New to forum and need support

[ogg monster]

Hi there

I just registered. This is my story.

I am 34 years old and haven't been to the dentist in 9 years. I have always been terrified, I was never taken as a child so my teeth have always been in bad shape and that has contributed to the fear.

I only went 9 years ago because I had an abscess in a horribly broken tooth so bad my face swelled up and I had to have the tooth removed as it was beyond salvage, I also had several other fillings at the same time.

After making that breakthrough I should have kept going regularly but of course I never went back after the treatment and now here I am 9 years later with awful teeth and gums and a couple of broken teeth, one at the back with a massive hole and I am getting extreme pain again on one side and my gums are very red and sore.

I finally (because of the pain) took the plunge and registered with the only local dentist taking NHS patients but they are not seeing new NHS patients until January so I have to wait until then.

Over the years and the state my teeth have got in the fear has become less about actually sitting in the chair and having treatment and more about the shame at the state of my teeth and above all, fear that they cannot be saved and will be removed, I can't be toothless at 34!!!

I am petrified of what they will say to me when I go and that they will say my teeth have to go, it is a huge fear, but i have only booked the appointment because I am in pain, but also because I am constantly terrified that they will just fall out or crumble away in my mouth.

Can most teeth be saved if someone is prepared to have the treatment, I would rather have extensive treatment than lose them.

I know I have been a fool, but I am in tears just typing this, I don't know how or why I let it get to this but my teeth have taken over my life, both my shame at the state of them, and the fear of what will happen to them and the on and off pain I experience (which is now pretty severe in one side).

Please, has anyone got any positive stories that might make me feel better? I am in desperate need of some reassurance.

Thanks you

 

[Geraint]

Well done ogg monster, on taking the first step. No decent dentist should judge you or criticize you about the condition of you teeth. If they do move to another dentist. I'm sure you'll be suprized at how you teeth can be saved. Hope all goes well, keep in touch

 

[brit]

You should not have to wait until January to get emergency treatment for dental pain on the NHS...did you tell the practice you registered at that you are in pain right now?
If not phone them back; and if they refuse to help, then contact your local PCT and ask what the emergency service arrangements are for your area. Some areas have dental access centres which seem to be good at helping nervous patients based on reports received on here so far.

Dentistry on the NHS is a bit basic thesedays but there is emergency provision for relief of pain in all areas and you are entitled to access this. They may only deal with the immediate problem but it would get you out of pain.

Is seeing a private dentist out of the question for you?

Embarrassed? What dentists really think

Do you avoid the dentist because you're too embarrassed about the state of your teeth and what a dentist might say or think? You're not alone!

www.dentalfearcentral.org

If you did need extensive treatment, implants are not available on the NHS so dentures would be the main solution offered for tooth loss. An implant-supported denture might be sth you'd wish to pursue instead. Until you see a dentist you won't really know where you stand...it often looks worse than it is.

 

[ogg monster]

Just had my first appointment

Hi all

I have not posted in months after talking about my fear of making mys first appointment in many years (and knowing there were problems in there).

Anyway, I went yesterday and my dentist (and the nurse to be fair) was like an angel, I nearly hugged him at the end of the appointment. He was kind and sensitive and gentle.

Anyway, I need 4 molar fillings and a jolly good scale and polish and that's it. I was THRILLED as I was fearing root canals/extractions. He said if I had left it much longer then two of those fillings would have needed root canal or extraction, but thank god I went when I did and didn't leave it any longer. Yesterday morning I came very close to phoning with an excuse not to go but I did it and I feel thrilled.

Anyway, I booked the appointment for the fillings there and then so I can't procrastinate and when they are done and the dentist gives me a basic scale and polish I will be having an appointment with the hygeinst to finish the job.

Anyway - I know I haven't posted much but reading this forum has been a real inspiration to actually making (and going to) the appointment and I also wanted to show people how going sooner rather than later really can make the difference, ie a simple filling as opposed to root canal or extraction.

So there you have it.

Thanks guys, you are all heroes!!!

 

[drummerswife]

Re: Just had my first appointment

Thanks for sharing that with us. The high you get from facing something that frightens you is better than any drug made.

 

[alleyp]

Re: Just had my first appointment

Well done Ogg

I'm pleased for you that you got in there when you did, and you found the strength to go through with it!

Guess what? You win!

 

[alleyp]

Re: Just had my first appointment

me again!

Just found this online, thought of you!

"An ancient principle reminds us to look for salvation
in the darkest, most painful parts of our lives.
We emerge into the light not by denying our pain,
but by walking out through it.
The common turn of phrase we apply to this wonderful action of
grace is:
'that was a blessing in disguise." Joan Borysenko, Ph.D.

 

[ogg monster]

Re: Just had my first appointment

alleyp that's fabulous, thank you so much for posting that!

Thank you for your kind words too drummerswife!

 

[Sinead]

Re: Just had my first appointment

Well done and I'm glad for you!!!

 

[Kalou]

Re: Just had my first appointment

Well done!

 

[ogg monster]

Re: Just had my first appointment

Well, I just had the fillings and the scale and polish.

Am so pleased with how much cleaner the teeth now look (I had a lot of plaque and tartar).

I am still numb (they were all on the top and bottom of the same side so that entire side is totally numb). Am a bit worried I will be in pain when it wears off as they were big, deep fillings.

I just go back for a standard check-up in 6 months now - YAY!

I love my dentist, he was so patient and lovely even through his appointments were running really late.

I was meant to be making an appointment with the hygienist but apparently she has left the practice. Can you go to a surgery you are not registered at to see a hygienist? Sorry if daft question.

 

[Zoritsa]

Re: Just had my first appointment

Yay for you! Doesn't it feel good when it's all done and over with Mine is coming soon,and I'm looking forward to only having to go every 6 months too.

 

[Geraint]

Re: Just had my first appointment

Well done Ogg Monster, on getting your fillings done - two in one visit and a scale and polish. I always take a mp3 player with me with a relaxation cd if I need any drilling done, I find it helps drown out the noise and helps me relax. Hope your next check up is fine, Keep in touch.