S
sara411
Junior member
- Joined
- Mar 7, 2025
- Messages
- 3
- Location
- Usa
Hi everyone, long time lurker first time poster.
I genuinely can't believe I'm writing this but I just finished my first appointment/consultation with a dentist in 15 years! I've been dealing with severe dental phobia and anxiety for as long as I can remember. The mere thought of stepping foot into a dental office filled me with so much fear and anxiety that it paralyzed me.
I knew some of my teeth were in horrible condition (a few of my back teeth are covered in heavy tartar and have been for nearly a decade) My phobia and bad mental health led me down a path of being too afraid to brush certain areas of my mouth which I know isn't rational at all but unfortunately that's what happens when you're not doing well mentally.
I was filled with so much shame and embarrassment when trying to explain myself to the hygienist and dentist but they were so kind and understanding. They didn't shame me for my lack of hygiene or make me feel bad in any way which was such a relief! (Although I can't help but worry that after I left they showed the whole office pictures of my teeth, just due to how awful and shocking my tartar was)
Now here's the crazy part that I still can't believe is true. They took xrays of all my teeth and told me I have minimal bone loss, even around the ones covered in tartar!!! I genuinely can't believe it. I really thought that I'd be told I have severe periodontal disease and that I'd have to lose multiple teeth.
The relief I feel is so insane I can't even explain it. The only downside to the whole situation is that I'm being referred to a periodontist to do the deep cleaning instead of where I had my appointment today. I also have to wait around 2 months for that appointment which sucks because I desperately want a clean, healthy mouth again and the buildup is driving me insane.
But you guys, I actually did it! I took a step in overcoming a phobia that has been ruining my life for so long. I honestly thought that I'd end up dying before making it back into a dental chair...and now I can't wait to go back so that I can save my teeth. Don't get me wrong I'm still terrified of all the procedures that need to be done but I plan on taking medicine before my appointment and maybe even using laughing gas to get by.
All I can say is if you're anything like me and your phobia has been ruling you for years just make that first appointment. I promise it won't be nearly as bad as you think it's going to be. And your teeth might actually be in way better shape than you think they are! ❤❤❤
I genuinely can't believe I'm writing this but I just finished my first appointment/consultation with a dentist in 15 years! I've been dealing with severe dental phobia and anxiety for as long as I can remember. The mere thought of stepping foot into a dental office filled me with so much fear and anxiety that it paralyzed me.
I knew some of my teeth were in horrible condition (a few of my back teeth are covered in heavy tartar and have been for nearly a decade) My phobia and bad mental health led me down a path of being too afraid to brush certain areas of my mouth which I know isn't rational at all but unfortunately that's what happens when you're not doing well mentally.
I was filled with so much shame and embarrassment when trying to explain myself to the hygienist and dentist but they were so kind and understanding. They didn't shame me for my lack of hygiene or make me feel bad in any way which was such a relief! (Although I can't help but worry that after I left they showed the whole office pictures of my teeth, just due to how awful and shocking my tartar was)
Now here's the crazy part that I still can't believe is true. They took xrays of all my teeth and told me I have minimal bone loss, even around the ones covered in tartar!!! I genuinely can't believe it. I really thought that I'd be told I have severe periodontal disease and that I'd have to lose multiple teeth.
The relief I feel is so insane I can't even explain it. The only downside to the whole situation is that I'm being referred to a periodontist to do the deep cleaning instead of where I had my appointment today. I also have to wait around 2 months for that appointment which sucks because I desperately want a clean, healthy mouth again and the buildup is driving me insane.
But you guys, I actually did it! I took a step in overcoming a phobia that has been ruining my life for so long. I honestly thought that I'd end up dying before making it back into a dental chair...and now I can't wait to go back so that I can save my teeth. Don't get me wrong I'm still terrified of all the procedures that need to be done but I plan on taking medicine before my appointment and maybe even using laughing gas to get by.
All I can say is if you're anything like me and your phobia has been ruling you for years just make that first appointment. I promise it won't be nearly as bad as you think it's going to be. And your teeth might actually be in way better shape than you think they are! ❤❤❤
