Nervous of dentists

[Birdle]

Hi,

I'm so, so nervous of dentists that I rarely go. My DS (9) has been a few times since he was born, but my DD (6) has never been, due to my fear. There's nobody else who can take them. Thankfully I've historically had pretty good teeth, but I had an unpleasant dentist experience as a child, and I rarely go. I made it my new year resolution to get us booked in, and I've just made the call. I feel terrible about my kids not going regularly, but even just making the call makes me feel sick. I've left an answer phone message, and I'm determined that we will be going. Even if it's just the kids first, and me separately so they don't see my fear in there.

Please tell me the dentist won't make me feel like crap for not going for so long. Lockdowns were a God-send, gave me an excuse. And if anyone has any tips to make the process easier, please let me know. I said in my answer phone message that I was a nervous patient, and I'm sitting here almost crying at the thought of going.

Just want to say you’re not alone. I’ve broken a tooth in lockdown and have put off seeing dentist. Booked an appointment for next week but feel sick with worry about it as think my tooth needs to come out.

I am the most nervous of nervous patients and am always honest with the dentist. Sometimes she’ll say can you open up and let me have a look, and I’ll say no not yet!
They are usually very good with nervous patients. One of my DDs is a dentist, my fear obviously didn’t rub off on her! She is a specialist community dentist dealing with nervous patients and patients with disabilities and learning difficulties.
I am in awe of her!

Glad to hear I'm not alone. I mainly feel rubbish because of the kids. But I'm determined to get them sorted, and then me.

@mygrandchildrenrock you must be very proud.

Just waiting for the call back. I hope it's today, I'm psyched up now. Nearly hung up when they said to leave a message, but I'm glad I did, even if it was a garbled one. My phone number was in there somewhere.

Try to get a referral to an anaesthetic dental clinic where you can be sedated for any work. A family member does this as only way they can cope with dentist.