Disgusted with special care dentistry service.

[Matt R73]

So I suffer from severe anxiety and panic. I asked my GP 5 weeks ago if he could refer me to my local special care dentistry service. He did but I had a call from my surgery this week saying they've had a reply and apparently I don't meet the criteria. I found the telephone number and phoned them and explained my situation only to be told phobia doesn't meet their criteria.

So once again I've reached out to get my broken teeth sorted and been kicked in the teeth again ( excuse the pun). The previous time was a regular dentist 3.5 years who laughed when I shook uncontrollably during my initial consultation then booked an hours appointment for the required treatment. Obviously I never went back to that insensitive moron.

I was really hoping they could do something to help me but NO. I know 2 people that use the service for phobia I told them so but they weren't interested.

 

[carole]

Hi oh dear what a shame they wouldn't help you. Maybe you could look around for an understanding dentist. You can see as many as you want to find the one that can help you. There are some very good and understanding dentists out there that will not judge you or laugh at you. It is hard to face this I know but if you look you will find someone that can help you.

Maybe you could try emailing a few and explain how you feel and why if you know. You could ask them if they can help you and see what replies you get back.

I hope you manage to find someone soon, but you must try when you feel able to cope with it and at a pace you can manage.

 

[Matt R73]

Hi Carol,
Thanks for the reply. I've been looking and researching dentists for a long time in my area and it just seems to be private practices that specialise in phobia/anxiety. I have convinced myself they will never have met anybody as anxious as me though. Just thinking about it turns into an anxiety attack. I just can't see a way through this!

 

[SallyUK]

I want to say well done to you for confronting your fears and reaching out to get what you need to help you with the health of your mouth AND your anxiety. It is a hard road to travel but I can honestly say that once you begin, the anxiety will lessen, purely because you are taking action. Somehow the anxiety changes, it is no longer just anticipatory (which as it happens is my worst kind).

I think you are going about this the right way, first finding an understanding dentist. Is a private practise out of your reach financially? I just wanted to send some encouraging words, you have done the hardest part and you are prepared to visit a dentist. That is a huge step. I'm sorry you have a setback with the special care option, but please don't let that put you off.

 

[Matt R73]

Thanks Sally for replying. Going private isn't an option having a young famiy, it's way to much money especially with needing a lot of work doing.

 

[SallyUK]

I totally understand. Have you found this page on this forum:

South East

Dentist reviews and listings for dentists in the South East of England who have an interest in helping nervous or phobia patients overcome their fears.

www.dentalfearcentral.org

Did your GP offer anymore advise - on the NHS website it says there are specialist sedation clinics for fearful patients, it sounds like you might have reason to formally complain. Another source of support that I have used when I was nervous about procedures was a charity dentalhealth . org - they have a helpline, maybe they will have some ideas about how you can proceed.

Good luck, I appreciate the anxiety. I went to the dentist this morning and was very anxious, other times I am much more confident, I started this road about 7 years ago and honestly honestly, it is better to face the fear and it stops taking over your life. Being proactive feels good, the anxiety might not vanish but it is better than holding it all.

 

[carole]

Hi you don't need a dentist that specialises in fearful/phobic people. You can't be any worse than I was, I was a total shaking wreck but with the help of some very understanding dentists I managed to get the treatments I needed. You just need to make an appointment and when at the first app if they don't make you feel as if you could work with them to build up a trusting relationship then go to another. The first app will only be a meet and greet where they could have a look with just a mirror if you are afraid of the probe (the pointy tool) they do like to do an x ray but if that is too much they can do it next time. You only need to agree to what you feel you can cope with at each visit. It is a slow process but with the right dentist you will get there.

I am nhs treated so I know the right dentist is out there for you, you just need to go and interview one. Always remember YOU ARE IN CHARGE and they can only do what you give them CONSENT to do. That includes having a look.

There are a lot of very understanding dentists out there. There are a lot of people that have had your fear so you are not alone in this and we all understand how you feel.

When you are ready make that first appointment.