S
scalingquestions
Junior member
- Joined
- Jan 25, 2023
- Messages
- 1
- Location
- London
Hi all
After about 8 years of not visiting the dentist due to phobia, and quite poor oral hygiene, this year I made it a resolution to get back on top of things. My first couple of check ups were very nerve ranking but were all okay (4 fillings in the first one which was way less than expected, and then nothing in the second which was so exciting!!), and I was really proud of the progress I had made getting through my fears. I have also really paid more attention to my oral hygiene and was hoping problems would be more or less behind me.
However, after a couple of days toothache I went back to the dentist and have now been told I need a root canal. My dentist is very matter of fact and supportive (being lectured or "told off" was one of my major fears going into this). While I was with the dentist I felt okay about all this, as it seems the best course of action going forward. However in the hours since the appointment I have started to feel really ashamed about this.
I have 8 fillings already (aged 26), and now will have one root canal and a crown, and in can't help but feel disgusted at myself about getting into this state. I'm worried this shame is going to lead me into my old cycle of not getting checked up on again for fear of embarrassment.
I'm basically looking for any tips from people going through the same thing - how do you fight the shame/regret enough to make sure you can keep going back and make sure you keep on top of things?
After about 8 years of not visiting the dentist due to phobia, and quite poor oral hygiene, this year I made it a resolution to get back on top of things. My first couple of check ups were very nerve ranking but were all okay (4 fillings in the first one which was way less than expected, and then nothing in the second which was so exciting!!), and I was really proud of the progress I had made getting through my fears. I have also really paid more attention to my oral hygiene and was hoping problems would be more or less behind me.
However, after a couple of days toothache I went back to the dentist and have now been told I need a root canal. My dentist is very matter of fact and supportive (being lectured or "told off" was one of my major fears going into this). While I was with the dentist I felt okay about all this, as it seems the best course of action going forward. However in the hours since the appointment I have started to feel really ashamed about this.
I have 8 fillings already (aged 26), and now will have one root canal and a crown, and in can't help but feel disgusted at myself about getting into this state. I'm worried this shame is going to lead me into my old cycle of not getting checked up on again for fear of embarrassment.
I'm basically looking for any tips from people going through the same thing - how do you fight the shame/regret enough to make sure you can keep going back and make sure you keep on top of things?