Havent been to the dentist in 4 years, having a bit of a melt down.

[lulupops]

Hands up how many of you cried while writing their first post really scared.

I haven't been to the dentist in 4 years. I have kept putting it off. No one knows how scared I am. My other half has no idea.

I have really bad tartar build up on my bottom and I am terrified they will tell me my teeth are all rotten and the bone has shrank (only found out that was possible tonight) and they will need removing. Or that they will remove it and my teeth will fall out or I will have lots of pain and issues. I am self employed and can't miss work with the job I do.

I think the main issue is, I went to the dentist when I was about 18 for a filling, I opted for no anesthetic at all (I am not usually scared of things! didn't mind the pain for not having to deal with a numb face. ) The dentist did the filling, no issue. But then gave me a scale and polish with out telling me what she was doing I guess to get rid of tartar I didn't know about. and it hurt so much and I panicked but was trapped.

As soon as I saw the tartar build up in my mouth it all came back to me.

finally point. I went in to at a dentist last year, took me weeks to pluck up the courage. and there was no one there, I waited for 10 mins in a empty waiting room, and chickened out.


Can anyone help me whats the worst that will happen? shall I tell them I am scared?

 

[CollegeBound]

My hand is up for sure! Heck, just going through the Common Fears page made me bawl!

You should definitely TELL YOUR DENTIST ABOUT YOUR FEARS!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can promise you that it will really set the foundation on how he will treat you mentally and with your teeth. Developing a trusting relationship is one of the most important parts of receiving quality care.

I know you are scared, but you can do this! Keep us posted on how things go!

 

[Patricia5]

I just made my first post a few minutes ago and you're not alone, I really am crying. I want to crawl into a corner and sob uncontrollably in fact. Your fears sound very much like mine. My gums are in really really terrible shape and recently they started throbbing constantly and feeling sore and swollen. I think they have receded a lot too but I don't know exactly how badly because I'm too terrified to look at them in the mirror. I have the same fears you mentioned, that the dentist will give me terrible news and say there is nothing he can do. I feel like such a fool for letting this happen. I wish I could offer you comforting words and support but I honestly don't know what to say because I'm in the same boat. I can tell you though I understand how scary it is. I'm absolutely terrified thinking about this, can hardly sleep and have nightmares when I do. Sorry I hope I'm not making you feel worse.

 

[lulupops]

UPDATE:

Ok so I stayed up really late last night reading this site and trying to ease my fears I like to know the worst I think just to I am prepared.

So just now, (just got back) I went to a dentist and registered as a new patient! (who knows if it was for NHS or private at this point I don't really care) I have an appointment. I am so glad I have somewhere to write this and talk about it. Just hope no teeth fall out before my appointment on the 16th. I will update after


Patricia5 it helped you being so scared too, my fear turned into a feeling of its ok we can do this together! WE CAN!! I just really hope my teeth can all be sorted as much as they can and I can over come this fear.

 

[CollegeBound]

Great job! Proud of you!

 

[Betty77]

Well done x

 

[lulupops]

Ok appointment is tomorrow rubbish.

 

[CollegeBound]

You can do it!

 

[FearfulInMA]

Good luck!!!

 

[carriss]

Best of luck - you can do it!

 

[ScaredyCat22]

good luck at your appointment