M

Mum1986

Member
Joined
Apr 18, 2021
Messages
32
Location
Stockport
Hi,

I have spoke on here previously of that I have avoided going to dentist in about 7 years due to dental phobia, I now have a broken tooth and either a chip or hole in one of my incisors (it's the back part so cannot see can only feel with my tongue) both are on the upper right where I have lost all molars and pre molars (barring the one that is broken)

I managed to fight the fear and got registered with an NHS dentist (I have nhs exemption certificate from tax credits due to being furloughed) and they made me an appointment for July...which I have been stressing is too long to wait...

Then today I get a text, they need to cancel my appointment in July as they have lots of treatments booked in so cannot see any new patients until September! ?

I don't know what to do now? I have built myself up to finally get the work done so that is hard but also I am worried I am going to lose these 2 teeth ..I can in no way afford to go private and I don't think any other dentist will be taking on NHS.

I am currently not experiencing any pain with either of my teeth but I am worried the longer I leave them the more unlikely they will be able to save them (which is bad considering the teeth loss I have already on this side) would I be able to get an emergency appointment even though I have no pain or am I just going to have to wait until September and hope that I don't lose these 2 teeth in the mean time?

Any help or advice on what I could do? As this has sent me into full panic mode!

Thank you xx
 
Hi there.

First of all massive congratulations for taking the step to start your dental journey and book an appointment. It’s a massive step and you should be so proud of yourself.

I know from a similar exist when you take this first step you just want it over and done with, especially with the first appointment. And it’s frustrating to have to wait especially when it stays on your mind as a constant worry.

I mean it maybe worth a shot to enquire with other local nhs dentists if an appointment would be available sooner. With regards to emergency appointments I’m not sure if it’s the same everywhere but they would only provide emergency temporary treatment in my opinion,
So like a filling would normally just be a temporary one. But I suppose it would get the teeth looked at if that’s what you want. You do often need to be in pain though I think to get one. Not sure on this though, maybe someone else or a dentist on here may know more about the emergency appointments.

I know it maybe not be possible for them given the covid back log. But do you think you could email and explain the situation. That due to anxiety you are only just booking in now and eager to be seen. And see what they say
 
Hi,

Thanks for your reply. I have called them and they just said there is nothing they can do as they have lots of existing patients who are having treatment so September is earliest. Only advise given to me was to use the temporary filling stuff from the pharmacy?? However I don't know if that will work for nearly 4 months and don't want to risk the tooth getting worst.

I have emailed our Health watch to see if they know of anywhere else taking on as I have tried loads and all say no.

I just feel like I am going to loose these teeth and it makes me sad.

I don't think you can have an emergency appointment without pain. I am sure one of the many people I have spoken to in regards to this advised me of that!

What a nightmare! Trust me to want to start my dental journey in the middle of the pandemic! ?‍♀️

Thank you for the advice ?
 
Hi Mum1986,

what a discouraging situation, I'm sorry to read that.

4 months seem like a really long time and the affected teeth being front teeth makes it all even more scary. Most people are ok with back teeth being affected, but front teeth are the limit. The good news is that it takes really some time to lose a tooth. Tooth decay needs a bit of time to develop and spread, and 4 months doesn't have to make that much of a difference if you have a good home care.

I can only recommend you to read this article to get some input about what causes tooth decay and how to stop it from making worse:


All the best wishes and keep us posted
 
Thank you! I will take a look. Want to make sure I am doing everything I can to help.

I just has this overwhelming feeling over helplessness..I want to get it sorted but can't...after all this time of being scared. I have finally put my big girl pants on and now I can't be seen.

I am hoping the no pain is a good sign and will have to pray they can hang on until September xx
 
so sorry!! I am in a similar situation different back story but worried about losing a tooth and no one local can help me too complex----- waiting to see a specialist and they booked me out three months, one month down two to go and eveyr day its getting worse so . . . just waiting for help its so difficult
 
I feel ya! It is so hard! I am thinking about going private at least for the stuff i need doing urgently! But dread to think how much it will cost! :cry: however I think it's a cavity on my incisor so dont want to be having to wait 3 months!

I really hope it goes OK for you whilst waiting! It's just so a weird time, I have had dental phobia for so long but now that I can't go I really want too! (Not sure I will feel that way once it finally comes round but can hope haha)

Crap situation for everyone! Xxx
 
Well today is the day..months after I made the appointment, theyl day has finally arrived.

I am feeling oddly calm at the moment, but I know that I won't be once I get there!

It is time to face my fear head on, how I am going to cope , I am actually not sure!!

I am worried they are going to tell me off, I'm worried they are going to tell me they are going to need to take all my teeth out or I need dentures...?
 
Wishing you all the best for your appointment today, Mum1986. The very best of luck with it ???!!!
 
Thank you so much! It went really well! The dentist and dental nurse were so kind and so understanding!

They made me feel totally at ease by telling me what they had phobias of, one of which was cheese (Dental nurse) so I felt less stupid about mine! We had a good chat before he looked in my mouth and he did not act disgusted with what he saw (like I feared!)

Dentist also told me I am in control and we will take things at my pace. I have booked in for a clean and a filling to start me off..I have a long way to go and a lot of work to be done, but I really feel a massive weight has been lifted.

Feeling very positive!!:claps:
 
That's wonderful news :perfect:

So, so happy to hear it went so well - they sound like lovely people :cloud9:

Congratulations ???!!!!!!!!!!
 
Thank you so much! It went really well! The dentist and dental nurse were so kind and so understanding!

They made me feel totally at ease by telling me what they had phobias of, one of which was cheese (Dental nurse) so I felt less stupid about mine! We had a good chat before he looked in my mouth and he did not act disgusted with what he saw (like I feared!)

Dentist also told me I am in control and we will take things at my pace. I have booked in for a clean and a filling to start me off..I have a long way to go and a lot of work to be done, but I really feel a massive weight has been lifted.

Feeling very positive!!:claps:


I'm so happy for you that you had a positive experience! (It always make me feel better to hear of other people's phobias, too).
 
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