I’ve not been to the dentist for 12 years and have a hygienist appointment today. AMA.

[BlackBean2023]

I’ve not been to the dentist since 2012 due to severe nerves about it (I’m not a nervous person so it’s very out of the ordinary).

I think my teeth are generally OK but I have noticed some staining recently, and bleeding gums so I have bitten the bullet and booked an appointment with a hygienist before seeing the dentist next week. Will update before and after my appointment.

Hoping I can help someone else who might have anxiety.

I didn’t go to the dentist for 15 years because I couldn’t be bothered. When I finally rocked up he looked at my teeth, said they’re fine and I can get away with coming so infrequently!

I didn't visit the dentist from age 18 until.my 40s. Same as PP above - they gave them a bit of a scrape and said they were basically fine. I've since had 1 filling.

Yes, 2.

they go to the dentist regularly every 6/9 months - DD17 has just finished her orthodontic treatment and has beautiful teeth.

This is what I’m hoping!

Good luck! I was the same, after a tooth broke in half as it was so rotten I had to go due to the horrific pain! I now go regularly and see the hygienist too.
Let us know how you get on!
what is is that makes you nervous?

I take them. I’m not afraid of the premises!

I don't have any questions op...but I was in the same situation. Hadn't seen a dentist or hygienist for about 12 years... thought this is getting ridiculous now and booked to see a hygienist and dentist. They got a good clean and I only needed a small filling....hope yours goes ok.

My dh don’t go for about 10 year due to nerves, (he did clean them throughly twice a day). When he eventually went he didn’t need any treatment but did need a hygienist appointment. He now goes twice a year and has only had one filling in the past 7 years.

The vulnerability of laying back with my mouth wide open. Someone being so close to me, not understanding what’s going on when they count and ask for things etc.

It’s pretty irrational and I know that!

No, if anything I feel ashamed of how scared I am of being in the seat!

It’s so odd isn’t it, we know it’s irrational but can’t help it!
hopefully your teeth will be ok, mine weren’t and I feel like a right nana for not going for so long!
My fear is that I will experience sudden pain and react, bite down on the tool or dentists hand.

Tell them you’re nervous. They’re used to it and will know exactly what to do to help you through it.

Yes, the vulnerability of laying back with my mouth wide open. Someone being so close to me, not understanding what’s going on when they count and ask for things etc.

I can afford treatment if I need it and I would actually love Invisalign if I wasn’t such a wimp!

Nothing traumatic happened at my last appointment although I found the dentist rude and unsympathetic (NHS - perhaps private will be different)

I would tell the hygienist you’re nervous. I did and she went more slowly & gently at my appointment.

Do you think it's a good time to invest in America stocks?

Thank you, I did this on the phone yesterday in case I can’t get my words out today!

My appointment is at 9.45am so leaving now!

It sounds like the issue is a lack of trust. Do you find it difficult to trust people in general?

The hygeniest was awful for me and i only went 6 months ago! So don't think it's you

How was it?

It was fine! She was really lovely, not judgmental at all and had done a good job. I had a lot of hard plaque on the back of my teeth and she’s descaled and polished a lot! I’m going back in 3 weeks for airflow cleaning with her.