Scared, ashamed & embarrassed

[KikiM]

I have yet found the courage to even attempt to look for a dentist! At 23 years old I can't believe the state in which I let my teeth get. I've convinced myself that my teeth and gums are too far gone to save. Two rotting front top teeth, bottom 2 in the front are in the worse shape of all. Gums are so red and detached from my teeth..and it's incredibly rotten at the gum line (or what's left of my gums anyway) my question: when I work up the courage to finally visit the dentist..will gum treatment be done before or after any extractions I might need? Has anyone ever experienced any type of gum treatment before, and what is the process? the looks and health of my teeth have become an everyday obsession for me..it's all I think about. I refuse to look at myself in the mirror. I'm trying my hardest to find some courage, but it isn't so easy. Thanks in advance.

 

[lillyh]

hello,
I think every dentist is different , but my dentist sent me to the oral surgeon for extractions then the deep cleaning to repair my gums was suppose to happen after that. There are plenty of people on here that have gone through gum treatment and will be along soon to hopefully answer your questions...I obsess over my teeth also..You are in the right place for support, understanding and acceptance...

 

[Davee]

You really won't know until your dentist x-rays your teeth and determines how much bone loss you have from your gum disease. The dentist may be able to restore your problem teeth and treat your gums with a deep cleaning. A deep cleaning is where they numb your gums and use ultrasonic tools and a scraper (don't know what it is called) to clean the tarter off your teeth under the gums. They get to part of the roots of your teeth. If your problem is more severe you may need to see a periodontist who will make a plan to get to the tarter on the roots of your teeth. After the cleaning your gums firm back up around the teeth. A deep cleaning really isn't that bad. The fear of the unknown and the fear of being judged IMHO is much worse.

I really hate to see young people like yourself feel so bad about dental issues. It is hard enough on people my age, and just seems unfair for young people to be so distressed. Good luck, and remember that all of us on this forum are sending you good thoughts.

 

[KikiM]

I've actually had a deep cleaning once during my 2 dental experiences ever. I was not numbed and it was pretty excruciating..and that's when I only had the start of gingivitis. and with the severity of my gums now..I'm more nervous about the gum treatment than I am any extractions. Don't get me wrong I'm nervous about those too but not as much. the fear of a needle in my gum is also a main factor of my fears too. I have major receding gums on my two bottom teeth so that also has me worried. I've been trying for quite some time to even find a dentist that will take my type of insurance so the longer it takes..the more I worry myself to death it seems like!

 

[Deejay]

Hello I have just had some major tartar removed from my front lower teeth at the back was really bad and I was more bothered by this than getting all my extractions , the dentist done it while I was numbed up for the extractions which was numbed with gel prior to injections I didn't feel anything, other than vibration and some noise it was painless so please ask about numbing gel when you get to that stage and don't worry, wishing you the very best of luck

 

[__Steve__]

Hi KikiM,

I SERIOUSLY know how you feel. . .

February 2013: I was where you are.

I'm a bit older than you, and hadn't been to the dentist during your entire lifetime {eek}.

When I finally succumbed to my shame and fear, my dentist decided to treat my gums first.

I won't say it was pleasant, but it WAS painless:

Two periodontal deep cleaning sessions, followed by necessary extractions (top front teeth - replaced with a bridge)

All subsequent treatments actually have been quite pleasant and equally painless.

June 2013: Healthy gums + a cool bridge.

I want to say more, but it's getting late. . .

Cheers,
Steve