Going to the dentist for the first time ever

[Adc432]

Hi! I finally worked up the courage to schedule a dentist appointment. I’ve pretty much never been. I went as a kid but it’s been probably 15 years since I’ve been so let’s chalk it up to never.

I know I have cavities. I can see them in the back. It’s black in the creases of my molars. How will they be filled? Does it hurt?

My gums are awful. I know. It’s embarrassing. My main fear is about my front teeth. They’re stained and have a cavity for sure between some of my teeth but what about the yellow up at the tops? Is that decay? How will they remove it if it’s stains? I’m preparing for the worst but trying to home for the best. Knowledge is power and if I can prep for the news coming my way it’ll give me less anxiety.

 

[honeybee91]

First off I want to say I’m happy and proud of you for going to the dentist for the first time in 15 years! I haven’t been to one in 7 years and I’m trying to save enough money to go by at least next year..anyways to answer some of your questions

The yellow stains you see is tarter at the gun line. I have it too mostly on my bottom teeth. It’s embarrassing! You will probably need a deep clean for your gums. I have gum disease and it’s a frustrating experience to go through but with deep cleanings you have a chance to get it under control.

Usually your first visit they do an exam and x rays write up a treatment plan then you come back in a few weeks. Please let us know how it goes!

 

[honeybee91]

I’m terribly sorry I didn’t realize this was ask a dentist! I thought this was a regular post. If this isn’t allowed please delete, I can’t seem to delete my reply

 

[Adc432]

@honeybee91 thank you so much! I actually didn’t realize this was ask a dentist either I just couldn’t find another forum to post my questions on lol

 

[Gordon]

Please don't feel embarrassed, it's common but there's no need at all. Have a read at this article from on here: https://www.dentalfearcentral.org/fears/embarrassment/

@honeybee91 your answer was very helpful, there's no rules here about who answers the questions, if you have something useful to add, which you did, then just jump in.

 

[Gordon]

They’re stained and have a cavity for sure between some of my teeth but what about the yellow up at the tops? Is that decay? How will they remove it if it’s stains?

Looks more like staining.
It's removed by a variety of methods, from a thing called an ultrasonic scaler (it's got a metal tip which vibrates super fast and basically vaporises plaque and calculus) to a sort of sand blaster gadget all the way back to hand scrapers and polishing paste. None of these are painful, although the ultrasonic needs water to cool it and that can sometimes trigger a bit of sensitivity.

 

[tomato]

It takes a lot of strength to go the first step. You can be so proud!

Maybe I can reply something useful about the filling as your location is given as Berlin and I am living in Germany, too. (Just a patient but I have recent experiences with choosing filling materials.) If you are insured in Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, not all filling materials are payed by it. Most dentist I came into contact with offered the choice: either the insurance version or another more expensive filling material. If you have private insurance (either full Private Krankenversicherung or Zahnzusatzversicherung) it will differ. Long story short: Talk to your dentist about options and costs. You don't have to decide right away during the first appointment if you need time to think it through and research it.

And the filling process should not hurt. They will numb you up. Tell them if anything is uncomfortable or painful for you.