Young, ashamed and no idea where to start.

[DO1994]

I've recently moved to a new town for university and decided enough is enough with my teeth. I've been terrified of the dentist since I was a child and I stopped going at 16. Now at almost 20, the look of them is bad and its really beginning to effect my self esteem. I'm ashamed of the state of them especially because of my age and I'm worried a new dentist will be horrified. Even though in my head I know they have probably seen worse I just cant stop thinking about it. My back 2 molars on either side are almost non existent and I've noticed a new cavity on one of my front teeth which is of course dark and noticeable to others. I don't know where to even begin to start registering with a new dentist and trying to explain to them all my worries and fears. I'm also worried that I will not be able to afford the treatment I need being a student,meaning I would go through the trauma of a visit just for nothing to get fixed. Please help

 

[Ihatedentistss]

Hi DO1994

A visit to the dentist is never fun, but it will be a big help to you if you go. The dentist can take X-rays and tell you what all is going on with your mouth. If anything is majorly wrong that needs fixing quick before it gets out of hand (like deep cavities that could potentially result in root canals) it's worth going. Getting examined really isn't that bad...it's way less stressful than getting any actual work done!

try to find a dentist that has a good reputation (google the dentists in your area) or if possible speak with people you know and ask what dentists they like.

Regardless of what the dentist may think of your mouth, worry not about that. Your health is most important, not their opinions. A good dentist won't chastise or lecture you over the condition, anyways. Unfortunately the last two I went to did make comments but I guess it could have been worse.

I really encourage that you seek treatment. Just go for a checkup and see what's going on. You can do it!

 

[comfortdentist]

Best bet for low cost competent dental care is a dental school.
If you go to a dentist and the doctor gives you a hard time about the condition of your teeth my recommendation is to stand up call him an "ass" and walk out and don't pay.

 

[forrest gum]

You've nailed it in saying the worst thing about it is showing the dentist your teeth, especially when you will now be used to hiding them. And honestly, the guy might be a bit of an idiot, I was made to feel a little low by the dentist that performed a cleaning on one occasion.

Here's the thing though: it's not THAT bad. It's really not. An hour afterwards, any negative feelings are mostly gone, and the counterweight is this: the dentist is going to make your teeth better. 100% guaranteed absolutely for a fact, the dentist is going to make your teeth look and feel better.

Won't that be wonderful?

 

[DO1994]

Thank you guys for your help and support. The hardest part is just working up the courage to make the first appointment although I'm looking at making one next week wish me luck. I also worked up the courage to tell my friend how scared I was and she was totally understanding an has agreed to go with me. She also promised if the dentist was rude about my teeth she would be rude back ahahaa what are friends for. I do feel a little better having someone with me. The hard part now will be finding a nice dentist and not panicking and talking myself out of it. All your help is really brilliant though, thank you so much

 

[harry99]

I've been through a very similar thing over the past few years and my best advice to you is to get treatment as soon as possible, make it a priority. I'm only 24, and after years of dental phobia and avoidance I'm finally getting myself fixed and honestly, its nowhere near as awful as I thought it would be! It took a major abcess and a very kind emergency dentist to make me realise how damaging it had been to keep avoiding the problem. It's not going to be fun but I promise it will be worth it, you'll feel so much better once you get started and tackle the problem, and the sooner you get treatment you'll stop it getting out of control. If I'd have started getting myself fixed a few years ago it'd be much easier than it is now to repair the damage I've done.

I hope I don't sound like I'm preaching, I just want to encourage you that there IS light at the end of the scary dental tunnel, and that getting started on a course of treatment is often the scariest part. I used to feel so much shame about my dental problems and it made me bury my head in the sand and avoid it completely. You've already made a start by recognising that theres a problem. Once you're in control and you know what needs to be done I think you'll feel much better!

Good luck, and lots of well wishes!!

 

[Ihatedentistss]

Oh, wow. I'm so glad you've got a friend to go with you! That's marvelous! It will make everything a thousand times better I'm sure.