Need Dentures

[Jman2026ca]

Hi Everyone,
I’m brand new here, just joined today.
I have not been to a dentist in many years as I am absolutely terrified to go. I do need to bite the bullet and go as eating is becoming a real disaster, not to mention how embarrassing my teeth look.
I’ve always been one to take care of my teeth as far as daily brushing and flossing but they have been steadily declining for the last 5 or 6 years. I’m not sure if my diabetes has something to do with it, or maybe it’s genetic (my mom had similar issues).
My mental health has REALLY suffered over this, I’m sick of being depressed and embarrassed. My wife just recently commented about how I never smile like I used to. Truth be told, I keep a lot of my dental issues from her. She has no idea how bad it is as it’s mainly the teeth in the back. It’s just so embarrassing.
A lot of my back teeth are broke off or missing entirely. I have one that is ready to come out which causes an extreme amount of pain.
I’m not sure if I just go to a dentist or find myself an oral surgeon or what I should do.
Anyway, if anyone has any helpful advise, that would be appreciated. I’ve been reading some other posts, I hope to be one of the success stories posting on here one day!
Have a wonderful day everyone!
Jeff

 

[Hiyaitskelly]

uk here. My mum was in same boat. Terrified of dentist due to two very bad experiences. She went drs, who could refer her to a dental hospital, but didn’t. Also could’ve sent her to a local hospital dentist, but didn’t. Insisted she went to dentist. My mum had a very, very serious mouth issue that needed her teeth and calculi to be removed. So she was given good advice by dr; go to dentist to get the referral to dental hospital. You don’t have to let them touch your mouth.
She did this. The dentist referred her, it goes to a trust type thing who will decide where is best for you to go. Mum went & they said full dental clearance. This is done over three visits under local anaesthetic for her due to other health issues. But they could put you under general anaesthetic or some other way. They were extremely sympathetic, and very, very fast! She had broken roots, huge calculi, she was very sensitive about it. I was there to support her, but she was incredibly brave! In the end, she wanted to get rid of them, which I’m sure you do too. She attributed getting comfortable with people around her mouth ; she kept her mouth closed but got [facial] hair threaded. This unknowingly made her comfortable in a chair, with someone near her mouth. Maybe your wife could shave you if this is part of your fear, I’m sure if you confided in her, she would love to support you. The dental team give lots of numbing; she requested more and they obliged. I think as an outsider, most people have incredible sympathy. Nobody would let the teeth get in that state unless the fear was very real. So in a dental hospital, they would understand this. It will be easy to do this. But the waiting list is long. So go to the nhs dentist and get referred asap. Please do it, my mums on the journey. * also, her dentist gave her a prescription . They can help with the pain

 

[Jman2026ca]

@Hiyaitskelly thanks so much for sharing! It’s very empowering reading about someone like your mom and her experience.
Kudos to you as well for supporting her, I know my wife will do the same when I finally work up the nerve to go.
Have a great day!
Jeff

 

[Hiyaitskelly]

@Jman2026ca thank you Jeff. She still gets worked up in these dental hospital visits. I try to remind her her she felt immediately after the first extractions; she was so happy. While it heals, the nervousness creeps in towards the next appointment. So it’s a lot of reminding & reassurance. The staff have been wonderful in these places.
She hasn’t been to the dentist in over forty years previously, and now has been in the chair numerous times over the last six months. I say this to her; maybe write off 6months with extractions and swollen gums etc, than expect a lifetime of no bad teeth, no hiding smiles, & hopefully eating better than she has for a long time.
You sound very positive Jeff, so I have a strong suspicion that you’re ready. I realise you’re in Canada since my first post. I don’t know the system there, but I really, really wish you good luck.