Been putting this off for a while...

[Ano]

So, I despise the dentist! When I was young, I had to have a tooth removed. We were sent to the local dental hospital where they attempted to extract the tooth (it was a baby one). However, as they were "pulling" the tooth, I nudged my head and the tooth literally cracked in two and only half came out. I was in immense pain, but the dentists set me home with an appointment three days later. Since then, I've hated the dentist.

I've always had problems with my upper right wisdom tooth. Because the way the skin was over it, I've been unable to brush it properly ever. I also have an over active gag reflex, so getting to the wisdom tooth is hell anyway, involves a lot of gagging and usually leaves me with a headache. On the few occasions I've been to the dentist over the years, I've asked to have it removed and every single time I was told that it would resolve itself. Well, it didn't. It cracked several times over the last few months, I can feel it with my tongue. I'm not in any pain at all, actually, but I can feel that sections of it are missing. Now, I know it is going to have to be removed but I'm not worried about that (in fact, I'm thankful! It's grown outwords and sometimes hurts the side of cheek).

The last few months, my a few of my teeth have gotten a bit worse. I have a little hole in one of my molar teeth on the left side (bottom). This has been here since around January, but I've been too scared to do anything about it ! and something else I noticed tonight is that my canine tooth on my right side is a bit black. I've never noticed it before, I first noticed because I can see it actually through my tooth when I shine light on it (but not without). One of my biggest fears in life is loosing my teeth and I have no idea what I'd do if I had to have that tooth removed ! I'm going to book an appointment as soon as I can and I'm just hoping that the damage is repairable. I think I can also feel a little hole on it.

I'm literally terrified

 

[carole]

Hi Ano to the forum.

I understand how you feel, but if you think about it, you don't despise all dentists you despise the one that frightened you and hurt you as a small child. This person deserves you to feel this way about them.

There are a lot of very good understanding and considerate dentists out there that are more than willing to help you get back to oral health.

Finding the right dentist is the trick to getting the treatment we need. The first visit will only be for a consultation and a look at you teeth and maybe an x ray. Once you have completed the treatment you need and keep up with regular check ups the treatment will be less. You can tackle the most urgent treatment first and do it in stages as you feel you can cope with it.

All treatment can be done pain free even the injections. I don't have a problem with gagging myself but people that do on this forum manage to get treatment.

I wish you good luck don't let things get worst and to the point you may start losing teeth, it is amazing what they can do these days to save teeth.

 

[kitkat]

Hi Ano!
I wanted to offer you my support and welcome you to the forum.

So, I despise the dentist! When I was young, I had to have a tooth removed. We were sent to the local dental hospital where they attempted to extract the tooth (it was a baby one). However, as they were "pulling" the tooth, I nudged my head and the tooth literally cracked in two and only half came out. I was in immense pain, but the dentists set me home with an appointment three days later. Since then, I've hated the dentist.

Unfortunately, you belong to a very large club of people who "hate" dentists but the good news is you are not alone! It sounds like you had a very traumatic experience at a very young age and your feelings are valid. What happened to you would be enough to frighten a grown adult, let alone a child with no control over what is happening to them. The good news is, you are no longer a child. You are an adult now and in control of choosing your own dentist, making decisions for yourself, and you are 100% in control now of what happens to you. You need to think of your first appointment with a dentist as an interview. Do you trust this person to provide competent and comfortable care? Do they take time to explain things to you and are they patient to listen and address all of your concerns? You want to be able to work collaboratively with this person as a partnership...that is the only solution to long-term success in my opinion.

I've always had problems with my upper right wisdom tooth. Because the way the skin was over it, I've been unable to brush it properly ever. I also have an over active gag reflex, so getting to the wisdom tooth is hell anyway, involves a lot of gagging and usually leaves me with a headache. On the few occasions I've been to the dentist over the years, I've asked to have it removed and every single time I was told that it would resolve itself. Well, it didn't. It cracked several times over the last few months, I can feel it with my tongue. I'm not in any pain at all, actually, but I can feel that sections of it are missing. Now, I know it is going to have to be removed but I'm not worried about that (in fact, I'm thankful! It's grown outwords and sometimes hurts the side of cheek).

Fortunately, you aren't in any pain. This is even more of a reason to book an appointment now before things become an emergency situation and you don't have time to make wise and well-thought out decisions. Wisdom teeth can be pesky things...I was lucky to have all of mine removed in my early-mid teen years. I am surprised the dentists you have seen have been so reluctant to remove it. Every dentist I've encountered has been very "extraction-happy" when it comes to wizzies. It might depend on your location, I believe wisdom tooth removal is more "common" in the US than the UK and they are more likely to pull them as a preventative measure in the US. I believe the UK is more conservative and only plans extractions when they start causing problems/symptoms but I could be wrong. Not sure where you are at on the map. There may be other reasons though such as tricky roots/nerves etc that dentists may refrain from taking them out.

The last few months, my a few of my teeth have gotten a bit worse. I have a little hole in one of my molar teeth on the left side (bottom). This has been here since around January, but I've been too scared to do anything about it ! and something else I noticed tonight is that my canine tooth on my right side is a bit black. I've never noticed it before, I first noticed because I can see it actually through my tooth when I shine light on it (but not without). One of my biggest fears in life is loosing my teeth and I have no idea what I'd do if I had to have that tooth removed ! I'm going to book an appointment as soon as I can and I'm just hoping that the damage is repairable. I think I can also feel a little hole on it.

I'm literally terrified

Technically, all or most damage is repairable so you can breath a sigh of relief there. It is never "too late." There are always options available to us and dentistry has come along way over the last few years opening up more and more options. The standard objective for most dentists these days seems to be to save as much of the natural tooth structure as possible and preserve and restore natural teeth than to extract and replace teeth with false ones. You won't really know what you are dealing with until after the first consultation appointment. You will probably feel better once you know exactly what you are dealing with and have a plan to put into action. The unknown can be extremely overwhelming and often our minds immediately imagine the worst case scenarios so I would not freakout just yet if you can help it. Wait to get the facts first.

Carole is right. There are plenty of kind and helpful dentists out there who are waiting for you to give them a call. Her and I can both attest to that having found compassionate dentists ourselves. Do you have a plan for locating a dentist in your area? Some people will ask friends or family for recommendations. There is also a dentist section on this thread with recommendations from fellow phobics. When all else fails there is always Google and good old fashioned online reviews/testimonials but I tend to find those to be the least reliable. Best of luck ! Please stick around and let us know how you get on! We are all around to listen if you need to vent, worry aloud, or have questions.
Kitkat

 

[Ano]

Thank you so much for your replies! You have really helped calm me down. There are two dentists in my area who are currently accepting new NHS customers. A few weeks back, my partner went to the dentist after he cracked a tooth eating depipped olives (ironically, with a pip!). He had to have a fill in, and he had the metal bits floating around in his mouth for hours after! And he was only in there for about 10 minutes, so I don't trust them, so I'm going to go to the other one. It doesn't have the best reviews (although no dentists do on the NHS website! I guess that is because not many people make positive reviews!).

I have an appointment booked in later this afternoon and I'm terrified! I've had butterflies in my stomach all morning. I feel like I'm winded So, I'm keeping myself distracted, and I'll worry about it closer to the time! I need to stop brushing my teeth too... I've done it about 4 times since this morning...

 

[kitkat]

Don't worry too much about the reviews. While they help they are not always the best source of information. My dentist actually has mostly terrible reviews online and a couple of decent ones but personally I love her Dand would not trade her for anything. What you are looking for in Dr. Right may not be the same as the person writing the review and like you said people are more likely to go out of their way to write bad reviews. Today should only be a consultation to meet the dentist and have a look around at everything. Probably some xrays if you feel okay with it. Sometimes they do a cleaning in the first appointment too. Try to busy yourself so that you don't worry and obsess too muxh. Remember that you are in control and can take things at your own pace. Well done for making the appointment that is the hardest and biggest first step! Please let us know how you get on!

 

[Ano]

It wasn't too bad! I gagged during the x-ray, but nothing too bad.

So, I need 4 fill ins ! The wisdom tooth which is like 50% gone already he won't remove. He says because of its location, it has to be a surgical procedure and the NHS won't agree with removing it because it is salvageable. I need to have the one with the hole in it filled in, as well as the one next to it and the canine I mentioned. He said that he will try to use tooth-coloured fill ins where possible!

Now, I'm just dreading next Tuesday now...

 

[carole]

Well done for getting yourself to the dentist Do you feel you can work with the dentist you have seen and were you happy and comfortable with them. A nice considerate dentist makes all the difference when getting work done.

I don't know why your partner had black stuff around their mouth for most of the day. If this happens again you can rinse your mouth out with mouthwash or just water if preferred and it will all go.

Good luck for Tuesday

 

[kitkat]

How frustrating for the wisdom tooth situation! So what does the future hold for it in order to salvage it? A crown? Surely a crown is more costly than an extraction. I suppose you could continue to ignore it until it no longer becomes salvageable? Not the most ideal situation but I don't know how else you would get it taken out . Speaking as someone who has had a ton of fillings, as long as you like and trust your dentist you should be fine! If you have never had one before and would like to know what to expect ask them to talk you through the procedure as they go and arrange a stop-signal in advance in case you need to take a break. You will be numb and should not feel anything at all besides air, pressure, water, and vibration. Only 4 is pretty good. When I saw my dentist initially they told me I had like 8 or something plus I needed for 4 wisdom teeth extractions and I almost passed out on the floor! Since then I have had many more fillings (all tooth colored) and you can't even tell the difference.

 

[Ano]

Yes, the dentist was really nice. He explained everything to me thoroughly, asked what my expectations were. I felt really comfortable considering. We're going to do everything in 2-3 meetings. Next Tuesday I'm going to have the molar with the hole in it and the tooth next to it done (he said that it's very close to causing me pain, so we should start there), and then after I guess we'll do the canine (and save the worst for last ).

I think he said he could perhaps fill the wisdom tooth in. He says that it wasn't as bad as it feels, although I don't really understand, as I can feel with my tongue that the upper surface and one side of the tooth is gone already, I feel around 50% of the overall structure of the tooth. He did also mention the possibility of a crown though. NHS treatment means for everything I need to get done (even if I needed every tooth filled in) it would only cost £49, but if I needed a crown, that treatment would jump up to £214. I really don't want a crown though - the issue is that I still won't be able to clean it because of both my gag reflexes but also because of how far back it is. I think I might discuss it again with him on Tuesday and maybe I can convince him to fight my corner for it. The issue with leaving it with the purpose of getting it treated at a later date when they have no choice to remove it, is that it could also make me invalid for NHS treatment (as I guess that technically, I have tried to cheat the system...). I'm not entirely sure how that works either, though. So I can ask him that too (I think I need to make a list!)

After I've slept on it, I'm feeling a little bit more relaxed. After I left the dentist yesterday, I was feeling a bit deflated, but I'm just trying to keep telling myself it's a little bit of discomfort for a few hours, and then after that I'm done. It will end up saving me a lot of pain at a later date. Although I don't think that trail of thought will help when I'm in the chair

Thank you so much for the support. Really. I would have probably backed out if it weren't for you two!

 

[carole]

I am really pleased you have a dentist you feel comfortable with and that you could discuss your options and concerns with. You are entitled to nhs treatment, even if you are a millionaire. Going private gives you more options and often better materials used.

I am nhs and I have been referred to the dental hospital for a job that my dentist cannot tackle. I wonder if your dentist could do this for you with the wisdom tooth. After saying that I would let him treat it as planned because if you are referred it is some months of waiting for a consultation appointment. It might be better for you to follow the treatment plan you have both come up with for now and at a later date if things change with it you can rethink the plan.

Your dentist sounds really nice and is taking your being nervous into consideration by starting the smaller things first. You will be surprised at how you manage to get the treatment you need and cope with time in the chair. I always give myself a massive pat on the back and thank my lucky stars that I have a good considerate dentist after. I also thank the dentist as well and I let them know that I appreciate their patience and consideration.

I don't think they get thanked enough as they often are surprised when thanked.

You will be fine on Tuesday GOOD LUCK

You have done really well so far, maybe your partner could go to the same practice you are now going to. Can you believe you now have a dentist and are getting treatment done

 

[Ano]

So, the dentist was correct! It has started to hurt. A lot. Paracetamol isn't working either

 

[carole]

If you ring up first thing in the morning they may be able to fit you in if you say you have toothache and will probably have been up a lot of the night too.

Let us know how you get on. GOOD LUCK

 

[Ano]

They didn't have any appointments ! I'm bloody terrified, it is this afternoon! I have a huge knot in my stomach. I'd cancel it, but the pain is awful so I'm sitting tight, at the moment, catching up on Grey's Anatomy haha

 

[carole]

It will be fine, it is going to be a win, win. Good luck

Let us know how you get on

 

[Ano]

So... it didn't go fine ! I had some sort of reaction to the anaesthetic or I have unusual nerve construction. When he injected me with the anaesthetic, I got a stinging sensation all up my face, followed by a pain in my nose and then I felt pressure on my eye, followed by double vision and blurriness. And some light headedness He doesn't know why What makes the situation odder, is that my UPPER teeth went numb and not my bottom one.s Nor the dentist or the nurse can understand why.

So, we're going to try again tomorrow with him injecting in a slightly different place depending on how I'm feeling, otherwise he thinks it is best I'm referred to a specialist

What makes matters worse, is that he thinks the tooth may need root canal treatment instead !

 

[carole]

I am so sorry this happened to you, this is a shocker. Hopefully whatever he tries tomorrow will work without all the distressing symptoms. If you post this on the dentist questions section of this forum, maybe one of the dentists on here can shed some light. They may even have a suggestion for you.

I think you deserve some of these

 

[Ano]

Appointment to try again is tomorrow. Utterly terrified.

 

[FearInOmaha]

You poor thing. I'm so sorry that happened. Perhaps jump on the offer to a specialist, if there is any hint of trouble tomorrow. Since the dentist didn't know why this happened, it maybe be something that is beyond his training. Best of luck and let us know how you get on.

 

[Ano]

Thing is, he said the specialist has an 8 week waiting list. I can't take anymore pain killers except paracetamol now (the ones I was given by the chemist you can only use for a few days as there is a high risk of addiction), so if this isn't sorted today, I'm going to be in utter agony for weeks

Not only that, but I'm worried about the state of the tooth. My last appointment was a week and a half ago now - then he was saying it is borderline root canal, surely now it *will* be root canal. If he can't do it this week, then what? ! and I have the other fillings to worry about and are going to be getting worse all the time.


I'm utterly terrified. Really scared it is going to happen again. I'm trying to stay positive, but I feel like I'm going to be sick at any moment.

 

[carole]

I would just like to wish you Good Luck I think your dentist will try all he can to see if things can be made better this time. I really hope it works out for you.

After last time I dare not say it will be okay, I am just hoping with everything I have that it will be okay this time.