Hi all. I'm after some advice and info on severe teeth issues and fear of the dentist. I have not been to the dentist in over 20 years. I had a lot of dental issues as a child and the experience lead me to develop a phobia. Because of this most of my back teeth are completely decayed and the rest need some work but can most likely be repaired. I will require extensive work so cost has also become a factor in not going. Has anyone experienced this and can give me some advice on how they overcome it? Also if anyone has back dentures only I'd love to know about that, if that's even an option.
Severe teeth issues and dentist fear
Severe teeth issues and dentist fear
Posted in:
Mental Health, Anxiety & Depression, Self Care, Health & Wellbeing, Money
8 Replies
I'd do some research into reputable local dentists.
Then I'd would email or call them and explain your childhood experiences, your fear and the condition of your teeth. You'll find that a good dentist will be very understanding and accommodating. They'll probably suggest a consultation to start with, which would likely consist of them having a look, maybe some xrays and then creating a plan of action.
I have a friend who was in a similar position to you, she ended up opting for a full set of dentures. Now she only regrets not having done it sooner!
I could have written this.
I had some pretty horrific dental experiences as a child.
Definitely look for a well experienced dentist, I came across one that totally understood the fear, did not belittle me or make me feel silly for being scared. He didn't even come near me until I'd stopped crying and calmed down and gave him permission.
He let me tell him which tools I was and wasn't okay with him using for the consultation.
He took a bunch of photos and determined I need around $3500 worth of work. I walked out feeling way more calm given that I was crying the second I walked into the waiting room.
I was fully prepared to move forward until I've just found out I'm starting a new job and am now left without time during the week to make appointments.
I am so desperate to get my teeth fixed though, I wish more dentists were open on weekends.
Look around at different dentist and reviews of their work. I have had alot of work done to my teeth, in 30 and have a full top denture already, some dentists are shocking but there are some that are fantastic, I recently had to have my wisdom tooth out and ssw this young female dentist, I was so nervous but she was extremely supportive and fast, it only took her a few minutes to remove the tooth I didn't even realise she was finished until I saw my tooth in the table as they sat me up. I also minimal pain and swelling. I have had heaps of teeth removed (only have 5 of my own left) sometimes in lots of 3-5 At a time but she was by far the best dentist I have ever seen.
As for denture, yes you can have a partial plate which has only back teeth on. To begin with they are very uncomfortable, I found applying teething gel helped ease the discomfort until I got used to them. Unfortunately I do believe they caused damage to my other teeth, I started with a partial plate in my 20's but over the years the plate rubbing on my teeth did cause damage that could not be fixed to my other teeth and eventually they all need removing. I'm actually happier with dentures though, you can't tell they are fake teeth at all and I don't notice them anymore I even sleep with mine in and the best part is they never give me a toothache!
I also could have written this. My teeth were terrible due to avoiding the dentist, I would go every 5 or 6 years and because I'd left it so long would need some awful and expensive procedure (root canal or extraction) and it would put me off going again. Not sure if it was an actual phobia but I felt extreme anxiety at the thought of going to the dentist. My daughter ended up needing braces and we started going to a new dentist so I spent a lot of time there, but not as a patient, which was kind of de sensitising in a way. They were all so lovely and I felt comfortable there. THEN my worst teeth-related fear came true and I cracked and lost half of one of my front teeth (the one further back from my eye tooth) so it was visible for all to see and I was so self conscious but it was the kick in the bum I needed to go and get it sorted out. When I rang to book an appointment I let them know I was super nervous and they reassured me they would only take it step by step and only do what I was comfortable with. I got in the chair and cried and cried but once we discussed what we needed to do I felt a weight off my shoulders and I didn't feel judged at all (another part of my anxious feelings about dentists) I now have a partial plate that replaces 3 teeth at the top and 3 at the bottom, it cost $5500 and it's a little bulky and not as good as real teeth but I'm pretty happy with it. The other option was dental implants but that would have cost around $40k so not an option. I really hope this helps and you find a dentist that you are comfortable with, good luck and remember the first step is usually the hardest x
I was in pain for 20yrs my fear became so intense even knowing someone was going to the dentist would give me a panic attack. I finally got sick of being in pain daily. I went to the GP first and explained the situation and she gave me diazapan. I then made an appointment to go to the dentist. I even needed diazapan to call the dentist. I cried when they first saw me and did x-rays. They saw my fear so real and suggested I also use gas when I went back. I listened to music, had gas and diazapan and all up had to go 6 times. I had 10 teeth taken out and some fillings. I'm so glad I went. I am no longer in pain and can even face taking my kids to the dentist without having a panic attack and giving them the fear I've had for so long. Good luck you can do it!
I've just been to the dentist. I don't really have a fear but when I get there I start to sweat. It just happens. I've got decay on all of my teeth needing 8k worth of work. I'm trying to go thru superannuation to release on compassionate grounds hopefully that will work or I don't know what I'm going to do. Maybe I will request to have 1 or 2 teeth done a month or otherwise I might not have any teeth at all. Hoping that you get a plan in place and settle your panic attacks. Most dentists offer sedation if need be. Good luck at getting your smile back.
I am the same but have found 90% are great. They are kind even though your teeth are messed up. I tried to go 10years ago and had the most arrogant dentist..I didn't go for another 5, then had great dentists.
I'm terrified of the dentist.
But it got to the point where I could see holes in my front teeth so I really needed it fixed.
I tried my luck and booked with one near me, I told them I had a fear of the dentist and they noted it down.
I had possibly the best dental assistant I've ever seen. She was constantly talking to me and being reassuring and it really helped me through my procedure.
I had to go back a second time, for a big hole in my back molar. I had an injection put into my jaw which caused it to lock (my jaw dislocates normally) and I started to stress out, eventually I burst into tears because I was terrified of it being permanent (as I already have jaw problems I wouldn't be able to handle more). My assistant was able to tell the dentist to stop and let me calm over time.
She is an absolute angel and I wouldn't have been able to do it without her.
So try and find someone will make note of your fear and work with you!