Teeth are terrible, but I'm so scared of dentists.

[Alicia]

I haven't seen a dentist for 10 years and I'm absolutely terrified at the thought of going. I'm 25 now, the last time I went I was 15 and I was having a couple of cavities filled. The dentist thought they were shallow and tried to do them without anaesthetic. The first one went OK, but the second one was a lot deeper than expected and it was VERY painful. I haven't been back since then.

I've tried to look after my teeth, but I obviously haven't done well enough because I have several teeth with large cavities in them now, and a lot more with smaller cavities. I used to be able to keep sweet food etc off the sore teeth, but now they're getting a lot worse and are much more sensitive, every time I eat I get pain from one or other of them.

I've been taking painkillers relatively regularly for the past few weeks, but it's getting to the stage now where they're not helping enough and I really do need to go to a dentist. But when I looked in the phone book for dentists it made me have a panic attack. So I waited a couple of hours and tried again but the same thing happened. Even thinking about it is enough to give me panic attacks, let alone actually going to the dentist or having any treatment done. I'm dreading getting more fillings, although I'm more worried that I've left it too long and several teeth will have to be extracted. I don't think I could bear that.

Please help, I'm in pain, I know I need to go to the dentist, but I'm terrified.

 

[melodyl]

Re: Teeth are terrible, but I'm so scared of denti

Hi Hon.

Welcome to our little forum. you are quite welcome here. We all have dental phobia.
Where do you live? Perhaps I can be of some help and find you a phobia dentist.
Perhaps (even though you can't call one right now, you can do e-mail with a dentist).
That's how I found my "good guy phobia dentist".

I live in NYC.

Don't worry about being embarassed that you haven't gone in such a long time. We all have that same experience. You just need to find a compassionate dentist who can assure you that he won't hurt you.

My advice would be the following:

Let me know your city and state. I'll try to locate a dental phobia specialist. If it's not too far from your home, perhaps you can drive to his office (you don't have to go in). Just watch the people as they come out and politely ask them about the practice. Is he good, kind, compassionate and does he offer a pain free experience?)
This is what I have done and you never know, you might find a nice guy.

You also should see your physician about prescribing some anti-anxiety meds for you (perhaps you have already done so and have some in your home. If this is the case, take one or two and get yourself calmed down.

When I went on my first appointment I took a xanax. Helped me out quite a bit.

so if you want me to help you, just give me your city and state and I'll try and find you a kind compassionate dentist. I've done this for others.

you don't have to contact them, only when you are willing, able and ready.

On these boards, you'll find friends willing to listen, to help and most of all, NEVER JUDGE.

be well,

Melody

 

[freakout]

Re: Teeth are terrible, but I'm so scared of denti

Hi Alicia & I have to agree with melodyl, finding a gentle and caring dentist makes all the difference in the world There are many ways to go about finding a dentist, ask family, ask friends, Or check the dentist finder section on this site to see if anyone has recommended anyone in your area.

When you find a dentist, see if you can schedule a chat only visit. That way you can see if you feel comfortable with the dentist prior to any treatment. By all means, if you do not feel comfortable, try another dentist. You are the customer and should feel happy with the service. There are gentle and caring dentists out there, sometimes it takes a little time to find them. Do not give up!!

 

[Geraint]

Re: Teeth are terrible, but I'm so scared of denti

it may help if you write to or email some dentist's telling them about your history - the bad experiences you have had, secondly try to identify the areas / types of dental treatment that worry you and what it is about them ie Havig your teeth drilled - the noise and sound of the drill, fear of the drilling being painful. Finaly try and think of how you would like the dentist to help you - Ie speaking to you and explaining the treament in english, reassuring you letting you bring a freind with you, only doing a small amount per visit.