Any dentists about - what’s the chances I’m going to lose my teeth?

[upset101]

I’m in a bit of a panic .

I haven’t seen a dentist since 2017, and I’m now experiencing pain in my upper left side . Teeth ‘click’ sometimes, all teeth on that side feel a bit weird and I’m worried they’re going to drop out for some reason.
I grit them all day because of anxiety, I’m not sure if that’s not helping !

I brush my teeth once a day, should start twice, I had severe depression and I neglected them for a bit . I use genigel after brushing, mouthwash and bonjela now as mouth quite sore .

I’ve got PCOS too which a dentist did suggest before can cause early tooth loss or something .

When I’m looking at my teeth there’s like a white lumpy bit above them - I had fairly extensive dental surgery as a teenager so can’t work out if that’s just where they made an incision .

Have attached a probably useless photo .. I am trying to pluck up the nerve to ring the dentist tomorrow .. hugely worried about cost - I’m a carer and don’t have that much money .

I’m no expert but your teeth look in good condition to me. Can’t see any build up of plague either. Your gums look normal to me and are a good healthy colour.

They look in great health!

My gums click.. well my teeth click.. something clicks!

My gums are also receded. They started doing that 20 years ago and I still have a full set. Yours look like perfectly healthy teeth and gums to me.

They look far healthier than mine do and I am not concerned about mine falling out so 🤷‍♀️

Please go to a dentist! I say this as someone with a proper phobia, I left it 7 years and have severe gum disease now. I also suffer from depression and have neglected my personal admin generally including my teeth. It will be so worth sorting it now rather than having long term treatment in the future. But - to me - your gums look fine. There is no redness over the teeth. They won't just drop out - that is your anxiety talking.

Unless I’ve missed something you can’t go to a dentist and haven’t been able to go since February?

@AnnnaBananna

Unless I’ve missed something you can’t go to a dentist and haven’t been able to go since February?

Yes, you missed a large number of dentists reopening.

I’ve had a crown done and a hygienist visit.

They look worn down and if you're grinding you could do with a bite guard. If you can't afford the dentist have you looked at if you're exempt? The NHS website should say

I’ve made an appointment for Monday morning, receptionist thinks I am probably exempt from charges but said they won’t charge to have a look anyway ... fingers crossed there’s nothing hugely wrong !

Well done OP. The reality will be nowhere near as bad as your imagination, worry about them.

Hope all goes well on Monday. I bet things will be really manageable.

@MyGazeboisLeaking

Well done OP. The reality will be nowhere near as bad as your imagination, worry about them.

Hope all goes well on Monday. I bet things will be really manageable.

Thank you , I hope so . Thankfully they’re allowing me to take a friend too, (I have PTSD) so hopefully that means the dentist will be understanding of things . I suppose the good thing with dentists and similar, they’re used to people being in a panic so won’t judge or laugh !

Dentist is tomorrow at 10.15, I keep coming up with reasons to cancel it . I’m on a high-ish dose of propranolol which makes me think they won’t be able to give me any local . Absolutely dreading it and wishing I hadn’t made the appointment !!

You won't need any local for a check-up anyway and they can give you advice on what to do going forward. Scary as it feels, keep the appointment. It will never be as bad as you feel at the moment and since your teeth look good to me there will almost certainly be less drama than you expect!

How did it go OP?

Finally saw dentist today, I’ve been referred to max fax as needing lower wisdom tooth extracted - will probably get a GA or sedation . Tooth next to it needs filled/possibly removed too . Two year wait for the hospital stuff . I’m also getting a night guard - teeth at the top are a bit worn with grinding and one slightly weakened although not badly . Dentist doesn’t think I’ll lose the front ones at least, hopefully just the wisdom tooth .