my teeth are ruining my life

[rosie]

I am absolutely terrified of dentists and even the mention of teeth fills me with dread. I like to think of myself as an intelligent woman but I just cant overcome my fears.
I feel as though I am judged by my teeth and even some of my pupils have mentioned them.
I managed to visit a branch of Boots, comforted by the fact that it was in a shop which I found reassuring. The dentist was lovely and recommended 4 appointments with the hygienist at a cost of £380. I made the appointments and then cancelled them. That was 3 years ago and I set myself goals for seeing a dentist. After Christmas, in the New Year after a holiday etc. When the date arrives I just put it off again.
My family are aware of my problems but no longer mention them for fear of upsetting me.
I really dont know how to sort myself out and feel ashamed of my teeth everytime I speak.
Its lovely to find somewhere people feel the same and manage to get through to the otherside.
Rosie

 

[Nat]

Hi Rosie

Sorry to hear your not having a good time of it right now. I know how it feels to have your life taken over by teeth and phobia. I used to look at everyones teeth and wish I had perfect straight teeth like them, I still dont have straight teeth but then I think I wouldnt be me if I didnt have a gap between my two front teeth!

Have you tried contacting any local authorites that could perhaps put you in touch with a dentist or even looked on the find a dentist section of this website?

I know what its like to cancel appointment after appointment as do many others on here, your not a failure, your just phobic and with the help and support from family, friends and this forum you will get there, trust me when I say that!! Perhaps finding a dentist that offers sedation of some sort would be good for you? Its a great way to go about any complicated procedures and your so relaxed about everything that you just dont care whats going on. I know how difficult it is to find a good, decent caring dentist but with perserverance you can do it, You know you need to see a dentist so thats step one over with, all you need to do is a bit of research and find your good guy and make it to step 2, its all baby steps but each one is a major hurdle and you can do it!

 

[caries_grant]

yes, i don't know if you've read my posts rosie but it looks like we're in the same boat. even now i've got no idea whether i'm really ready to do something about it or just put it off again. if i carry on like this it's going to end with me needing a full extraction, but i'm determined not to let that happen. the sedation idea sounds good though theres no way i'd have a general anaesthetic. i've thought about getting some tranquilisers from the docs specifically for this purpose. what sort of sedation do dentists surgeries use ?

 

[melodyl]

Hi. Many years ago I had the IV sedation thing. Best thing I ever did.
Expensive as hell, but who cared. i went to sleep, woke up and everything was done in one visit. Paid through the nose but like I said, who cared.

One thing though. Because I had the whole root canal done in one visit, that tooth has always been sensitive. And the big back tooth in the back of my mouth, well, that twinges some times too.

Don't know why, I've had it examined by every dentist I have been too and they all say the same thing. Must be inflammation. Hasn't hurt in a long time, thank god. I also have TMJ and that is a buster, believe me.

They also have oral sedation (a pill) but I have never had that.

I also take xanax before any dental appointment. I do not use it for anything else during the day. I take it to sleep at night. I'd be up till 5 a.m. if I didn't. I have a lot going on in my personal life and as I put it. "throw anything at me during the day, but at night, I have to sleep". And I do.

But before any dental appointment, I take a small amount of xanax. It just takes the edge off. It's not for everybody, I know this but for me, it works.

Just wanted to share.

Be well

Melody