Fear of Dentist

[Mart43]

Evening guys

I have a real fear / phobia of dentist. I get anxious just taking my kids for their check ups. But try and keep it in check for the sake of my kids, if they see I’m fearing their appointment it’s going to make them be fearful.

My fear comes from my childhood when my dentist always knocked me out with the Gas when I needed an extraction, I used to fight it and always threw up when I came round.

Closest I’ve got to regular check ups since have been visits to the emergency dentist.

I’ve also neglected my teeth over the years, and have a few broken teeth that cause no pain, (broken down to the gum line broken). And recently fractured another tooth over the last few weeks which wasn’t causing any pain until a day or so ago, and started with a severe toothache, but eased slightly today.

Because I have neglected my teeth. Along with my fear from my childhood, it’s making me more anxious/nervous/fearful of visiting a dentist.

Probably just need some reassurance. That there’s nothing to fear. maybe a little telling off by the dentist.

 

[Beccab213]

@Mart43 Hi there!
I understand a fear of the dentist. I have found over time that communicating these fears to the dentist can make all the difference. I had three extractions, bone grafting, and implant placement two months ago. I found bringing some comfort items with me to that appointment was very helpful. I brought a small blanket, headphones (I listened to guided meditation), and a fidget toy. The procedure was over before I knew it. Also, you can ask the dentist for an anti-anxiety medication going forward for procedures and visits. The medication took the edge off for me and made me very relaxed. You can also ask the dentist to explain what he or she is doing so you know what to expect.
Best of luck to you!

 

[Mart43]

@Mart43 Hi there!
I understand a fear of the dentist. I have found over time that communicating these fears to the dentist can make all the difference. I had three extractions, bone grafting, and implant placement two months ago. I found bringing some comfort items with me to that appointment was very helpful. I brought a small blanket, headphones (I listened to guided meditation), and a fidget toy. The procedure was over before I knew it. Also, you can ask the dentist for an anti-anxiety medication going forward for procedures and visits. The medication took the edge off for me and made me very relaxed. You can also ask the dentist to explain what he or she is doing so you know what to expect.
Best of luck to you!

Thank you Beccab

My biggest fear I think is not so much the sounds of the drills it’s everything else. Sitting in the chair as daft as it sounds. And the fact I haven’t been to a dentist for such a long time and allowing my teeth to end up the way they are.

I’ll follow your advice, will have a chat with the dentist, and work on my fear, maybe if I get into a routine of going for regular check ups, it will help with the fear and result in it either being easier or none existent.

 

[Nicci]

I think just be as honest as you can, perhaps email the dentist and be open about what bothers you and what sets off your anxiety. Ask if they think they can help and see what they say.. see how you feel about their reply then.

I appreciate honesty myself, but I don't think you should be told off..
I've no idea why my mum didn't take me as a child (until a problem arose), I had a few fillings as a kid but something obviously went wrong as I didn't go again for years until I was about 18.. the guy just walked in off the street, didn't even take his coat off, he just put on gloves and pulled out my tooth (it had broken already, but still)... I had another extraction in an emergency place, that time they didn't even tell me what was going to happen - no one said anything, just "here's the dentist".. I thought he was going to look but he just pulled out my wisdom tooth.. telling me after "it had a hole in it".. Both times I felt totally out of control and not taken care of... My point being, whatever your reason for not going (or the state of your teeth) it's probably not your fault, so I don't think telling you off is fair tbh.

It's worth pointing out that ^ was some years ago.. I've not encountered anything that awful in recent years


I do find it's better to be open, make sure they know what's going on and hopefully they'll be willing to help. If they aren't or you're not a good fit, then move on. Trust and kindness goes a long way to building up good experiences, simple things like letting you sit a bit more upright, or agreeing on a stop signal are things that will build trust, they're a starting point anyway - Good luck

 

[Enarete]

Hi Mart43 ,

if you have a phobia of the dentist, this forum is the best place you can turn. Actually, that fact you reached out here and had started to think about your situation is a first step forward. It is so brave of you that you go with your kids. I can't even imagine how much that must trigger your own memories. What the dentist back then did to you sounds so violating, it's not a surprise that even sitting in the chair is too difficult for you.

Would it be an idea to take a look at some practices in your area and see whether you could find a dental practice with special interest in treating nervous patients? Beating dental fear is about trust to your dentist and it needs to be built step by step. Many people find it helpful to get in touch via email, explaining their situation and maybe scheduling a meet-and-greet appointment to see how to go about your fear. I see you're from Liverpool. He have few practices from there listed here if you'd like to take a look.

All the best wishes and keep us posted

 

[Mart43]

Thank you all for your responses it is re assuring and comforting. My fear has resulted in a few of my teeth being in a bad state, so much so that the 1’s Tjat are broken are so broken they are down to my gym line.

I have spoken to my childrens dentist and they have reassured me they are specialist in nervous patients, however they can’t get me on for another couple of weeks.

I currently have a hole in a molar, which is causing excruciating pain (managing to keep it under control with strong pain relief) I’m working away until Sunday, so going to have to keep it under control as best I can until late sunday, then get in touch with an emergency dentist, explain my feelings and hope that they understand, and help.

The teeth broken down to my gum do not cause any pain, so never really bothered about getting them seen too. The pain I’m getting from my molar is something I can’t ignore.

 

[Enarete]

Sorry to read you're so much in pain. Seeing an emergency dentist sounds like a good idea. Hope they are kind and will reassure you.

 

[Davee]

Wishing you luck in your journey to dental health. I clenched my teeth so hard once when I learned a relative died unexpectedly that I cracked two fillings. The pain was immense.

 

[Ginny Bear]

@Mart43 This makes me really sad. I needed to have a tooth pulled when I was 5. They gave me too much ether and I almost died. My health otherwise has been excellent but gum disease and pain have followed me all through the years. Now I have more missing teeth than real teeth in my mouth. Unfortunately there are so many dentists out there who just want to judge and not be compassionate. I agree communication is key but unfortunately many dentists are not there to listen. They have a mission. Remove teeth and charge for the replacements. Not interested in cleanings or preventative measures. Keep looking until you find one of the rare breeds who really cares about your dental health.