It's almost that time again

[Stupiddentalfear]

Hi anyone/everyone,

I have my six month check up approaching this Friday and my anxiety is soaring. To be honest I'm still suffering with depression and anxiety everyday of my life. It hasn't gone away since my last appointment. I'm just constantly worried about my root canalled tooth. Endodontist allowed me to keep it (with a 60% chance of survival) but it can't be crowned. I don't chew anywhere near it. I clean at least three times a day, floss, use mouthwash. So I feel I'm doing everything in my power to save it. However the thought of losing my tooth (which got to this state through dental phobia) overwhelms me. I honestly think I am likely to hurt myself in some way if it goes. (I have seriously thought about suicide.) When I think about my tooth no longer being there I get terrible panic attacks - asthma where I struggle to breathe and the shakes. Sometimes I go the other way and have spontaneous sick and diarrhoea which lasts around 48 hrs. How do I keep going to the dentist? How do I keep my tooth? How do I get on with my life if the tooth does have to go? How do I stop worrying about my teeth?

Please keep your fingers and toes crossed for me for Friday that everything is ok.

Thanks for reading.

 

[Stupiddentalfear]

Anyone? How do I stop this fear, anxiety and depression from taking over and ruining my life?

 

[FearfulInMA]

I'm sorry you're feeling this way.

First, the best chance of keeping the tooth is to get regular dental care. I'm not sure why it couldn't be crowned - if I were you, I might get a second opinion about that.

In terms of anxiety/depression - do you have a therapist/counselor you can talk to? If you are having thoughts of suicide, are there local hotlines you can reach out to? Unfortunately, there's no easy fix for managing/coping with anxiety and depression. If you have skills that you normally use (exercise, cooking a meal, taking a shower, talking to a friend, taking a nap, etc.) you may need to rely heavily on those skills now.

Hang in there!

 

[newbieindeatalfear]

Its almost that time again? Peanut butter jelly time? Just kidding

You might look into exersice that usually calms me down, Sometimes i take celery for relaxing it also lowers blood pressure, Asking your family doctor would help and they might help with medicine for big events during social events

Hope this helped

 

[Stupiddentalfear]

Thank you FearfullinMA,

I was told by NHS dentist that there isn't enough tooth left. They wanted to pull it but agreed I could keep it should the Endodontist be able to treat it.

I have been for Counselling and didn't really help. (I'm also a qualified Counsellor but all the logic and knowledge does not help me personally. It has also robbed me of a future career.) I've been on anti-depressants and they didn't really help.

I'm worried about them wanting to extract my tooth or any other teeth. It's my worst nightmare. (I was quite a pretty lady and now I want to rip up all my photos. I have trouble getting up and living my life every day. It's my two year old who keeps me going.) I feel like I'm losing a limb and feel so ugly. I've thought that if I did allow it to happen I'll get an implant. But I know I'll spend the rest of my life worrying about that.

I know I need to keep going to the dentist. I need to be reminded of this - so thank you. I just need to find that courage to keep on going.And perhaps another visit to my GP.

Thanks again.

 

[ScaredyCat22]

I'm not a dentist but as far as I always knew a tooth with "not enough structure left" is even more in need of a crown to protect it. that is what a build up and core post is for, to build it up enough to cement a crown. root canaled teeth get very dry and brittle and can easily fracture if they are not crowned. a crown can hold the tooth together.

Good luck with your appointment I hope it goes well

 

[Stupiddentalfear]

Thanks for input ScaredyCat22,

Well either they can't or won't do core and post on NHS. I don't know the answer. I avoid that side of my mouth completely. Plus the bite of tooth doesn't touch any other teeth so I'm really hoping and preying that it won't fracture.

I'm really trying to enjoy my life again and beat this. It's just the thought of living with this extreme anxiety and depression (plus future dental visits) that scares me. I don't know if I can live out the rest of my life in this state. But on the flip side I don't want to be viewed as selfish and wreck my daughters life.

Thanks again for response.

 

[ScaredyCat22]

I know what you mean, it does get very depressing and exhausting always worrying about teeth all the time. teeth are the first thing I think of when I wake up in the morning and the last thing at night. oh and in between then I worry about my teeth lol.
I do hope your appointment goes well.

 

[takingflight]

Hi,

I understand completely being fearful and anxious. Often depression can go hand and hand with these feelings and I'm glad you recognize that something is going on and want to try to help yourself. Here is a link to some valuable information regarding depression, especially as it relates to phobias. There is also information and links to others who can help you work through your fears. Please consider checking some of them out so you can find some relief from your anxiety. You're absolutely right to make your daughter a top consideration in your attempts to feel better and I hope you are able to get the support you need.

Best wishes!!

Takingflight

 

[Stupiddentalfear]

Hi Takingflight,

You are totally right about the link between anxiety and depression. It's a vicious cycle once you start suffering with either.

Thank you for your support. It's very much appreciated.

 

[tari]

Hey , good luck for your appointment, hope it all goes well and you can relax a bit again.

 

[Stupiddentalfear]

Hi Tari,

Many thanks for message. I must say my nerves are on edge today. Plus I'm crying all the while. It's not the fear of pain anymore it's an overwhelming fear of losing teeth. I have just had my telephone reminder and promised to be there which I will. I don't want to end up blaming myself for anymore teeth being in a state. (Although pregnancy never helped and if I hadn't have been pregnant I would have got myself there sooner.)


You are right though. If Ican get through tomorrow with nothing else needingvto be done then maube I can allow myself to relax a little. I really hope so.

Thanks again. I reply do appreciate the support.

 

[Stupiddentalfear]

P.S. Sorry for annoying typos. It's my phone which I am messaging from.