Feel Stupid when doc asks how long its been!

[SHUGGAS234]

I am so scared to go to the dentist.. havent been there in over 6 years . It seemed like everytime i went i would hurt for weeks afterwards. So then i was so sick of it i decided to never ever go back. But i look at my teeth and see alot of tartar buildup on my bottom inner teeth.. So i have to go but i know if i go for a cleaning... they always want to go more..

 

[letsconnect]

Hi there ,
dentists vary in their approaches to dental treatment, with some taking a more "aggressive" approach than others. Some dentists overtreat, some undertreat, but most find a happy medium. If you're worried about overtreatment (which, according to some dentists, is more common in the some parts of the US), the best idea would be to ask around acquaintances, friends or family members for dentist recommendations. That way, you've got a good chance of finding someone who adopts a preventative, minimal intervention approach.

Once you have found a suitable dentist, make sure you discuss any treatment recommendations. He or she should be able to explain to you what should be done, why it should be done, and what the different alternatives are. Remember that no dentist can carry out any treatment unless you agree to it. You can only make a good treatment decision for yourself if you're informed about the various options and their pros and cons, so make sure your dentist shows to you and explains to you what should (or shouldn't) be done and why.

Ultimately, you're in charge of what happens, though a dentist has the right not to have you as a patient if you decide not to have necessary treatment and if your decisions put your health in jeopardy. This is unlikely to happen though if they can show you (e. g. with the help of x-rays, a camera or a mirror) what's going on. A good question to ask your dentist is: "If it was you who had this problem, what would you choose to do yourself?".

Most dentists will be happy to discuss these things and let you take an active part in your health decisions, if they're not, find somone who is.

 

[Flosser47]

Don't worry -- I think 6 years is a short time compared to other people I know! My brother hadn't been in 20 years. When he finally went, they just numbed him up, did a cleaning, and that was that. Nothing else. His teeth were fine. I hadn't had a cleaning since 1989 until I went today.

I would definitely not see a dentist without a recommendation from a friend or co-worker. I know what you mean about going in for a cleaning, and being told you need an engine overhaul. If they tell you that, I would go to a another dentist for his/her opinion. You don't want a money-hungry dentist so ask around and see what other people think of their dentists. And don't worry -- 6 years isn't that long -- They've heard of far longer periods! They shouldn't be shocked. Good luck!