Broken tooth, dentist won't see me. Scared

[PrincessandthePeach]

So I haven't been to the dentist for 5 years as I'm terrified it's my worst fear.
But my tooth about a month ago and yesterday more of it snapped off. It looks like quite a deep break and I'm worried about the potential for infection etc.
So I rang the dentist this morning and they are unable to see me as I'm not in pain or anything. But I feel like it's only a matter of time until it gets infected and I'm panicking. I'm terrified.
Never mind actually going to the appointment I don't know how I'm going to do it.

[SpudsandGravy]

Sorry to read this, OP. I understand dental nerves.

Is this thing about not seeing you because you're not yet in pain a Covid-related rule? Have never heard of anything like that before. I'd have thought the kind of issue you've described would be something a dentist would want to sort out ASAP.

[ThenCatoJumpedOut]

Sometimes you have to lie and exaggerate the pain to be seen by a dentist (even in non-Covid times)

Call back and say it really started to hurt

[PrincessandthePeach]

Yeah it's due to covid. They said they are only allowed to do 3-4 drill procedures a day and they have to do an environmental clean apparently between patients which means that the room has to be closed for 2 hours.
I'm really scared, I'm going to lose the tooth and I'm worried about infection. I haven't been to the dentist for 5 years as I'm terrified

[SpudsandGravy]

TBH I would do what the poster above has suggested - ring back and tell them you're in pain :-(

I used to worry a lot about going to the dentist after some scary experiences as a child, but I've learned over the years that it's never as bad as I worry it will be. I always tell dentists as soon as I get in that I'm nervous and ask them to take that into account, and they always have done. I'm sure they will with you too

[Phyzzy]

I chipped a tooth yesterday and rang my dentist today. They asked if I was in pain which I'm not, and I have an appointment in 9 days. They will do a check up as well because I missed last year.
Are you sure it was a definite no or would they give you an appointment for the future?
I'm terrified of dental treatment which is why I'm very careful to have checks. I hope that will lessen the risk of having to have treatment.

[Querywhether]

Could you afford to be seen privately? On here everyone seems to say that their private dentist is business as usual.

[Chimpfield]

Lie and say you are in pain......

[Soontobe60]

Please ring them again and tell them you're now in pain. I am totally dental phobic so really understand how you feel. However, last week I had to have a broken tooth fixed with a crown. I was petrified! But to my absolute amazement the dentist numbed me really quickly and I honestly didn't feel a thing. I was so pleased that I actually cried with relief in the surgery.
My advice - take 2 paracetamol before you go, try your best to relax, by deep breathing during the procedure and have someone drive you home afterwards, I was too shook up to drive!

[PrincessandthePeach]

It was a definite no unless I have pain, bleeding or swelling.
They just told me to phone up every couple of weeks as they have a big backlog.
I don't want to lie and say I'm in pain incase it takes up an appointment from someone who really is in agony.
I don't know, maybe part of me doesn't want to lie aswell because I'm so scared of going.
Everytime I think about it I feel like I'm gonna throw up and I get the shakes.

[ThenCatoJumpedOut]

Well, in that case you can’t go

But fwiw I think your anxiety over this is as serious as physical pain

And the lie would therefore be kind of a white lie

On the plus side, if it does not hurt it is probably not as serious as you fear

Either way, hope you’re ok

[RedSoloCup]

I had to wait months with a broken tooth, rinse three times a day with salt water to prevent infection, trust me it stopped my pain all together until you can get it sorted

[Sakesman]

Don’t be terrified. You could be ok for quite a while with no infection. That said- they’ll pull it if necessary. You won’t feel a thing. That’s fine too.

[PurpleDaisies]

I was waiting to have mine fixed all of lockdown one. I can totally understand why you’re worried but in all likelihood it will be absolutely fine.

As others have said, you might have more luck being seen at a private dentist. It is tricky at the moment because there are limits on procedures with drills and the tone the room needs to be empty for afterwards.

[MustBeTheWine]

I understand your worry OP. I waited almost a year to have my heavily decayed tooth removed. I hadn't been to the dentist for 8 years, like you I was absolutely petrified of the dentist but plucked up the courage last year. Both my upper wisdom teeth were buggered. I had one of them removed in February last year but the appointment to remove the second was cancelled due to covid and they wouldn't remove it unless it bothered me which it didn't but I was absolutely petrified and convinced that I'd get abscess or my tooth would just fall out on its own, it was a constant worry but I was ok. I didn't get the appointment to remove the other wisdom tooth until last week. Like an other PP suggested try swishing your mouth with salt water to keep the broken tooth clean.

[plinkplinkfizzer]

My husband used something called Toofy Pegs , which he bought in the Chemist to fill his broken tooth , until he was able to get fixed .

[PrincessandthePeach]

Ended up transferring to a different dentist. Got an appointment for next Tuesday.
I'm terrified of the actual appointment. Don't know how I'm going to face it.

[SpudsandGravy]

Try to talk yourself down from anxiety, OP, rather than wind yourself up.

Remember - dentists these days are much more aware of nerves than they were in the past. When you go in tell them you're very nervous and ask them to help you with that. I'd be very surprised if they don't. Good luck

[MustBeTheWine]

Have you told the receptionist who booked you in that you were nervous? If you haven't then call them back and forewarn them, they usually make a note of it in your notes so the dentist knows beforehand that you're very nervous. They'll talk everything through with you abd put you at ease. The first appointment will just be a check up and they'll sort out a treatment plan with you, you'll feel a lot better after that initial appointment.