40+ Years of Fear of the Dentist Over
by Hazel
Yes, you read it correctly. I hadn’t been to a dentist in over 40 years, but thanks to this forum, I finally ‘took the plunge’.
My fears began in the 1970s, when, between the ages of 13 and 17, I was abused by my school dentist. Once I was 18, I could make my own choice, but thanks to 5 years of ‘special attention’ I had good teeth.
10 years later a filling fell out, so I thought I’d bog to a female dentist, but that was when the fear hit me. I couldn’t even get to the waiting room! So I patched things myself, and that continued.
When I took my children to the dentist, I thought I could give it another go, but I couldn’t stand the smell, sounds or being touched.
However, in 2015, I underwent a huge operation, and when I recovered, I wanted to smile. But my smile was embarrassing, and I had broken teeth.
This was when I found this forum and began to read other people’s experiences. It took me until December 2016 to find a dentist who sounded nice and specialised in treating people with dental phobia. I made an appointment but almost didn’t go.
I’m so glad I did – everyone was so friendly, relaxed and encouraging. In meeting the dentist, I had taken that big leap. After three more short appointments, I was ready for surgery, and a few days ago, I had implants top and bottom. No fear, no pain and now a wonderful smile.
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- Information about dentures
- Before and after pictures – from our message boards
- Special needs dentistry
