• Dental Phobia Support

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I started with the phone call

Small update. I didn't get an appointment last week, no reason in particular, just falling into bad habits again and having my mental excuse of "I'm tired from work" creeping in. I tried to get an appointment this week, however my dentist is on holidays for a few days. Fingers crossed I'll be back on the mission next week.
 
I've slipped up, but partially with good reason, I got a new job and got out of a toxic environment. Gonna try and get back on my journey again.
 
Vix, I want to say good for you on getting out of a toxic environment, it's never easy.

We're all here ready to support you in your decisions.

Could you possibly reach out to the dentist you saw in March and explain the situation to them?
 
Vix, I want to say good for you on getting out of a toxic environment, it's never easy.

We're all here ready to support you in your decisions.

Could you possibly reach out to the dentist you saw in March and explain the situation to them?
Thank you, my old work environment was detrimental to my overall wellbeing, my new work environment is like night and day in comparison.

I'm hoping to do so, I just have to wait for my next work rota. I hate being so panicky about all this. I'm literally feeling shakey, wanting to cry and I'm getting a tightness in my chest just writing this, it makes it harder to just make a stupid phone call.
 
Thank you, my old work environment was detrimental to my overall wellbeing, my new work environment is like night and day in comparison.

I'm hoping to do so, I just have to wait for my next work rota. I hate being so panicky about all this. I'm literally feeling shakey, wanting to cry and I'm getting a tightness in my chest just writing this, it makes it harder to just make a stupid phone call.

I feel you. Last year when I was trying to make an appointment I felt shaky and a tightness in my chest whenever I dialled the number. Could you try breaking it into smaller steps. Could you possible email them to get them to give you a ring? Or could you try writing down what you want to say to them, so that when you're ready, you have your words there for you. I hope these help.
 
Thank you, my old work environment was detrimental to my overall wellbeing, my new work environment is like night and day in comparison.

I'm hoping to do so, I just have to wait for my next work rota. I hate being so panicky about all this. I'm literally feeling shakey, wanting to cry and I'm getting a tightness in my chest just writing this, it makes it harder to just make a stupid phone call.

It is so hard to get things rolling again after taking time away from it. Anxiety sneaks back in so easily. Congrats on your new job. I can relate to being in a toxic work environment and breaking free from that can be life changing. Just think about how far ahead of the starting line you are this time; you have a dentist you like and have already had positive experiences with to build upon and you already know what needs doing. You are starting off with a real advantage this time!
 
Thought I'd give an update. Not a great update. I had a filling put in by the dentist, he was great, it was all better than expected. He gave me a list of what needs doing, great. I was able to tick things off one by one. After the filling, I was ready to make an appointment again... still terrified, contacted them, he was on holidays.

About 4 weeks go by, I try to have the courage, crying again, breathing heavily. I made the call. He wasn't available, a different guy was in his place. I gave up after this. The struggle to build a relationship with a dentist you trust is so hard.

I'm kinda back to square one. But I'm also back at the point where it's in my head now that I really need to do this. Why is it so hard. I'm basically waiting until my worst nightmare happens (teeth falling out) before doing anything about this.
 
Hi @Vix, so sorry to hear that things have not been going smoothly. It must have been really difficult to get to the stage of finding a dentist you jell with AND start off with treatment only to find that they're not available for your ongoing care. Did they explain why he wasn't available?

I see from your profile that you're in Ireland - I can highly recommend @Niall Neeson, who is on our advisory board, to anyone with dental phobia or fears. Really lovely and gentle guy. He's in Navan though so I don't know if that's anywhere near you.

You're definitely not back to square one - you nearly got there last time, and if it hadn't been for the circumstances at the time, things might have played out quite differently. But if you managed to do it once, you can do it again ?
 
Unfortunately Navan is a bit too far for me. I really appreciate that though, it's nice knowing there's people passionate for caring for people like myself, it's so incredibly valuable.

Kinda good news today I guess? Dentist was incredibly lovely, I burst into tears when I entered the room, but she was so so so patient and listened to everything I had to say.

I'm just sad she has to refer me on to a specialist, I wish she was the one doing my treatments going forward. She said I need to get my bottom front teeth removed, as the gum disease is really bad. You'd think (or at least I would) I would be horrified and even more scared. But the news of getting a bridge in the area is actually really pleasing for me, this means I can relatively quickly have a normal set of teeth in the area that is causing me so much mental trauma.
 
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Hi @Vix (and thanks for the mention @letsconnect). Apologies I’m only seeing this now.
I have to say reading this thread it’s clear to see how much progress you’ve made Vix. You should take a look back at all the positive steps you’ve taken. You should be very proud of yourself. This progress can continue to build that self-belief that you can do this. You are doing it!

Great to hear you felt listened to by your recent dentist. I know it can be disappointing when advised to see a specialist but it would only be recommended if it was the right decision for you and your mouth. These decisions are always made with your best intentions at heart.

All the best with your continued journey. Continue to focus on the benefits, the outcome and remind yourself why you’re doing this. For health, function, smile, confidence, overall well-being.
 
Thank you Niall! Isn’t it funny, I keep reaching out here each time I am hitting a wall and knowing I need to make changes. Nearly a year later, here I am again, this time in the absolute best mental position I need to be in to make improvements. Deterioration has continued, I have made zero physical progress, but I feel closer to where I need to be to have the confidence and energy to make these appointments and get things done.

The truth is, every dentist I have had has given me nothing but a great experience, every one of them has treated me with kindness and patience. Literally the only thing holding me back is myself.

The panicky feeling has reduced significantly when thinking about this topic, I am gently flooding myself with information about what I need to do next. Only problem I have at the moment is that finances are slowing me down. I quit my last job (that I mentioned above), it really helped me gain a heap of confidence, I have just taken a much needed break from working, my partner has been nothing but supportive… but I am going back to improve my education… and what an amazing gift would it be to give myself but new and improved teeth? That’s the goal now, lets see if I can do this before September? No pressure…
 
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