Many thanks!

[Firefly]

I have been visiting the forum and reading posts for a bit, I really wish I had of found this place alot sooner!

I overcame my fear of going to the dentist in November of last year (2007) It had been 7 years since my last visit. I had quite a bit of work I knew had to be done. I had broken, chipped teeth, and my molars were turning brown. As a child and teenager I had always gone to the dentist. Had whatever work that had to be done. After I had my children my teeth got worse. I also consumed alot of soda. Which did not help in anyway.

I spent many nights laying awake worrying about my teeth. I wasn't in much pain, however I had a very hard time chewing any foods and was very self conscious when it came to smiling. One of my front teeth were starting to be affected.

I spent much of last year feeling sick and not knowing why. I guess in the back of my mind I knew it was my teeth causing me to feel sick...but I was far to embarrassed to tell anyone, let alone open my mouth to anyone. I started to get really bad anxiety - worried I would die of infection etc...

In November my husband had to go in and have a filling done. He told me what a nice dentist he had...it was then that I decided I would call. I called and made the apt. A couple weeks later I was sitting in his office.

He was a great dr. He told me that I did indeed need quite a bit of work done, but it wasn't anything he couldn't handle. He also told me that what mattered was that I was sitting in there and was going to get a handle on it. He did put some fear into my head...saying that he was surprised that I hadn't been sicker...and that my mouth was a ticking time bomb...if I didn't deal with it, then I could be hospitalized next time I cought a simple cold NOT something to say with someone who has anxiety. I ended up sobbing in his office...he then appologized and said that we would get it all fixed...and I would feel better. He started me off with some antibiotics...and told to see him in a couple weeks.

We decided that my work would be done in 4 visits. I was fine with that...the biggest hurdle for me was opening my mouth for him and the assistant.

3 days before Christmas I got 4 teeth pulled - bottom right of my mouth. (that was the worst area). I let a few months go by...last month my husband said "Why haven't you been for your next round of pullings?" I was supposed to go back 4 or so weeks after round 1 for round 2...however, I was putting it off.....

Monday (March 10th) I went in for round 2. - the left side of my lower mouth. Had 2 teeth pulled and 2 fillings done. All the work on my lower mouth is done

I will go back in 4 weeks (once my left lower heals) and start the upper mouth work.

I can not wait for the day that all the pullings and fillings are done on the top! I will be able to smile (even if I'm missing back teeth) without feeling embarrassed, or trying to cover my mouth.

In time I will get partial dentures...probably not until closer to the end of this year. All my front teeth are intact, (just need a couple fillings) it's just the lack of back teeth (which are not as visible with my smile)

I am finally getting my teeth delt with...I feel so proud of myself...and I thank everyone here in the forum for posting your stories!

 

[scaredstiff]

Firefly your story was a lovely read and you have every right to be proud of yourself. Your dentist sounds wonderful and together you make an ideal combination which has enabled you to deal with your fear and get the treatment. So, all the lower teeth are now dealt with, so halfway there and in 4 weeks you start on the upper so it won't be soo long now before you have a whole mouth full of lovely healthy teeth.

I shouldnt worry too much about the back teeth, though you seem to be OK with that since you are leaving it to the end of the year. I went without the four back molars for years and no one ever noticed but you will feel tremendous when you get a partial and have a full mouth of teeth. I tell you, it sure takes some getting used to eating properly again.

So well done on your successes to date, you've done tremendously well, and do keep us all posted on your future progress.