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Original poster

Any dentist avoiders here 🥴

21 replies

ForeverLooking · 19/04/2022 20:30

Despite being incredibly fussy about my teeth and having a good routine of cleaning and flossing, I haven't been to the dentist in years. I take my kids every six months but the thought of going myself breaks me out in a cold sweat. I had a hideous experience at 19 with a botched wisdom tooth extraction where I was stabbed in the tongue with a needle, my tooth broke (DH heard it from the waiting room) and the dentist left part of the tooth in meaning I got a horrific infection. I would honestly prefer to give birth again, the pain of that infection where I would wake up with mouthfuls of blood in absolute agony...I had to beg (refused to leave) in the waiting room of the dentist to see me as they didn't believe I had an infection. Obviously I did and the tooth fragment was removed and I had antibiotics but it's scarred me for life.
Dentist was actually taken to court by another client and isn't a dentist anymore.
I've had a few appointments since but I'm honestly terrified. Anyway, I've booked an appointment at a local clinic after reading reviews and I'm dreading it. Anyone the same? It will be ok won't it?!

OP posts:
Comedycook · 19/04/2022 20:34

I haven't been for ten years Shock

I'm not scared...I'm just terrible at taking care of myself since having kids. I feel tremendous guilt at doing anything for myself.

Fwiw, I take my kids to the dentist for regular check ups

Aworldofmyown · 19/04/2022 20:37

It's very common, unless my dentist is trying to make me feel better. Grin The first few times I went after avoiding for years I sobbed all the way through and had to be escorted my DP so I didn't leave.

womaninatightspot · 19/04/2022 20:40

@Comedycook

I haven't been for ten years Shock

I'm not scared...I'm just terrible at taking care of myself since having kids. I feel tremendous guilt at doing anything for myself.

Fwiw, I take my kids to the dentist for regular check ups

This is me! Last year I went back to work though and now see a bit time/ money on myself as an investment. I went to the dentist after about seven years with a toothache, I did need a root canal. I also had an appointment with hygenist for a decent scale and polish. Definitely worthwhile.

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CLSB · 19/04/2022 20:41

I had not been in quite a few years, (about 6) due to a horrible experience.

I finally went last week. Everything was fine and nothing was wrong with my teeth. I was terrified about going, and honestly, was really happy with myself for going after - as silly as that sounds.

It will be OK!

Original poster
ForeverLooking · 19/04/2022 20:45

Thanks everyone. I actually have flashbacks to how ill I was, truly the most painful thing I've ever suffered through and I've had some pretty nasty injuries (nearly cut my big toe off in the spokes of a bike, broken my nose a few times, gave birth with no pain relief twice with back to back babies). I'm actually shitting myself and convinced I'm going to get a bollocking. I've mentioned I'm nervous.

OP posts:
AlphaAlpha · 19/04/2022 20:46

I've not been in at least 15 years, probably nearing 20.
I'm actually getting quite embarrassed about my teeth now, I have the occasional mild toothache niggle but they really could do with a proper clean. Years of smoking, red wine and coffee, all of which I no longer have, have really taken their toll on my teeth. I'm also scared at what else the dentist will find!

Mufflette · 19/04/2022 20:48

No, but I used to be! I had a similar experience as a child and couldn't go for 20 years. Full on phobia that had me crying if someone mentioned dental treatment and literally running down the street even from the anaesthetist supposed to knock me out in order to be able to have treatment.

Now I have regular checkups, plus hygienist and even managed root canals with normal person sedation. I'd recommend two things if possible - CBT to help you get to grips with exactly where the fear is coming from (helped me realise mine wasn't actually pain, it was me not being able to control my mouth and forcing the same sort of accident again), and looking for a dentist that treats phobia rather than 'nervous patients' - someone that understands that you might need several appointments even to let them blow air on a tooth, will build your confidence in them and put things in place that help with your specific issue. If the one you're going to isn't right, Dental Fear Central forum may have suggestions.

fantasmasgoria1 · 19/04/2022 20:48

I hate going but after a couple of infections I am coming around to registering at a dentist. I'm having a wisdom tooth removal soon which was infected and I don't want to go through it again! It too 2 lots of antibiotics to get rid of!

Original poster
ForeverLooking · 19/04/2022 20:52

@Mufflette

No, but I used to be! I had a similar experience as a child and couldn't go for 20 years. Full on phobia that had me crying if someone mentioned dental treatment and literally running down the street even from the anaesthetist supposed to knock me out in order to be able to have treatment.

Now I have regular checkups, plus hygienist and even managed root canals with normal person sedation. I'd recommend two things if possible - CBT to help you get to grips with exactly where the fear is coming from (helped me realise mine wasn't actually pain, it was me not being able to control my mouth and forcing the same sort of accident again), and looking for a dentist that treats phobia rather than 'nervous patients' - someone that understands that you might need several appointments even to let them blow air on a tooth, will build your confidence in them and put things in place that help with your specific issue. If the one you're going to isn't right, Dental Fear Central forum may have suggestions.

Thank you so much, that's really helpful. I'm so glad to hear you've managed to move past your trauma, well done! Your post gives me real hope
OP posts:
Original poster
ForeverLooking · 19/04/2022 20:54

@AlphaAlpha

I've not been in at least 15 years, probably nearing 20. I'm actually getting quite embarrassed about my teeth now, I have the occasional mild toothache niggle but they really could do with a proper clean. Years of smoking, red wine and coffee, all of which I no longer have, have really taken their toll on my teeth. I'm also scared at what else the dentist will find!
I'm scared of that too Blush. I'm do look after my teeth but I'm already catastrophising.
OP posts:
timoteigirl · 19/04/2022 20:54

Do you find it makes a difference going to NHS or a private dentist's? Are there any NHS dentists even left?

Plantlover12 · 19/04/2022 20:58

I work in dentistry. Just really emphasise prior to the appointment how anxious you are and the clinician should be completely understanding, and will usually explain everything they're doing step by step. If it makes you feel more comfortable bring someone with you in the room too. You'll be fine and the check up will be done and over with before you know it 😊

Original poster
ForeverLooking · 19/04/2022 20:58

@timoteigirl

Do you find it makes a difference going to NHS or a private dentist's? Are there any NHS dentists even left?
You can't get NHS around here for love nor money. Had to be private. I think you can get NHS in some areas but few and far between.
OP posts:
Ilikewinter · 19/04/2022 21:00

Fellow former dentist avoider here! I cracked a tooth and left it until I was in agony, eventually had to go to the dentist and my choices were root canal or pull the tooth. I sat and cried in fear and felt a total idiot, anyway I ended up having 2 teeth pulled and vowed never to get in that situation again. I now go every 6 months.
Please tell the dentist how you feel, you can do this 😊

Original poster
ForeverLooking · 19/04/2022 21:00

@Plantlover12

I work in dentistry. Just really emphasise prior to the appointment how anxious you are and the clinician should be completely understanding, and will usually explain everything they're doing step by step. If it makes you feel more comfortable bring someone with you in the room too. You'll be fine and the check up will be done and over with before you know it 😊
Thank you! That's great to hear. I will make sure I explain why I'm so fearful and hopefully that will help 🤞
OP posts:
Original poster
ForeverLooking · 19/04/2022 21:02

@Ilikewinter

Fellow former dentist avoider here! I cracked a tooth and left it until I was in agony, eventually had to go to the dentist and my choices were root canal or pull the tooth. I sat and cried in fear and felt a total idiot, anyway I ended up having 2 teeth pulled and vowed never to get in that situation again. I now go every 6 months. Please tell the dentist how you feel, you can do this 😊
Thank you! Well done for going every six months, I will hopefully follow your example!
OP posts:
XenoBitch · 19/04/2022 21:05

@timoteigirl

Do you find it makes a difference going to NHS or a private dentist's? Are there any NHS dentists even left?
I am a dentist avoider. Huge phobia of anything medical.

I did see a private dentist about a decade back, and he was amazing. So reassuring and had all the time in the world for his clients. Cost a fortune. Paid almost a grand for a root canal.

I since saw a NHS one.... dismissive.. like I was a bother. When she found out I was on UC, all the treatments she was suggesting were suddenly withdrawn. I am now left with perio and significant bone loss.. who knows what will happen now. I am too scared to even try again. I now have severe medical/needle phobia so wont even make it into a chair.

PositiveLife · 19/04/2022 21:05

I used to be great at going (even though my teeth are crap) until a dentist messed up my injection and did a filling without it properly numbed (and didn't believe me when I said it wasn't).

I really need to go back because I've got a badly broken tooth that needs removing Blush and I'm trying to work up to going

stimpyyouidiot · 19/04/2022 21:31

I didn't go to the dentist for about 10 years. Maybe more actually. I had a horrible experience with an nhs dentist, a filling I was told I 'didn't really need' and no anaesthetic. No warning, just did it.

I went last year because I was frightened as bits of my tooth were falling off.

I went in. I cried. And they said that tooth was fine. But I needed 2 fillings on the complete other side.

I went back again and they did it and I cried all the way through. It was horrible, but I did it. I signed up for denplan to make me go. I've got an appointment next month and I'm already anxious about it (have been since January when I realised it was 'this year'). Trying very hard to be brave!!

Original poster
ForeverLooking · 19/04/2022 21:34

So sorry to hear I'm one of many with bad experiences and fear Flowers

OP posts:
KyieveMii · 19/04/2022 21:41

I found a decent dentist and managed to go again after 10 years, I was building up but now she’s left.
The new one is like many, dismissing anxiety. Basically the NHS doesn’t have the time or patience for people with a phobia now. I’m feeling really stuck. I had a tooth pulled, I have an actual spike on bone left protruding from my gum and I’m pretending it’s ok 😬

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