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Original poster

Terrified of Dentist

26 replies

Zssn · 28/01/2025 11:25

Hi all,

Hope all are well.

I know this is really silly, but since my family dentist retired, I need to go the dentist for a filling that popped out. I am terrified of seeing a new dentist, as all I want is a replacement filling, but worried they will do more and just take my money too.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated

Thank you in advance

OP posts:
NessaSmith · 28/01/2025 11:33

Hello, I also have a horrible dental phobia and needed 2 fillings recently. I called in advance and explained I was extremely anxious and they were lovely to me. They were patient and made allowances, for example they used numbing gel on my gym before they did the injection so I didn't feel it.

Just be honest with them and accept their support, they're so used to nervous patients.

Good luck

BobbyBiscuits · 28/01/2025 11:37

You might need more than just a filling if you haven't had a checkup for a while. But you can just say that's all you're interested in getting for now. They can diagnose issues but can't force the treatment on you.
Explain if you are worried about money etc. A good dentist will assuage your anxiety and calmly explain everything to you. The longer you leave it the worse it'll be..
I didn't go for about ten years, and I ended up needing about £4k worth of work..my teeth were bad though! It was definitely worth it.

Original poster
Zssn · 28/01/2025 12:29

Thank you for this.
I really needed to hear how others coped with it. Hopefully I won't be a nervous wreck at the appointment

OP posts:

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Dental health
BobbyBiscuits · 28/01/2025 12:55

@Zssn tell them you're a nervous patient. Don't be shy about saying you're scared. They will reassure you and once you've been there once, you'll know what they are going to do next time. I promise you'll be fine! X

Original poster
Zssn · 28/01/2025 12:57

BobbyBiscuits · 28/01/2025 11:37

You might need more than just a filling if you haven't had a checkup for a while. But you can just say that's all you're interested in getting for now. They can diagnose issues but can't force the treatment on you.
Explain if you are worried about money etc. A good dentist will assuage your anxiety and calmly explain everything to you. The longer you leave it the worse it'll be..
I didn't go for about ten years, and I ended up needing about £4k worth of work..my teeth were bad though! It was definitely worth it.

So sorry to hear that.

Thank you for your post. It is reassuring . Hopefully there is not much wrong with me. To be honest, I ate a hard crispy chickpea and my filling came out last week, and if this didn't happen, I don't think I would've gone.

I hope that it is an understanding dentist , because in my lifetime I have only used our family dentist for 30 years prior his retirement. I never really thought about what I would do if he retired , or I couldn't use him anymore.

OP posts:
jumperround · 28/01/2025 12:57

I was you OP! I asked my GP for some valium - explained my fear and she gave me a few tablets (only!) that would get me through the appointment.

For the dentist - it starts with one phonecall - that is all - to speak to a receptionist and explain your fear. See what she can do to put your mind at rest. I promise they will help you!

Original poster
Zssn · 28/01/2025 13:00

jumperround · 28/01/2025 12:57

I was you OP! I asked my GP for some valium - explained my fear and she gave me a few tablets (only!) that would get me through the appointment.

For the dentist - it starts with one phonecall - that is all - to speak to a receptionist and explain your fear. See what she can do to put your mind at rest. I promise they will help you!

Thank you.

I called and explained plus got an appointment.
I truly hope I will not panic when I reach there tomorrow.
It's odd, I take my kids there but I cannot take myself

OP posts:
BobbyBiscuits · 28/01/2025 13:01

@Zssn thank you! I'm fully cured of my dental phobia now, in fact I look forward to seeing him. I love getting my teeth cleaned! Once you're back in the game, you'll be alright!
It could well be you do only need that one filling, but it's good to get thoroughly checked up. X

jumperround · 28/01/2025 16:20

well done @Zssn it's unlikely to be as bad as you think! Good luck!

Notgivenuphope · 28/01/2025 16:22

Are you worried about the procedure or about having to spend money?
If it’s the first, mention that you are nervous. Dentists will be very used to it.

Original poster
Zssn · 28/01/2025 16:29

Notgivenuphope · 28/01/2025 16:22

Are you worried about the procedure or about having to spend money?
If it’s the first, mention that you are nervous. Dentists will be very used to it.

Thank you for your response.

The procedure is my deepest worry

OP posts:
Original poster
Zssn · 28/01/2025 16:29

jumperround · 28/01/2025 16:20

well done @Zssn it's unlikely to be as bad as you think! Good luck!

Thank you.

Hopefully

OP posts:
Notgivenuphope · 28/01/2025 16:38

Zssn · 28/01/2025 16:29

Thank you for your response.

The procedure is my deepest worry

Show quote history

It's a very common phobia OP and when you have to go to someone new it's even worse.
Do tell the dentist. Get him/her to explain everything to you in language you understand as he/she goes along.

Original poster
Zssn · 28/01/2025 17:24

Notgivenuphope · 28/01/2025 16:38

It's a very common phobia OP and when you have to go to someone new it's even worse.
Do tell the dentist. Get him/her to explain everything to you in language you understand as he/she goes along.

Show quote history

Thank you for your advice. I will do

OP posts:
Copernicus321 · 28/01/2025 17:50

Fantastic, you've made the first step, well done. I didn't go for 15 years. Eventually the fear of not going and worrying about what was happening to my teeth became greater than the fear of going to the dentist. I explained the situation to the receptionist over the phone, I re-explained the situation to the dentist when I first sat in the chair. They will take their time, they will be gentle and tell you what they are doing. Going was such a relief, a huge worry off my shoulders. I now go every 6 months for a checkup. Every night I'm a floss and teepee maniac, I always get the gold star from the hygienist, who would have thought!

WinterMorn · 28/01/2025 18:00

Don’t worry OP - I went earlier this month for the first time in 19 years - and walked out half an hour later without even a filling! I realize that I was very lucky and will not be that lackadaisical again.

WinterMorn · 28/01/2025 18:01

Just saw your post @Copernicus321 - I felt exactly the same as you.

Original poster
Zssn · 28/01/2025 20:32

Copernicus321 · 28/01/2025 17:50

Fantastic, you've made the first step, well done. I didn't go for 15 years. Eventually the fear of not going and worrying about what was happening to my teeth became greater than the fear of going to the dentist. I explained the situation to the receptionist over the phone, I re-explained the situation to the dentist when I first sat in the chair. They will take their time, they will be gentle and tell you what they are doing. Going was such a relief, a huge worry off my shoulders. I now go every 6 months for a checkup. Every night I'm a floss and teepee maniac, I always get the gold star from the hygienist, who would have thought!

Edited

Thank you so much for your message.

I will re-explain toothed dentist also , and hopefully they will be reassuring to me

OP posts:
Original poster
Zssn · 28/01/2025 22:22

WinterMorn · 28/01/2025 18:00

Don’t worry OP - I went earlier this month for the first time in 19 years - and walked out half an hour later without even a filling! I realize that I was very lucky and will not be that lackadaisical again.

Thank you.
You are lucky you didn't need anything.
I know i need something as my filling popped out, just scared if I need more than a replacement filling

OP posts:
Copernicus321 · 31/01/2025 16:29

Zssn · 28/01/2025 11:25

Hi all,

Hope all are well.

I know this is really silly, but since my family dentist retired, I need to go the dentist for a filling that popped out. I am terrified of seeing a new dentist, as all I want is a replacement filling, but worried they will do more and just take my money too.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated

Thank you in advance

How did it go?

Dontlletmedownbruce · 31/01/2025 17:12

Another suggestion for honestly here. Explain to the dental receptionist and they will have some sort of policy, maybe allowing extra time or using a different approach. I had a terrible fear when I was young and had just moved to a new city and needed work done. I remember the dentist gently talking to me like i was a little child and I allowed myself show how vulnerable I felt, it was very comforting. In the moment of fear or discomfort I try breathing deeply and counting my breath and I squeeze my fists and try to feel each individual finger in rotation. It distracts the mind and helps me stay calm and still.

Dontlletmedownbruce · 31/01/2025 17:16

Well done @Copernicus321 and @WinterMorn good for you!

My sister doesn't even have a dentist. She hasn't gone since her teens 25 years ago because she says she is scared. She doesn't have pain but her teeth look disgusting you can see the layers of tartar. I really wish she could just face her fear and get on with it.

Copernicus321 · 31/01/2025 17:30

Dontlletmedownbruce · 31/01/2025 17:16

Well done @Copernicus321 and @WinterMorn good for you!

My sister doesn't even have a dentist. She hasn't gone since her teens 25 years ago because she says she is scared. She doesn't have pain but her teeth look disgusting you can see the layers of tartar. I really wish she could just face her fear and get on with it.

I was terrified.... I started to look for practices that specialised in fearful patients, I then came across the website of a practice 15 miles from where I live.

How does XXXXXXXX cater to nervous patients? The XXXXXXXX offers tailored care, including a free Coffee and a Chat introduction, music of your choice, and careful attention to your comfort. Our team understands the challenges of dental phobia and ensures a pain-free experience for every nervous patient.

I booked myself in and was treated with enormous patience and understanding. There are lots of dental practices that now cater for nervous patients.

Original poster
Zssn · 31/01/2025 17:43

Dontlletmedownbruce · 31/01/2025 17:12

Another suggestion for honestly here. Explain to the dental receptionist and they will have some sort of policy, maybe allowing extra time or using a different approach. I had a terrible fear when I was young and had just moved to a new city and needed work done. I remember the dentist gently talking to me like i was a little child and I allowed myself show how vulnerable I felt, it was very comforting. In the moment of fear or discomfort I try breathing deeply and counting my breath and I squeeze my fists and try to feel each individual finger in rotation. It distracts the mind and helps me stay calm and still.

Thank you so much. I had it yesterday, and I just kept on playing and clenching my ring . I did a lot better than I thought I would. I do need to go again in April for treatment, but feel a tad better

OP posts:
Original poster
Zssn · 31/01/2025 17:46

Aww, thank you so much for asking.

It was okay, just kept on playing and clenching my rings. Unfortunately, I do need treatment, but in April is the next appointment - gives me time to feel better about this, and find out some coping techniques for the next obe

OP posts:
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