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Ive just been to the dentist for the first time in 30 years.

28 replies

TheresSomebodyAtTheDoorNeil · 13/01/2022 10:55

After years of pain, breath so bad I wouldn't leave the house some days and low self esteem because I was so paranoid about it I booked a bloody appointment. The kick start being some pretty invasive medical care, as I was lying there surrounded by medical staff being treated to the stuffed turkey treatment I thought to myself if I can have my arse in the faces of many strangers glad im wearing a mask so they cant smell my disgusting breath I can get myself sorted out. Even at that moment my primary thought was my teeth.

So I booked it, took out a dental plan for £14 a. Month which includes a check up and hygiene clean thing every 3 months.

After all that, all that being worried and stinking the room out at times ive been. And it was fine, I need one extraction, a tiny filling and a good clean. And that will be fine too (( I know ive been extremely lucky, after years of neglecting them and myself through bads of poor mental health when theyve been lucky to see a toothbrush. As a child I didn't brush them at all. . I think Ive inherited strong teeth and im not really a fan of sugary foods which will help))

And im going to have the treatment. And lets face it that can't be any worse than various people probing various things up my arse now can it?

The dentist was fine. It's his job to look in dirty mouths, if he's judging well he shouldn't be in that job (( dentist was lovely although I was resigned to my fate by that point))

Am whats the point of this thread you ask yourself? Well if youre like me and youve suffered pain, people stepping back when talking to you and all the other crap that comes with having crap teeth just get it booked.. Honestly it's not worth all the upset when it can be sorted out relatively easily.

OP posts:
spiderlight · 13/01/2022 10:59

Well done! So glad you don't have to have too much done.

RonniePickering · 13/01/2022 11:02

Well done you 👍🏼 Good encouragement for others too.

coodawoodashooda · 13/01/2022 11:03

I am really impressed. Well done. Really, really well done!

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ComDummings · 13/01/2022 11:04

Well done OP!

Comefromaway · 13/01/2022 11:04

It's 20 years for me. I'm not in pain but I have a few back teeth that are crumbling. I'm trying to muster up the courage.

Lottieskeeper · 13/01/2022 11:09

Bloody well done.
I'm in a very similar position but I only left it 19 years.
The pain and indignity of having 2 children made me suddenly realise that maybe I could cope with seeing a dentist.
Unfortunately I've had to have 13 teeth taken out as they were beyond saving. Luckily I have still got all my front teeth.
My dentist is lovely and suggested I wear either ear plugs or ear phones and listen to music to block out the sounds. He also books me extra long appointments so we have plenty of time to stop if I need to.
I felt so proud walking out of the first appointment.

TheresSomebodyAtTheDoorNeil · 13/01/2022 11:10

ComeFrom I started by looking at reviews on google and just phoned a few round. The dental plan has forced me to got, we don't have a lot of money so it can't be wasted. My only real stipulation was I wanted an older dentist, no real reason other than the fact theyll have seen it all over the years and I'd just feel more comfortable. Don't get me wrong I'm dreading the treatment but I also know it needs doing, I'm getting it done and afterwards I'll be so much happier.

OP posts:
CrotchetyQuaver · 13/01/2022 11:15

Well done! One of my daughters was the same but didn't go as long as you. No idea what set off her phobia as I was present at all her appointments as a child. She needed 7 fillings and her wisdom teeth out (and her tonsils). Cost a bomb, but she's very good now and goes every 6 months and no trouble since.

StandardPoodle · 13/01/2022 16:39

Well done OP - you must feel very proud of yourself, and justifiably so!

CiaoForDiNiaoSaur · 13/01/2022 16:42

Well done. Its been about 10 years for me. And terribly I haven't taken DC in that long either. Last time I went I got a lecture about how awful my teeth are (they aren't) and told I don't brush them properly, but no advice on what Im doing wrong. For an already nervous patient it was not helpful.
I'm on a mission to find a decent NHS dentist and make myself (and the dc) go.

TheCanyon · 13/01/2022 16:45

I didn't go for 10 years after a horrible dentist but plucked up the courage when I cracked my front tooth. I cried, dentist was absolutely awesome! He's one of my favourite people now and I always feel really chuffed with myself after I've been in.

If only I could get over the hatred of the freezing cold water/air Grin

ChaToilLeam · 13/01/2022 16:51

Well done OP! I didn’t go for 10 years, until an impacted wisdom tooth forced me to overcome my fears. Teeth are good but I have gum disease so need to attend regularly for cleanings. Thankfully I found a good sympathetic practice (Smilefemale run) which takes excellent care of scaredy cats like me. Two wisdom teeth out and I also lost another molar but the rest are hanging on fine.

orio · 13/01/2022 16:58

@TheresSomebodyAtTheDoorNeil

ComeFrom I started by looking at reviews on google and just phoned a few round. The dental plan has forced me to got, we don't have a lot of money so it can't be wasted. My only real stipulation was I wanted an older dentist, no real reason other than the fact theyll have seen it all over the years and I'd just feel more comfortable. Don't get me wrong I'm dreading the treatment but I also know it needs doing, I'm getting it done and afterwards I'll be so much happier.
Massive well done! Be proud of yourself. The treatment will be a breeze, the local will sting a tiny bit then you won't feel a thing. I had a root canal recently, 2 treatments at an hour each and honestly it was actually pretty relaxing.
PreparationPreparationPrep · 13/01/2022 17:13

OP can I ask which dental plan you took out please?

TheresSomebodyAtTheDoorNeil · 13/01/2022 19:05

Preperation I went with mydentist, it's a local dentist that's been established for years but mydentist seems to be countrywide.

Seems I was wrong and the treatment is every six months, even so I think it's good value. I had to do something that would force me to go and I cant afford to throw money away. Ive cancelled prime and netflix to cover the cost (( not having prime will save me a fortune and I don't watch netflix tbh so no loss))

The treatment costs on top are £180 for my filling and extraction which im happy with, there is a finance option to pay for it but I will cover the cost from savings. Im honestly so proud of myself, I even got a sticker! BlushGrin

OP posts:
TheresSomebodyAtTheDoorNeil · 13/01/2022 19:06

Sorry heres the list Preperation

Ive just been to the dentist for the first time in 30 years.
OP posts:
TheresSomebodyAtTheDoorNeil · 13/01/2022 19:18

And thanks for the support everyone, it really does mean a lot. I really hope some posters who have been struggling like I have will take the bull by the horns off the back of this, honestly if I can get into a dentists chair and live to tell the tale anyone can. For me it was that mind shift when the doctor was up my backside thinking ' what the hell are you playing at? Nothing can be worse than this'

For others it could be something else. But honestly just do it, ask on facebook if needed which can be a great place for advice or even type the name in the search bar and see what comes in reviews.

OP posts:
Sonata13 · 13/01/2022 19:24

Well done you! Was so terrified when I had wisdom tooth out last year. Had numbing injection, he tugged it twice and out it came. Easy peasy! Was euphoric as I walked home!

Handholding587 · 13/01/2022 19:27

Very well done, you should be proud of yourself!

MrsPear · 13/01/2022 19:47

Well done op. I go in my husbands home country. The dentist has presumed I can’t understand so I avoid lectures that way. Mind you from listening to him talk to my husband I have ugly teeth but strong teeth.

Annonnimoouse42 · 13/01/2022 19:55

well done! it might give me the push I need. I've had just awful experiences with dentists and got such a lecture last time I swore Of never return, until I discovered why my teeth have always been dreadful. Turns out I have 3 different autoimmune disorders.

Thinkyoung · 13/01/2022 20:15

Flash those pearly whites when it’s all done o.p ! You’ve inspired me, just mine are in a lot worse state- I have two hanging by a thread and teeth coming away from gums. I’m so afraid . After successfully stopping cigs, I finally feel I deserve nice teeth and hope to go nhs . Maybe a dentist could use me as a before and after project. I am 48!

TheresSomebodyAtTheDoorNeil · 13/01/2022 22:35

ThinkYoung I have a lot of black tartar along my gum line, im absolutely dreading having that scraped off and what's under there. But if I don't go I'll never find out what I'm panicking about 😂😂😂

OP posts:
Ohhhhmothermayi · 13/01/2022 22:39

Thanks OP - must be about twenty years for me and I’m booked wto go tomorrow 😬

RosiePosieDozy · 13/01/2022 22:41

Well done. You've been very brave.

I went to the dentist for a check up this week after over two years. I hadn't been because of lockdown and was really nervous to go. I nearly cancelled it. I'm glad I didn't as the dentist was lovely. Dental nurse, x-ray lady and everyone was lovely.

I can emphasise with you. The dentist is not a fun place to go, especially when you are nervous about treatment. But we need to look after ourselves Flowers

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