First dentist appointment in five years next week

[ScaredyCat7]

Just over a week ago, I made my first dentist appointment in five years. My appointment is next week on the 24th. The last time I went to a dentist was in March 2020 right before everything shut down due to the pandemic, and I did not see that dentist again since they switched from NHS to private in 2023. For the past two years, I must admit I haven’t made much of an effort to look for a new NHS dentist. Focusing on university and then life in general meant that looking for a dentist was something that I kept putting off. I had no pain and had no difficulty eating during the past five years (I still don’t) so looking or going to a dentist wasn’t something at the top of my to-do list.

I recently noticed some tartar forming at the top of my front teeth which prompted me to look for a NHS dentist, and luckily I was able to find one (which has great reviews so that’s a relief) without needing to go onto a waiting list. I also have tartar forming on my bottom left teeth, and I am ashamed to admit that I should have dealt with the buildup on the bottom teeth sooner. Yesterday, I also felt with my tongue that one of my teeth feels like it has decayed or more likely cracked or broke at some point in the last week (maybe slightly longer but I would probably of noticed it a lot earlier if it had been there for a long period). Again, it isn’t causing me any pain or difficulties in eating.

Up until 2020, I regularly visited the dentist. In the past I have had fillings for small cavities and had several baby teeth extracted since they wouldn’t fall out on their own, but nothing major.

Given the 5 year absence since my last visit to the dentist, I am absolutely petrified of my first visit to my new dentist. It isn’t necessarily the treatment that I am afraid of (unless the dentist suggests to extract all my teeth) or even past experiences, it is just the embarrassment of the prolonged absence. Looking on Google isn’t exactly helping with the fear either. However, I know I have to go back now because 5 years can quickly become 10 years and my teeth will just get worse as consequence, so I guess I just have to battle my fear.

I hope this all makes sense and I haven’t waffled on too much.

 

[krlovesherkids777]

Scaredycat 7 To DFC! Hope you know how courageous you are! It really takes a lot to get up the courage after so long, I think , myself included the fears sink in, I know I get in frozen mode and time flies. And it is scary not knowing how it will all go . Have you done much research on the new dentist? read reviews? any idea what they are like? Why you picked them?

So many dentists now days really are much more sensitive to dental shame and anxiety and try their best to make you feel comfortable during your visit. I recently heard a radio program where a hygienist said they now have a lot more special training on dealing with patients on a compassionate level. I've heard several including my new dentist say he is just glad I'm coming and getting things taken care of, most really want to help.

Also if you do get any negative vibe or not nice treatment, remember you are in charge and can leave and don't have to deal with treatment that is unkind or shaming. There are so many good kind compassionate dentists out there. Really hope this goes well. You will have to keep us up.

 

[ScaredyCat7]

@krlovesherkids777 Thank you for your support and kind words.

The dentist that I ended up choosing has overwhelming positive reviews. One review in particular from just 17 hours ago was from someone who stated that they hate going to the dentist but they are so gentle, listen to your fears and make you feel so better about them. I have to say the receptionist I spoke to on the phone was very kind and didn’t judge me when I said my last appointment was in 2020 and answered all of my questions.

Before I found this dentist, I made a few phone calls around both private and NHS. One of the privates was really nice, the other not so much so I politely ended the call. Regarding the NHS, it is a lot more limited in options especially since I live in a city. Most NHS dentists that I phoned either were no longer accepting patients or had a waiting list of around 9-12 months, so I am incredibly lucky I was able to find one where I could be accepted straight away.

For me personally, private is an option I would be able to do as a one-off here and there, whilst NHS is a better long-term option despite the longer waiting times.

I kind of wish next Wednesday would hurry up as I think the wait is making me more anxious than anything. Whilst I am also expecting to need some work doing, I feel like my teeth are worse in my mind than in reality, and I often go to the worse case scenario after looking around on Google.

 

[ScaredyCat7]

I had my appointment today, and it actually went better than expected. I am visiting the hygienist in October. The dentist told me I possibly have stage 2 gum disease (might even be stage 1), but tbh I was expecting the gum disease to be worse. I have no cavities so that is a relief. However, the dentist did notice that one of my wisdom teeth has started coming through sideways so it will have to be removed at some point in the future.

Regarding the dentist themselves, I explained everything and they were completely kind, understanding and also gentle throughout the appointment. They weren’t surprised when I told them I hadn’t been in the past five years due to the pandemic and my previous dentist switching from NHS to private, and told me it has become increasingly common and I am not alone with many people in the UK facing similar issues.

My biggest two fears are out of the way, the fear of embarrassment/shame and the fear of what may be found. I was so anxious in the days leading up to the appointment, but now I can focus on the treatment ahead with the first major hurdle out of the way.