Newbie - Starting my own Journey

[kbuk]

Hi everyone

I am so glad to have found this forum - Hopefully it will go some way to easing my fears as I begin the Journey to the smile I have always wanted. My name is Kevin, I'm 37 years old and I live just outside of London.

My teeth are in terrible condition - I have numerous broken, missing, or just plain ugly teeth, and I am resigned to having to loose most, if not all of them. I'm really not sure if my fear is in quite the same category as a lot of the people who post here, but I suppose it makes sense to try and explain.

I was sexually abused for a period of seven or eight years in my teens, and as a result of that, I pretty much lost interest in my appearance, Suffered from very low self esteem, and a general feeling of worthlessness. In short I just neglected my general appearance, and my teeth probably bore the brunt of that. I lost my abuser a year ago, and now I want to do something about my teeth. I don't smile when it comes to taking pictures, eating in public is a nightmare - I'm just plain fed up and want to do something about it.

As far as my fear goes - I guess i am scared of the reaction I will get from my dentist. I know I have not looked after my teeth for a long time, but i certainly don't need a lecture on it. Does this really qualify as a fear, or am i just being stupid? I have to admit that I don't have a particularly bad aversion to the actual treatment I will probably recieve ( needles, things in my mouth etc) My fear is the reaction to the current state of my teeth.

I'm also one of those who is trying to find an NHS dentist to carry out my initial treatment ( i've paid my national insurance contributions for the last 20 years - so i'm damned if i'm not going to get something for it).

Anyway - I'm sure i'm looking at getting dentures, just looking at my mouth - I find it hard to believe there is anything else that can be done without extremely expensive work, and the more i think about it, the more keen i am to just get it all over with - even if it means waving goodbye to all my natural teeth. I've been held back for long enough - I want to be able to smile again!

As time goes on - I hope to start a blog of my experience - so that others in the same boat might be able to get some insight, and of course I'm sure i'll be in need of some support on those down days!

Kevin

 

[ATLBoyfriend]

Hey man, you found us! That's the first step! I came across this forum from the uber-useful Wikipedia. You're among good people here. I see that you're an Englishman. Unfortunately, living across the pond, as you people say, I can't tell you anything about British dentists. However, I do know that a ton of the folks that post here, possibly even a majority, hail from the UK and will be helping you in no time! I'm 24-25 in three months and I might be looking at dentures myself, so I'll be right here with ya! Heck, I might even find out tomorrow!

 

[Nat]

As far as my fear goes - I guess i am scared of the reaction I will get from my dentist. I know I have not looked after my teeth for a long time, but i certainly don't need a lecture on it. Does this really qualify as a fear, or am i just being stupid? I have to admit that I don't have a particularly bad aversion to the actual treatment I will probably recieve ( needles, things in my mouth etc) My fear is the reaction to the current state of my teeth.

Hi Kevin  

I was also worried about the reaction I would get from a dentist when I first went on my dental journey. I didnt go to a dentist in 8+ years and decided to bite the bullet and go as the pain I was getting form a wisdom tooth was beginning to get unbearable. I went along and remember the first time I opened my mouth. I was ashamed and embarrased as I had many broken teeth. I cried throught the whole appointment and the dentist was great with me, he took me out of the situation I was frightened of, sat me in his office and talked to me, imagine that, I was getting care and compassion from a dentist!! I then realised that the dentist didnt judge me, he was fantastic and wanted to help me beat this fear. A good dentist will never judge or make you feel ashamed, they will want to work with you to achieve the smile you want and if you go along to someone who does make you feel this way then they are not the dentist for you.

I'm also one of those who is trying to find an NHS dentist to carry out my initial treatment ( i've paid my national insurance contributions for the last 20 years - so i'm damned if i'm not going to get something for it).

I am with an NHS dentist but he is also private, I contacted my local PCT after a disastrous dental visit and they put me in touch with the dentist I have now, I couldnt be happier with the support I received from him , he offers sedation which I did take but 9 times out of 10 all you need is a caring compassionate dentist, perhaps you could do a bit of research into dentists in your area or ask friends and family for their personal reccomendations?

Anyway - I'm sure i'm looking at getting dentures, just looking at my mouth - I find it hard to believe there is anything else that can be done without extremely expensive work, and the more i think about it, the more keen i am to just get it all over with - even if it means waving goodbye to all my natural teeth. I've been held back for long enough - I want to be able to smile again!

You never know, maybe the teeth can be saved, I thought that more of mine would have to come out but my dentist fitted me with a couple of crowns and only took 4 out.

We always think the worse and that our teeth are the worse anyone will have seen, or that they will need to all come out but you may be pleasantly suprised, dentistry has really come a long way over the years.

I'm sure i'll be in need of some support on those down days!!

You have definately come to the right place, most of us have been in the same situation as you so keep us posted, someone will be around to offer support and advice!

 

[kbuk]

Hi all

Just to let everyone know - I've finally managed to find myself a dentist!!!!! I have to go along on thursday to fill in some forms, and hopefully I'll have a chance to speak to a dentist to lay some of my fears on the line.

I was initially chiding myself for being a big coward and finding any reason under the sun, to avoid making that inital call to start the ball rolling.

It's only a small step - But I'm feeling better for having made it - Now I just have to keep my fingers crossed that they will accept me as a patient, and that I will be eligable for Fee paying NHS treatment.

I Will of course keep you up to speed with developments.

Happy Xmas to Everyone


Kevin

 

[Yourbigpalal83]

good luck kevin.

Also, if you can, and its needed, i recomend getting implants instead of dentures. I know a few people who have implants, and they swear by them.

 

[vicki]

Hi Kevin

Well done for making that appointment. You were lucky to find an NHS dentist... they're rarer than hen's teeth where I am !

Your first appointment with the dentist should just be for a chat and an exam if you feel ready. It's your chance to find out what they're like and if they're the right dentist for you. For more info on first appointments see: https://www.dentalfearcentral.org/faq/check-up/

Many people think that their teeth will be the worst the dentist has ever seen (and they aren't - they will have seen much worse ) and they convince themselves that they'll need dentures. The thing is, you won't know for sure until you've been. A lot of the time people are quite surprised when they discover that they need less treatment than they thought. There are also usually plenty of treatment options available which the dentist should discuss with you at your appointment. Letting them know about your fears is also a really good idea as it will give them a better idea of how to help.

Good luck for thursday - let us know how it goes

 

[Yourbigpalal83]

yea kevin. good luck my friend.

Me, im paranoid about my teeth, and im only 23. I spent my youth drinking diet soda, and not brushing. Hell, i had half of 2 sepret molars missing for years, and dident even notice it intill i felt pain. Thats how bad it was. Unfortuntley by then, the damage was done, and they had to be extracted, but now im in full out war mode agest decay. Unfortuntley though, i have yet to see a dentist, and im wating for the new year! thank god no real pain, just a funny feeling (actuley it kinda taste a bit sweet, odd) with an incomming wisdom tooth on the lower left jaw. Might have to have it removed and i know im due for a few fillings, and maby get the front tooth which is ever so slightly chipped, painted over (lol) but, i think im salvagable.

Dude, trust me man, i know the fear, and you got to take baby steeps. What ever has to be done has to be done, ya know. Trick is, getting a good dentist who isnt in it for the money.

God speed man, and good luck. Im hoping the best works out for you!