Overwhelming fear before visiting new dentist

[CatladyUK]

Hi, after few years of not seeing a dentist due to my phobia I finally made an appointment with a new dentist for today and I'm scared. I couldn't sleep all night and my anxiety is very high. I'm suffering from depression and my dental phobia on top of that doesn't make things easy. Since I didn't see a dentist in a long time I will require a lot of work done and that scares me. Any ideas how to ease my fear a little???

 

[letsconnect]

Hi CatladyUK ,

well done for tackling the problem and making an appointment .

It's always a good idea to treat a first appointment with a new dentist as a "get-to-know-you" meeting. Let them know how scared you feel and what it is that you're worried about. Be totally honest, tell them as much as you can. This is your chance to see if the dentist will be a good fit, and whether you like them and feel that you can work with them .

You may find it useful to make a list of the things you are worried about beforehand, and bring it with you.

I found it helpful to know that I could walk out at any time, and that the appointment was only about meeting the dentist and seeing what they were like. If you don't want to sit in "the chair", let them know right at the start that you'd rather have a chat away from the chair. You don't even have to let them have a look during this first appointment, if you don't feel at ease with them or ready for it.

Wishing you all the best - let us know how you got on

 

[CatladyUK]

Hi CatladyUK ,

well done for tackling the problem and making an appointment .

It's always a good idea to treat a first appointment with a new dentist as a "get-to-know-you" meeting. Let them know how scared you feel and what it is that you're worried about. Be totally honest, tell them as much as you can. This is your chance to see if the dentist will be a good fit, and whether you like them and feel that you can work with them .

You may find it useful to make a list of the things you are worried about beforehand, and bring it with you.

I found it helpful to know that I could walk out at any time, and that the appointment was only about meeting the dentist and seeing what they were like. If you don't want to sit in "the chair", let them know right at the start that you'd rather have a chat away from the chair. You don't even have to let them have a look during this first appointment, if you don't feel at ease with them or ready for it.

Wishing you all the best - let us know how you got on

Thank you for well wishes !
I'm worried that if I don't sit on a chair and let the dentist examine the state of my teeth today, they will feel that I wasted their time and they could have treated another patient.

 

[letsconnect]

If they have an interest in helping nervous patients, they should be happy to accommodate you... Keeping my fingers crossed for you

 

[CatladyUK]

So I'm after my visit now! I've managed to let the dentist do the examination without her using any poking instruments. As I expected the state of my teeth is terrible and I need 11 of them extracted, I was kind of hopeful that some of them could be rescued but there is no hope for that. I was immediately referred to sedation clinic and have a consultation there tomorrow. I'm devastated to be losing so many teeth especially that they are mostly upper ones and I can't have an immediate denture fitted, which seems a little strange to me. You can't leave someone without teeth for 2 or 3 weeks , can you?
I don't know what to think anymore, suppose will go and have a little cry now.

 

[brit]

Sorry you got bad news. There's a link here with background information to dentures. If you have any doubts about whether the plan is appropriate, do get a second opinion.

Dentures FAQ

Top tips for new denture wearers! Find out about different types of dentures and how to deal with "teething problems".

www.dentalfearcentral.org

When you go to the sedation clinic, ask them if they think it likely that any of the teeth could be saved using endodontic treatment (root canals). Sometimes extraction will be recommended because it's what's covered on the NHS if you need i/v sedation. Often complex endodontics is only offered privately.
All the best.

 

[CourageAndBraveryASAP]

Hi @CatladyUK - btw, my husband and I also have some furchildren!

Kudos to you for managing to get through the first visit. All I can say is that in many ways, you've done the hardest step - going for the exam and getting the treatment plan. What was unknown yesterday is now known today... at least you'll never have to go through the uncertainty of waiting for this news again!

I am sorry about the news. I do hear from people who have had dentures a while that in many cases, it can be a huge relief. I wish you acceptance and peace and extremely easy procedures. You'll find a lot of support here, many of us are in various stages of similar situations.

Thinking of you. Take gentle care of yourself!

 

[letsconnect]

So sorry about the bad news . I'm not sure why immediate dentures aren't possible - could you get a second opinion? We've got a section of dentist reviews/recommendations on this forum:

Find a dentist for nervous patients

Has your dentist helped you overcome your fears? In our dentist reviews section, you can leave a review for them, or find a dentist near you who is good with nervous or phobic patients.

www.dentalfearcentral.org

All the best for your visit to the sedation clinic today (in case you haven't been already)