Dental hurdles we overcame in 2018 and goals and dreams for 2019

[krlovesherkids777]

Was just thinking of all we overcame in DFC this past year, thinking of my own hurdles but also that between all of us, we have really overcome alot. Like some of us making the first call in 20 years, some of us stepping into the office or the chair after so many years , some got their first implant or filling, or root canal. or dentures. Some of us faced the shame of looking in the mirror at the state of our teeth with the dentist while doing work but we did it and they didn't shame us but helped us. We were scared to take the steps of courage we did.. but did it anyways.. and it wasn't always easy, and some remains quite a challenge and wondering when it will end.. but we keep being courageous and stepping up even when we feel like giving up sometimes.

For me. in 2018. I got my 2 more crowns with the dentist who has really helped me get over alot of my dental anxiety and shame by being present and allowing me to ask questions and present my thoughts and concerns in such an open way and accepting and helping me in the kindest and most painfree way possible.. and now I have those two crowns along with a 3rd, my Christmas crown that he started and his partner finished (many impressions and temps later, they worked heroically on this one) . I also got through my first root canal retreat with an endodontist, history, I chickened out 3 x before one tooth and other times on other teeth with endodontists. and just wouldn't go to a specialist.. but because of the foundation of trust I built with my dentist , he encouraged me I could do it and I went and did it and now I have my endodontist of choice as well . and the retreat wasn't bad at all, I nearly fell asleep during it. Also, since my dentist is in a bit of transition himself , I have had the opportunity to work with his partner and owner of the place I now go.. I was always uneasy about the thought of going to a different dentist, but I feel able now to challenge myself in this and as long as they are caring, kind and competant , give them a chance to earn my trust. I'm thankful to be in a good place and it will be a new year full of new learning and trust building.

Goals

I don't like my smile, I have like 5 different colors of teeth you can see right in front and my bite is awful, I have different lengths of teeth and just .. don't like it... but.. now I have 4 good teeth in my mouth .. and I'm going to build on that.. My goal is to get a few more matching in front (though I don't like the idea of temps on my front teeth) and the other root canal retreat I need done.. to take good care of myself.. and to see all of us take good care of ourselves. because after all of life that has happened,, no matter what.. we should treat our self kindly and take the best care of our self and our teeth and a good smile and ability to function and eat and talk and feel good about ourselves in this way is a great gift for 2019!!

Also to mention what a blessing to get whole new look and site for DFC.. Beautiful work done!

I so love being a part of DFC, just wanted to say Happy New Year!!

 

[Dg6300]

Ah, so much to love:

1. Facing shame.
2. Finding courage to complete the root canal, and even nearly falling asleep during it (a true sign that dental anxiety is now afraid of you).
3. Successful crowns.
4. Sharing your ups and downs here.

That is a great dental year. Well done.

My friendly, playful challenge is to get down to three tooth colors by the end of the year. And to go from four good teeth (a good start) to 12. You can do it!

For me, at this time last year I was wrapping up the wisdom teeth from late October, and about to have the gum graft on Jan 5. I had also been trained on proper flossing by the periodontal hygienist, but reasons I can't remember I didn't take it seriously until March, when the chlorhexidrine revealed the true extent of my plaque.

My happiest dental moment was in October, when I knew I was under qualified for a job/career I'm very interested in. I resolved to not be ashamed of the coding project I built (it worked), but even if they didn't give me the time of day (they didn't) to walk out of there with my shoulders back and a natural smile. My project was beneath them as very elementary, it turned out, but I flashed a sincere smile and walked out proud, knowing I accomplished what I set out to, since I can't control others' reactions. I doubt I could have done that if my teeth were still bad.

My teeth are in pretty good shape at the moment, so in 2019 I'd like to do three things:

• Continue with my flossing habits.
• Have a dental emergency fund of $1000. (Keep in mind that my lifetimes savings is $0.00, so that would be quite an accomplishment.
• Show my now-decent teeth off in two terrifying ways:

1. On a date (I am an ordinary, decent and respectable man, but not attractive to women)
2. At an open mic (I am teaching myself guitar). Yikes!

<3

 

[krlovesherkids777]

This is great Dg6300!! Thanks for the challenges and all the encouragement! I will definately have these goals in mind ...

I also love your journeys, accomplishments and goals from the past year and into this year what you will set out for!! Great goals and vision and if anyone can do it, certainly you can!! You have done an amazing job thus far and are an example in facing your fears and coming out strongly and keeping to persevere!

 

[ReginaPhalange]

For me..

Accomplishments:

1. Having part of another tooth break off (bear with me, it's not all negative), then another on the other side, making me change my chewing side again, and finally realising this couldn't go on forever. Leading to...
2. Making the appointment I had thought about for years and going through with it, sitting in the chair and letting a dentist look in my mouth, being pleasantly surprised at not needing all my teeth out, making root canals on 3 teeth seem like something achievable.

That's all I've got, I'm new on this road!

Goals:
1. Get whatever treatment needed, whatever it takes to give me a healthy mouth where I don't have to think before chewing.
2. Be able to properly smile in photos and in real life. That could be a long way away since it's cosmetic and healthy is priority.
3. Pay forward the encouragement I've been given here, maybe contributing in a small way to someone else taking their first step.

 

[Dg6300]

While I am sorry part of your tooth fell off, I am glad that it started your on the way to a happier today. Well done.

Here is my playful challenge for you: this time next year I want to hear that you are eating one or more of the following without thinking:

• Tortilla chips
• Chocolate
• Chocolate with pretzels in them
• Heath bars
• Blizzards with Heath bars
• Apples
• Other favorite crunchy/pointy foods you love

 

[krlovesherkids777]

Reginaphalange,

You may be just beginning but you are already an encouragement to many on here You took great healthy steps this year and have no doubt you will continue the journey strongly next year and I believe 100% you will then get even to the cosmetic part ,passing the functional /healthy goal and feeling positive and great about your smile this upcoming year and beyond! You have what it takes for the journey.. one step at a time.

I know we all have some journey ahead of us and it may take us longer than this next year, I know mine will unless I hit the lottery jackpot.. but.. I have every confidence when we take small steps of courage we will all make huge strides in 2019 ...

 

[tazey]

Well done you unfortunatly I don't seem to have achieved anything in 2018 my only goal for this year would be to get my implants put in but unless I win the lottery that's not likely to happen. Untill then my lifes still on hold.

 

[MountainMama]

2018 has been a rough year for me, but I did have some moments I was proud of.

I had been very lucky up to this year in that I hadn't needed more than a filling, and one crown for a broken tooth in almost 20 years. I had tons of dental work, and several oral surgeries as a kid, which started my phobia.

So I learned that I can survive having more than a filling done. I survived two root canals, an apicoectomy, and two extractions. I even made it through the apicoectomy with only local anesthetic, as nitrous wasn't an option.

I found an amazing dentist that I hope to stay with. She left the practice as of the 31st, but I hope her new practice will be a reasonable distance, because I want to stay with her.

One big achievement is that all this mess with my teeth has really changed my eating habits. I have cut out all carbonated beverages, and am more aware of what I am eating.

For 2019:

I hope to end this chapter of my dental journey. I hope that I can get in to the endodontist soon, and we can figure out why my front tooth root canal will not heal.

I also plan to get an implant on my lower molar, and have the appointment scheduled for February.

I want to be able to be pain free.

 

[Surreyvwphobic]

A very happy new year to all. 2018 was a huge year for me, as many of you will have read in my two journals titled "Smiles Better" and "Enhanced Dentistry" accordingly. In barely nine months I went from extreme phobia to contented bliss in the dentistry world. This even included seeing a hygienist for the first time in over 30 years!

My pressing project is to find a new hairdresser in simular fashion (Ely UK) as the one I had sadly started (unintentionally) injuring me. If only going to the hairdresser could be as pleasant as going to the dentist!

That aside, my ongoing ambitions is to restore my fitness levels after a spell of illness and low spirits. At least spring is only about 8 weeks away now.......

 

[Spider]

2018 Hurdles!
-I forced myself to find a dentist in my new town AND I went back despite making a fool of myself during the first appointment.
-I had my first crown to fix a tooth that has been nothing but trouble for years. It feels so good to have that tooth fixed

2019 Goals!
- I'd like to drive past dentist offices and billboard advertisements for dentists and not experience a wave of anxiety, or look away and pretend I don't notice.
- I would like to start telling my family about my dentist appointment at least a day before I have an appointment. I currently do not tell my family about appointments because denial helps me cope with the anxiety leading up to the appointment. I have one tomorrow morning at 9am, and my husband has no idea and I won't tell my kids until we arrive in the school parking lot and I kick them out of the car early so I can get there on time.
- Admit to the dentist that I only chew food on one side because a tooth hurts (and its not the one getting a crown). The denial thing again... perhaps if I ignore it, it'll go away.

 

[kitkat]

I had a fairly uneventful year with dental stuff but the year prior was full of things to celebrate so I will share those instead.
1. I allowed a specialist to perform my first root canal without sedation and did not freak out!
2. I got my first crown with my dentist and also did not freak out!
3. I was upfront about communicating my fear to the Endo rather than my usual coping strategy of putting on a brave face or trying to hide my fear.
4. I have started communicating about my dental fear with other people (i.e. friends and close coworkers). Up until recently, I never felt safe to talk about it outside of this forum.

2019 Goals:
1. Increase self care
2. Lose weight/exercise more
3. Face my other medical phobias and get established with a primary care doctor as well as a OB/GYN.

 

[ReginaPhalange]

While I am sorry part of your tooth fell off, I am glad that it started your on the way to a happier today. Well done.

Here is my playful challenge for you: this time next year I want to hear that you are eating one or more of the following without thinking:

• Tortilla chips
• Chocolate
• Chocolate with pretzels in them
• Heath bars
• Blizzards with Heath bars
• Apples
• Other favorite crunchy/pointy foods you love

Challenge completed ?

I don't know what some of those are but I have been eating crunchy things and not thinking about it, and sometimes reminding myself to use both sides to chew.

Thank you for the encouragement ?

 

[Dg6300]

Look at you! Congratulations ????

 

[krlovesherkids777]

That is awesome Regina!! Always great to hear others challenges conquered..

 

[krlovesherkids777]

I was thinking about this post from last year .. since it is the New year just wanted to say Happy New year to DFC famiy and revive the post on hurdles we overcame in 2019 and dreams and goals for 2020!!

For me.. I got to know a new dentist to me. having the news my previous dentist was leaving that form of general dentistry to only do all on 4's with a big chain was not news I was looking forward to.. but this past year I've really loved getting to know my new dental team and appreciating their strengths and their care for me. I'm loving the stability and safety and competence my dentist gives me.

He also cares to the great extent that he has given me the opportunity to get extensive dental work done at a very reasonable cost and financial plan so I can get my dental dream of getting rid of my bottom dentures after 20 years.. I never thought I would . but health issues prompted quicker treatment goals and my dentist has been nothing short of amazing through all this.

I'm trying to overcome the feeling of being a bother or needy as I keep having to come back for post ops and have a lot of appointments as I will until I'm finished with this.. so. that will be a challenge. I hate the feeling of such dependence and vulnerability.. but its a growth opportunity and opportunity to learn to trust.

My goals for 2020.. to see my dream fulfilled and getting my bottom and top teeth looking and functioning good . gaining even more trust and security in my dental team .. and also being a much a part of this lovely DFC family as I can.. also would love to be as much of a blessing and encouragement to my dental team as I can as I'm going through this.

Staying positive and growing through all of this. even in the most difficult times.. I know this is not all fun and games. at times it is so difficult.. and at times things seem to go back to being anxious.. but progess is not linear.. we will all have set backs.. but heres to comebacks being stronger than setbacks in 2020!!!

 

[tazey]

Unfortunately my comment would pretty much be the same as my last one still sat here in exactly the same position,yes the implants were put in in May but what's the point leaving something half done im worse off now than I was before. Dreading this year esp as August approaches. ?

 

[ReginaPhalange]

Goals:
1. Get whatever treatment needed, whatever it takes to give me a healthy mouth where I don't have to think before chewing.
2. Be able to properly smile in photos and in real life. That could be a long way away since it's cosmetic and healthy is priority.
3. Pay forward the encouragement I've been given here, maybe contributing in a small way to someone else taking their first step.

Those were my goals.

1. I can't believe I actually did it, I got 3 root canal treatments, a few appointments for scale&polish, spent more money than I care to remember (but worth it all, and much less than I would have had to if I'd gone private), and now I don't think before chewing!

2. I'm not quite at this stage yet and I've not quite decided if I really will go ahead with cosmetic treatment. It's scary for other reasons. For now I'm happy to not have any appointments looming over my head, and happy to know that when I next get a reminder to make an appointment, it will be routine, rather than terrifying.

3. I could probably do better in this!

 

[thisisme]

Last new year, I hadn’t visited a dentist in 16 years, so I feel like I’m a little ahead than I was back then.

Short term dreams:

1.) Go to my two regular cleaning appointments this year
2.) Makes strides toward a smile that makes me feel the most confident and beautiful. Do a braces consult. Get braces. I want to stop caring so much about what others think and just do what I want.

Longer term dreams (both go along with #2):
3.) Smile... like really smile... and not feel the need to run from the camera. Don’t avoid situations where I know a lot of pictures will be taken, and eventually actually pay money for a photo op with a celebrity because I want to be grinning so wide when they put their arms around me.
4.) Apply to be on a game show or reality show. Crazy, I know, but I just have this big personality and I love games, and I especially like physical challenges. I never put myself out there because let’s face it, only people with gorgeous teeth are on TV. But one day... I want to feel confident enough to apply.