Phobia really getting me down now!

[Holls]

Hi, im new to this website and have finally plucked up the courage to join and post! I always hated the dentist when i was younger but would be forced to go by my parents. Then in my early teens i had a couple of really bad experiences where some dentists shouted at me for being silly or mardy and pain relief wasnt given properly.. about 6/7 years later and i havent been back, my teeth are in a bad way and i keep getting bad toothache It is also affecting my confidence because i know my teeth look so bad I dont really know where to start because there is no way that i am able to even ring up a dentist or visit one, the thought terrifies me.. i cant even talk to my family or friends about it either because i feel too embarressed and know that they will just tell me to get over it etc. I was wondering about going to my GP to see if they could help me? Has anybody else tried this or think that it is a good starting place? any help would be much appreciated! Holls

 

[TimidLady]

I have a GP I really trust. What I did was ask my GP "Who is your dentist?" My GP even got an appointment for me so I didn't have to be nervous and that dentist is still my general dentist. My general dentists doesn't do complicated root canals or oral surgery, so I did end up needing specialists eventually.

 

[brit]

Hi Holls
Using a word like 'mardy' I'm guessing you are in UK. Your medical GP can help by suggesting suitable dentists thery know are good with nervous patients, by providing oral medication to relax you and maybe by referring you to the Community Dental Service in your area if phobics come under their remit:

Special Needs and Dental Treatment

Where in the UK and the US can you get dental care if you, or your child, has special needs? This may include disabilities, dental phobia and agoraphobia.

www.dentalfearcentral.org

It sounds like you have had numbing issues in the past:

Can't Get Numb

Find out why you may not get numb enough, what dentists can do to get you numb, and how to ensure your treatment is painless.

www.dentalfearcentral.org

If it makes you feel any better, this is one of the most logical reasons for avoiding dental care since it is not supposed to hurt.

How to find a dentist for nervous patients

Discover how to find a dentist who is good with nervous, scared or phobic patients - and who to avoid!

www.dentalfearcentral.org

If you can choose a private dentist, it is usually easier to find someone who has the time to chat and reassure you and do what is needed in your case to provide comfortable care.

Look for an experienced dentist rather than someone newly-qualified who is still learning on the job.

 

[Holls]

Thankyou both of you.. yes brit i am from the UK around nottingham, thanks for the links to the pages, i never really thought too much about it being because of the pain, but now i think of it thats probably one of the main reasons! I am going to attempt to talk to a GP about it, in the hope they that can offer me some form of help..