Page 3 | I’m a dentist - AMA

BentOutOfShape · 15/07/2018 17:27

Do you believe people when they say they floss their teeth every day.

BTW I floss my teeth at least once a day and often more often. 😁
(I actually do!)

Original poster

ginplease8383 · 15/07/2018 17:39

Bentoutofshape - it’s very noticeable who does and who doesn’t by if I can see plaque or need to fish out food caught in there!

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FacelikeaBagofHammers · 15/07/2018 19:31

Has any patient of yours had such bad breath that you struggled to treat them?

LuMarie · 15/07/2018 19:46

Hi

I'm beyond phobic and trying to get past the stupidness to get to a dentist as it's been an embarrassingly long time and is unreasonably silly of me.

I have a ridiculously healthy lifestyle otherwise and have been through all sorts of unpleasant physical things, I used to be freaked out by blood tests, a run in with a very serious illness and an emergency IVF freezing cycle later, I can and did do my own all sorts things I would have thought unimaginable for anyone!

That said, I'd prefer a positive and not traumatic experience with this, related to health rather than fear!

I would warn someone that I literally don't want to hear a single word, just I trust them and it's fine don't tell me. I'd hope with some exposure I'd get better (as is the the with phobias), so I'd be working to get over it completely.

I will ignore what it costs as my priority is getting myself to this. I'm so bad that I'm scared of people who are in your profession and look, I can't even say it. I don't want to be touched with anything. It's not an issue of pain, I know pain and can do that. This is just something that really freaks me out.

So clearly, I need to find a way around this!

Beyond the obvious, it's really no big deal, it does't hurt, you get over phobias (that's my advice to myself!), are there any practical things that can be done for someone as ridiculously phobic as myself?!

I'd be happy to wake up one day and discover I'd been unconscious for a day, had been knocked out and taken without my knowledge in advance, all done. It all just really creeps me out, badly, so I literally just don't want to know! A lot to ask I know, though I have asked!

So, for someone who will lose it even at the sign on the door and not be able to open their mouth, can you tell me of any ways you could deal with someone as ridiculous as me!

I'd like to go all the way, healthy treatment is important first, to get in place and upkeep, then if I'm amazing as a reward cosmetic for whitening and straightening, so I'm here to try!

Is there any hope for me?!

cptartapp · 15/07/2018 20:06

DS (13) has always said he'd like to be a dentist. He's strong in maths and science and very practical. What's the best way to get into it/best to study?

Original poster

ginplease8383 · 15/07/2018 20:52

Has any patient of yours had such bad breath that you struggled to treat them?

Nope. Taking out an infected tooth or the contents of an abscess smells way worse than anyone's breath ever could.

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Original poster

ginplease8383 · 15/07/2018 20:55

DS (13) has always said he'd like to be a dentist. He's strong in maths and science and very practical. What's the best way to get into it/best to study?

All three sciences and maths at A-level. And nowadays you have to get A*s in all subjects or you don't have a hope in hell of getting in - though thats what I have heard - i went to uni in 2000. Plus lots of extra curricular things to go with it. I did DOE Gold and some charity work as well plus i played a lot of sport. You do interview as well so good interview techniques is very important.

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grasspigeons · 15/07/2018 20:58

Do you have a bad back?

Owletterocks · 15/07/2018 20:59

Ooh just stumbled across this after I posted on another thread. My ds’s loose baby tooth Is bleeding when I brush it! Why is that? It’s the actual tooth as well, not the gum

Danceintherain2018 · 15/07/2018 20:59

Tooth periodically becomes tender/sensitive every few months. Will hurt momentarily with cold/sweet food etc. gum above tooth can ache periodically too. Tooth is filled and dentist says filling looks intact. Dentist Checked that it is alive and showing no signs of pupiltis etc but said if it gets worse the only options are root canal or removal. I questioned whether a new filling could be tried as it's fairly old and he said no. why? It's private health care so surely if in paying I should be able to try it!

Original poster

ginplease8383 · 15/07/2018 20:59

So, for someone who will lose it even at the sign on the door and not be able to open their mouth, can you tell me of any ways you could deal with someone as ridiculous as me!

I'd like to go all the way, healthy treatment is important first, to get in place and upkeep, then if I'm amazing as a reward cosmetic for whitening and straightening, so I'm here to try!

Is there any hope for me?!

I'd start by finding a dentist who has time to work through your issues with you. Sadly I doubt that any NHS dentist will be able to do this as when I did it I had a 15 minute slot per patient unless there was treatment and they don't get paid by their time just the treatment they do. Go for a few consultations but let the receptionist know your issues beforehand and get them to recommend one of their dentists to you. some are good with nervous patients and some aren't.

You could try hypnotherapy as an example but talk this through with the dentist you decide to go with.

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Original poster

ginplease8383 · 15/07/2018 21:01

Do you have a bad back?

Yes but from looking at a computer all day at the moment as Im studying. I have a saddle chair which keeps me 'proper' and loupes (little glasses with a light on top' which prevents me from having to lean over.

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Aspieparent · 15/07/2018 21:03

I have a 4 year old with autism who would dehydrate himself than drink water.
I have been told the usual not to let him drink juice and fizzy drinks and pure drinks but was also told not to let him drink alot of milk as it's ruining his teeth any advice on what to give him to drink?

Original poster

ginplease8383 · 15/07/2018 21:04

Ooh just stumbled across this after I posted on another thread. My ds’s loose baby tooth Is bleeding when I brush it! Why is that? It’s the actual tooth as well, not the gum

Teeth don't bleed. Its the gum. If its loose might just be where he's been wobbling it a bit too much?

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Owletterocks · 15/07/2018 21:06

Thanks, I can see it coming from the tooth though? I have a pic

Original poster

ginplease8383 · 15/07/2018 21:06

I have a 4 year old with autism who would dehydrate himself than drink water.
I have been told the usual not to let him drink juice and fizzy drinks and pure drinks but was also told not to let him drink alot of milk as it's ruining his teeth any advice on what to give him to drink?

Sugar free squash would be better than juices etc but is still acidic and has sweeteners. milk has also got sugar in it. try and up his brushing and wait 30 mins after having the drink if you can.

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Original poster

ginplease8383 · 15/07/2018 21:08

Thanks, I can see it coming from the tooth though? I have a pic

Sorry I can't diagnose from a picture. go and see your dentist if you are concerned. It will be coming from the gum though trust me!

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Owletterocks · 15/07/2018 21:10

Ok thanks I was planning on ringing them tomorrow anyway

fruitcider · 15/07/2018 21:10

My point is that RGN's can progress into nurse practitioners, diabetic nurses etc, but dental nurses can't.

I'm not the OP but can answer this one. Dental nurse training leads to a level 3 diploma, nurses that qualified pre 2016 are educated to a minimum of level 5 and all nurses that have qualified since 2016 have a minimum of an undergraduate degree. The qualifications and the level of education is completely different, that's why the career progression opportunities are also different.

Original poster

ginplease8383 · 15/07/2018 22:18

Danceintherain2018- sounds like secondary caries. he/she should be able to take out the filling, dig deeper and replace if it’s not too deep. There’s probably a reason why they don’t recommend that though- ask them.

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NinkyNonk1 · 15/07/2018 22:27

Hi Gin.

I've had an ongoing problem for nearly a year now. The right side of my mouth keeps getting pain in and off. Initially dr thought it was a blocked salivary gland, had antibiotics and made no difference. Went for ultra sound, they said it looked more inflamed than the left but could see nothing wrong otherwise. Saw ENT, he couldn't feel anything wrong. Saw dentist who suggested root canal in one of my teeth on the lower jaw. Initially I thought it had improved but now it's back!

The pain goes to my ear too, and the tenderness seems to be around the curve at the back of my jaw if that makes any sense. Sometimes it then feels there is something stuck at the bottom of my mouth which can then cause pain on my tongue that side.

I am seeing dr again this week and dentist again following week. The dentist did mention that the tooth I had root canal on may need to come out.

Just wondering if you have come across this before as it's really getting me down now. I have noticed previously that laying on that side makes it feel better and sometimes rinsing with salt water. I'm really at a loss.

Yellowcrocodile · 15/07/2018 22:28

Are dental implants worth it? What are the risks?

Original poster

ginplease8383 · 15/07/2018 23:35

Ninkynonk1- yes I have. sounds like your RCT might have failed.

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Original poster

ginplease8383 · 15/07/2018 23:39

Yellow crocodile- I think they are - the alternative is a bridge which potentially damages another tooth or a denture. Dentures have their uses but aren’t as stable or look as real and can look aging especially at the front.

Main risk is failure of the implant and being left with a gap.

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NinkyNonk1 · 16/07/2018 08:43

Thanks Gin.

If that's the case then I'll think they will want to remove the tooth. Can you explain how removing the tooth will stop the pain please?