For weeks, I have been trawling through dental fear forums on the internet. I have such a fear of the dentist- I hate the smell, the noises, the needle, everything! I had a couple of bad experiences throughout the years, and it put me off going for life. Well, that is what I thought until my son announced last year; he was engaged to be married. As all mothers will understand, this is a huge moment in a mothers life. I was so proud and full of joy. During the wedding arrangements I had realised I would have to be in these wedding photo's!! If there is one thing I hate as much as the dentist, its photographs. The main reason being- I don't smile. I had dreadful teeth, horrendous black staining on my front teeth and stubs for back teeth. I was so ashamed of them.
It was time for me to see a dentist (as much as I didn't want to!). I'm from Dublin so I started asking friends and family members, had they anybody to recommend. I was also suprised to find how many people my age have a fear of the dentist. I had a few recommendations, but nothing great. I took to the internet- searching websites for people with dental fears. I had found a few dental practices that offered sedation for treatment, these practices had been mentioned in a few forums. I searched each dentist on google to look at the webpages and more importantly price lists! I finally settled with Ratoath Dental Centre, even though it was in Co.Meath. I think anybody with a dental fear will agree, if the dentist is worth travelling to, you will travel many miles- turned out it was only a 20 minute drive! So I booked my appointment.
The night before my appointment I couldn't sleep, I couldn't sit still. My husband had no idea what was wrong with me, and I was embarassed to admit it was due to my appointment the next morning. My husband drove me to Ratoath Dental Centre and I was suprised to see that the building looked normal on a street with other houses- not at all like the old clinics that remind me of a prison. We went into the front door (I was shaking like a leaf!) and we were greeted by the receptionist with a big smile. The waiting room was lovely and the one thing I noticed- it didn't smell like a dentist surgery.
After a few minutes, the nurse called my name and introduced herself. She must have known by my face that I was nervous. She reassured me that they wanted to make this a positive experience and their main goal was to care for me. I felt so silly, I was nearly in tears. The nurse sat down beside me and promised that they would do nothing I was uncomfortable with and that I would be in complete control. She told me to take my time, and if and when I was ready we could go in to see the dentist.
We got into the surgery and I was greeted by the dentist and he assured me this appointment was just a quick look to see what had to be done. He talked me through every step and was finished 2 minutes later. We discussed what needed to be done and how many appointments I would need. We also discussed prices- which were very reasonable. He told me they had brought their prices down, they understand how circumstances are now. The sedation now cost €160. I left quite happy but still not looking forward to the day of the treatment.
When it arrived, my husband came with me again because I needed an escort home after the sedation. All I remember is sitting in the chair and then waking up at home! It was all over and my teeth had been fixed, I could smile again. I just needed one more visit to fit my denture and I was told I won't need sedation either
To anyone with a dental fear I would highly recommend Dr.Neil McElvanna of Ratoath Dental Centre. He done everything at my pace and reassured me the whole way through my treatment. If Dr.McElvanna is reading this- I promise I will come back for my 6 month check-up, and thank you so much for helping me smile again.
