Severe anxiety, please help x

[Sophiebelle]

Hello,

I’m so pleased I’ve found this forum, and hoping someone can help!

I finally plucked up the courage and went to a private dentist yesterday after not going to the dentist in 10+ years. I’m not sure why, but I’ve always been scared of the dentist and I’m very anxious and scared regarding anything health related. The last check up I remember having is when I was between 15-16 years old when I had braces!

Anyway, I went to my appointment yesterday and it wasn’t as scary as I thought. I mentioned that I was concerned about my grey tooth and that I’ve had it for years (didn’t stipulate how long, but it’s definitely around 5-10 years) and it’s never caused me pain or issues. When looking at my teeth and carrying out X-rays, the dentist let me know all my teeth are fine bar the grey one and that I need a filling or it could lead to root canal. We looked at my xray so he could show me that the cavity is getting closer to the nerve etc. We then did a sensitivity test, which I could feel the cold fluid but it didn’t linger or cause too much distress and he then carried out a tapping test in which I felt no pain or sensitivity. I left my appointment being advised that I need a filling and to book in when I feel ready too.

Fast forward to the night and day after and I’m absolutely petrified. I felt very grateful given that I hadn’t gone to the dentist for a long long time (I don’t neglect my teeth I brush x2 and floss) but still, I was expecting much worse. However, since my appointment, my bottom teeth on the side my grey one is on feels so sensitive. However, it’s NEVER caused me pain before. So I’m unsure if it’s actually there or because I’m so highly anxious it’s in my head? I’m focusing on the fact that root canal was mentioned and scared that I actually need a root canal and not a filling.

I have booked my appointment in but I can’t be seen until 30th October which I’m freaking out about as I’m scared that the cavity will get worse during this time which will result in needing a root canal. I’m so worried about this whole thing that I can’t concentrate on anything else and I just feel that that side of my mouth is sore (although it’s never caused me issues before)

I’ve attached two photos (the best I can) of the grey tooth and just wanted some advice. I’m assuming if the dentist thought I urgently needing the filling he would’ve stressed this? And also, if a root canal was the best course of action, we would’ve discussed this instead?

I’m just looking for some reassurance as needing to wait 2 weeks, I need to find a way to relax otherwise I will drive myself crazy.

Thank you if you made it this far x

 

[Gordon]

It's likely the tooth has got a bit irritated by all the attention, it'll be fine in a day or so.

From your description it won't need a root canal and it's fine to leave it for a couple of weeks, it's taken years to get to that stage, it's not going to suddenly get worse in 2 weeks

 

[Gordon]

OH and I forgot to add, well done for going to the appointment, I look forward now to reading how well you got on at the next appointment. Keep me posted!

 

[Sophiebelle]

@Gordon hello Gordon! Thank you so much for your response, it’s massively appreciated. Funnily enough, the pain/tenderness has gone away now but it was really stressing me out! I tried to see if I could get an earlier appointment but unfortunately they do not have this available however, I am on the short list in case someone cancels I have a question(s), if you’re able to help… has the tooth gone grey due to the cavity or what could that be? The whole tooth isn’t grey, as you can see it’s only on one side. I managed to get a copy of my xray today, are you able to show me where the cavity actually is, I think I can see it but I’m not too sure and would this be a ‘deep’ filling and definitely no root canals?! thank you again!

 

[Sophiebelle]

also thought I’d post a photo with better lighting too! I just want to understand better as think this will help with me being so anxious.

 

[Gordon]

Yes it's grey due to the decay, the cavity is on the biting surface, the dark brownish area. You can't see it very well on the x-ray. X-rays aren't great for seeing decay on the biting surface, they show up decay fairly well between the teeth though (and you've not got any on that film!).

 

[Sophiebelle]

@Gordon Thank you for your reply! I think I understand and linking the photo with the xray I can correlate where the cavity is.

It’s interesting how although I knew the tooth was discoloured, I haven’t been in any pain with it and since my appointment I feel like I’m constantly in pain. I think it’s definitely been slightly irritated from my appointment as the pain has come back but it does keep feeling worse when I’m thinking about it. During my appointment we established that I clench my jaw which results in jaw pain, so I think all of this alongside being anxious is making all this seem a lot worse than what it is.

I think my main concern is that when I go to my appointment, we establish a root canal will need to go ahead and for some reason in my head this seems so scary and overwhelming. I’m not too sure why I am concerned about this as if a root canal was needed, that is what I would’ve been advised but I just can’t seem to shake it.

I’m hoping an earlier appointment becomes available as I really want to get this sorted! I have an hour appointment with the hygienist next month also which I am looking forward to.

 

[Gordon]

I suspect the worry is causing you to clench and grind more which is what's causing your problems.

Looking at that tooth, I'll be surprised if it needs an RCT, it doesn't look that bad in the photos.

 

[Sophiebelle]

@Gordon Hi! Yes I think so too, so I’m making a conscious effort to not do that.

Ah that’s good to know that the cavity isn’t even that bad. I think it’s just that it’s gone grey and the middle looks dark, it makes it look worse. How come cavities can cause your tooth to go grey? I’ve been googling (I know I shouldn’t ) but it’s just conflicting information as what I’ve read says that if the tooth is grey, it can mean decay (which I suppose I may have due to the cavity) but then it says the resolution is a root canal. I know there isn’t a one fit solution for everything and I wish I asked these questions when I was there; I just felt overwhelmed at the time!

Thank you for your help, I’m now trying to see this all as a positive that I’m doing a good thing for my health and in a weird way I’m looking forward to this so I can prove that I can do scary things! Do you have any advice for the day and what I can do to make this easier for me and the dentist?

 

[Gordon]

How come cavities can cause your tooth to go grey?

The decay process changes the chemical structure of the enamel and dentine and thus changes the way light penetrates it.

I’ve read says that if the tooth is grey, it can mean decay (which I suppose I may have due to the cavity) but then it says the resolution is a root canal.

In your case there absolutely is decay, which is why there's a cavity. The resolution is to remove the decay and fill in the defect. Now sometimes the decay has reached the nerve and the toxins from the bacteria in the decay have killed off the nerve, so a root canal is needed, but mostly that isn't the case.

I know there isn’t a one fit solution for everything and I wish I asked these questions when I was there

It's easy to get overwhelmed and think of questions afterwards. Don't beat yourself up about it.

Do you have any advice for the day and what I can do to make this easier for me and the dentist?

Eat something before your appointment, going in starved is never good, you'll feel crap and be more likely to feel faint due to stress. Even just a bit of toast and a cuppa is fine.

Try to remember it's utterly routine for the dentist, they're used to people being on edge, so don't be embarrassed.

 

[Sophiebelle]

@Gordon thank you, all the above makes sense and is very helpful!

When the Dentist carried out the sensitivity test, the first couple times he asked if I could feel it, I couldn’t then I could. Does this suggest that the nerve is damaged slightly? And if it was, does a filling still suffice? I think after all this I’m extremely hyper aware of my mouth/teeth as my bottom teeth on that side feel sensitive! Which could be down to me now taking a lot of time flossing as I’m worried about my teeth getting worse in a matter of two weeks! but is leading to more overthinking. I’ve come to terms with getting a filling and feel ‘ok’ about it, my brain just goes into overthinking mode of what if it does need a root canal which at present is what is scaring me. Although, I don’t know how much reassurance I need as the dentist has checked and you have given more than enough reassurance. It’s crazy what our minds can do when we are nervous/scared about something.

Also, the dentist did mention about me getting night guards to help with the clenching and grinding (my jaw is sore today, so I’m definitely doing this) is there much difference between getting a mouth guard at the dentist or one you can buy from boots? I’m just curious. I haven’t booked to get this done yet as my priority is to get my filling and a clean and will look into this after.

 

[Gordon]

Does this suggest that the nerve is damaged slightly? And if it was, does a filling still suffice?

No, it's not a very sensitive or accurate test. And yes.

Also, the dentist did mention about me getting night guards to help with the clenching and grinding (my jaw is sore today, so I’m definitely doing this) is there much difference between getting a mouth guard at the dentist or one you can buy from boots?

Yes, there's a big difference in the fit and comfort. Some folks like to try the cheapo version first to see if they get on with that before spending big bucks on a custom one though. As a tight Scotsman this appeals to me

 

[Sophiebelle]

@Gordon thanks for the clarity on the night guards, I will look into this after my upcoming appointments - one thing at a time

Since I've become so hyperaware to my teeth in the last week, especially the bottom right side - I am noticing every little thing and I’ve now noticed that when I move my top teeth and it catches my bottom, the one with the decay/cavity feels a bit sticky which I have not noticed before - so I’m unsure if it’s always been there or if I’m just hyper aware/anxious - say this wasn’t there before, would this be a sign that the tooth is rapidly deteriorating? I’m not in pain, but it does feel sensitive - again unsure if it’s just due to being hyperfixated and I’m being irrational due to being anxious that I will end up needing a root canal. Apologies for coming back to the same thing every time (it’s frustrating me that I can’t just switch off and ‘get over it’ ) I think I’m just petrified of being told that the decay/cavity is worse than they thought and a root canal is necessary and I’m just always thinking of worse case scenario, which isn’t healthy.

Thanks for your help and reassurance - finding this website has helped a lot!

 

[Gordon]

I think it's your imagination working overtime TBH.
Tooth decay is a fairly slow process, it won't get radically worse in a few weeks.

As an aside, because I don't think it's likely. A root canal is not nearly as bad as it seems to be made out to be, (I've had 3). Basically a slower filling, we use little hand files a bit, so the sensation to me is a bit like having your fingernails filed. There's also a bit of squirting disinfectant about which smells like swimming pools, but it's more boring than scary. It seems to be an American TV thing to go on about them being horrible, with respect to our US cousins.

 

[Sophiebelle]

@Gordon Hi Gordon, you’re 100% right. Yesterday I gently scraped the tooth and the feeling was gone - so was likely from toothpaste/food but it’s gone and I need to just stop

I need to stop thinking about ‘what if’ because at the moment, I’ve been booked in for a filling and that’s what will be done unless advise otherwise

Thanks for your help! I will let you know how I get on next week

 

[Gordon]

I will let you know how I get on next week

Thanks, I'm sure it'll go well and will look forward to confirmation from you!

 

[Sophiebelle]

@Gordon Hi Gordon! I did it and all went so much better than I anticipated. The dentist was great and look how much better my tooth now looks! He did mention that the cavity was deeper than they anticipated but he got everything out so should be fine! thanks so much for your help again!

 

[Gordon]

Well done! Thanks so much for coming back with an update. That looks like a very nice bit of dentistry
For future reference, that's probably the most uncomfortable filling to get done in terms of local and keeping your mouth open for a long time. If you can manage that filling you can manage anything dental related in future.

 

[Sophiebelle]

@Gordon thanks Gordon, I appreciate it! Ah that’s good to know (thanks for not telling me that beforehand ) I’m super chuffed that I did it and that it was a pleasant experience!

 

[Gordon]

thanks for not telling me that beforehand

Some things are best kept as a surprise