I know that I have to go to the dentist, but I can't even call there

[Sam_]

Hi!

I'm 21 and I always struggled with my teeth. Already when I was 4 I had my first cavities (not my fault obv).

From there, it didn't really get better. Struggles with mental health and the situation at home made me lose my first adult tooth at the age of 12. I haven't seen a dentist until the age of 17 out of fear. And boom. 10 more cavities. Got them all fixed, but never went back after that.

In the meantime, I kept strugglin with my mental health and taking care of my teeth. I know they were in bad shape back then and they are even worse today.

But even just thinking about calling there brings me to panic attacks. I know how hard it is to go there. The panic. The physical symptoms that I can't stop. That just rule my day. But I really have to.

Anyone got any ideas how I could potentially at least make it to call there as a first step? I know that once I have an appointment, I am unlikely to not go.

 

[Merlengwen]

I get anxiety about phoning the dentist too. I put off going until I was in absolute agony. I ended up walking into the dentist and getting an emergency appointment rather than phoning.
Since then, I email the dentist to ask for appointments. Usually they reply by email. Sometimes they'll phone back, but I'm sure you could request email or text. I wonder if you'd feel safer, or more able to email.