What do I do about this hospital appointment?

[SinkGirl]

Will try to cut a long story short.

I have a terrible dentist phobia. Went to a dentist first time in years about 12 months ago as I had two broken molars causing a lot of pain plus an impacted wisdom tooth. Dentist referred me to community dental team for treatment under sedation, but they said they no longer see patients due to phobia. So dentist referred me to the only nhs practice who do sedation and the maxillofacial unit at the hospital to see if they could remove my teeth under GA including the wisdom tooth.

Had an appointment to remove my two broken teeth under sedation but it was cancelled due to COVID. Now had a letter offering me a phone appointment with the hospital. Had no idea what it was so googled the person it’s booked with - he’s a professor, head and neck cancer specialist and head of the unit, and I’m reasonably sure he has no interest in my talking to me about my teeth!

Should I cancel it? I really don’t want to take up a phone appointment with a cancer specialist at this time when things are already so difficult. Worried there have been crossed wires somewhere and they’ll be annoyed.

But then I’m also worried about my teeth - last year I had three very painful infections, touch wood none since, so if they can possibly help I should probably speak to them?

The number given is just the main outpatients number so it’s not like I can call and speak to someone who knows what to suggest.

Would you cancel this?

No don't cancel it. Is the appointment actually with him or just under his department?

Your health is really important, you are really important, go through with the appointment!

I’m at doctor. All maxillofacial surgeons have a dentistry degree and will see patients like you.

Go to the appointment. I think you are looking for excuses not to go because you are understandably frightened. I’m not judging you I also have Terrible dental anxiety and problem teeth. It’s a mind over matter job I’m afraid.

No don't cancel. It will more than likely be another doctor working in the department that will call you. Anyway, from having similar issues to you, I know how much it hurts, and I wish I could have mine removed ASAP! My dentist referred me at the beginning of lockdown and I'm still waiting!

As with other posters, you may not be getting a call from him/her direct but from a member of their team. Also, professors see a wide range of problems, so you don’t need to decide what’s within their remit. Just pick up the phone when they call!

Thanks all, I just feel like they could be using his time far better! But you’re right, hopefully it will be one of his team who calls. That makes sense. I will keep it. I just felt bad!

Sorry you’re suffering @loutypips - my appointment to have the first session of treatment under sedation was the first week that COVID really kicked off- they postponed it then cancelled it. So lucky the pain hasn’t been as bad as it was but it could kick off again any time.

If they didn't want to see you, they wouldn't! Do it, get sorted and don't make excuses.

Maxfacs surgeons also take out teeth. Just because its booked under him wont necessarily mean it will be with him either, it could be with a lower member of staff under his name

Maxfacs surgeons remove teeth. 9/10 times your apt will be with their registrar or senior house officer, all of which have a dental degree.

I’m not making excuses. It’s a phone appointment so it has nothing to do with a fear of dentists and I do want the teeth out, just can’t handle being conscious for it! I just know that a lot of people’s appointments have been delayed over the last few months and feel guilty using up a slot. But others are right - it’s probably not him who’ll call.

Maxfax took out my wisdom teeth years ago under a g/a. You more than likely wont speak with the doctor on your appointment. Keep the appointment though , they wouldn't give it to you if they thought they would be wasting their time.

You are putting blocks in the way due to your fear - just keep the appointment! it will be fine