AIBU (I am) about this total fear of going to the dentists? ( I need help here!)

[Cathycomehome]

I am quite dentist phobic, and as a result, I haven't been for years ages. Today, one of my teeth cracked in half and a big bit came out, so I now have a tooth that looks normal from the front but has a chunk missing from the back (I was chewing a drumstick lolly - can I sue?? ).

I'm going to have to go to see a dentist now, I guess, I can't go around with half a tooth! Any idea what they might do/how much it will hurt/how much it will cost? I was registered with an NHS dentist but haven't been for myself for so long - just taken my son. I am worried.

And I don't want to be toothless any time soon!

Go to the doc first and they can offer you all sorts of help with this and other
Phobias...

Best thing I ever did was speak to my GP about my needle phobia

I think I should do that Kayano, but more immediately, I have to sort out the half tooth situation, I think.

Dental charges depend on the treatment you need to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy. You will only ever be asked to pay one charge for each complete course of treatment, even if you need to visit your dentist more than once to finish it. If you are referred to another dentist for another, separate course of treatment, you can expect a second charge. Some minor treatments are free.

NHS dental charges from 1 April 2011
Band 1 course of treatment ? £17.00
This covers an examination, diagnosis (eg X-rays), advice on how to prevent future problems, a scale and polish if needed, and application of fluoride varnish or fissure sealant. If you require urgent care, even if your urgent treatment needs more than one appointment to complete, you will only need to pay one Band 1 charge.

Band 2 course of treatment ? £47.00
This covers everything listed in Band 1 above, plus any further treatment such as fillings, root canal work or if your dentist needs to take out one or more of your teeth.

Band 3 course of treatment ? £204.00
This covers everything listed in Bands 1 and 2 above, plus crowns, dentures and bridges.

I have had loads of dental work. Once they numb your mouth you wont feel any pain. Ask them to put that numbing gel on first before the jab. Take an ipod to drown out any noise and shut your eyes. Simple. good luck.

Thanks, auntiepicklebottom, that's really useful - I had visions of hundreds and hundreds of pounds for some reason. Now I just have to get over the fear!

As someone who avoided the dentists for many years, I can tell you that prevention IS better than the cure. You'll be surprised how quick fillings can be although not pleasant. Explain to your dentist your worries, they are trained in these areas

I had some veneers on my 6 front teeth, maybe 8, I can't remember, but it was AWFUL and I haven't been back to the dentist since (these were done free when I was pregnant with my son (who is now eleven), so I guess I have reaped what I have sown here. Damn.

Hey, you can do it. If I can, you can!

I know all about that phobia! On my last but one visit to the dentist, I tried to do a runner from the room, as my dentist suggested my husband leave. Dentist said he'd never seen anyone react so badly in 20 years! In the end he made me come back in 2 weeks for an early morning appointment so I didn't have time to work myself up so much and shake like a leaf/cry my eyes out for no reason. For the return visit, I was still shaking, but wasn't as bad. I didn't even need any fillings on that occasion.

The only treatment I have had was for loosing the back/part of the front of one of my front teeth. It wasn't too bad and they just did a filling. I thought they would have to remove two teeth or I'd end up with an unsightly filling and I'd put off going for about six months. I wish I hadn't as it wasn't as bad as my fears and the worrying about walking around like a pirate without any teeth was worse. You can't see the filling I have. I thought it would cost a fortune, but actually check up/clean and filling came to under £50. (I can't remember exact amount). It didn't really hurt apart from injection. It was uncomfortable and irratating more than anything. I definitely don't want to do it again, and it has freaked me out and not made my fear any better (see first para!) but the pain isn't the thing that bothers me.

Not sure if it will make you feel better or worse!

Thank you, quietly afraid, I feel like that too, and it's good to know you managed to get it done! (Well done, by the way!). I am terrified, but at least I know that it can be done and not cost the Earth.

Bugger. Still scared - must phone tomorrow - it doesn't really hurt so the temptation is to leave it, which I KNOW would be stupid!

Honestly, worrying about it for months was worse. Even with my stupid phobia. See if you can get an early appointment. It made a real difference to me.

what about hypnotism??

Complete sympathy here. I've always struggled with going to the dentist but fully agree that prevention is better than cure. I always go for check ups and always brief the dentist before hand that I am shit scared a bit nervous. For me the terror is less in the pain, more in having my mouth held open, I feel like I'm suffocating, stop breathing and go into a panic cycle.

When I've needed treatment either my dentist or GP has prescribed a small dose of valium, usually 5mg to take the night before and 5-10 on the morning of treatment - I also get a 'first thing' appointment. It does mean someone has to take me to the dentist - can't drive, obv. However, it works.

The last treatment I needed sounds similar to yours, I lost the back half of a pre molar. The dentist had a look and said the tooth was otherwise healthy so no need for drilling, she roughened up the surface with a drill then put a sort of mount round my tooth and built up the missing piece inside it (does this make sense?) Took the mount off and smoothed off the edges. No pain. Took about 40 minutes.

Good luck and do it soon, thinking about it is worse than doing it! x

Well - I've had a bit of luck - I phoned my friend in the village whose husband is a private dentist to ask what might happen - he talked it through with me, and said he'd obviously have to have a look to make a diagnosis and treatment plan. He has said he'll treat me for free and charge NHS rates, and he does have a reputation for being very kind/empathetic towards scared people.

Tomorrow afternoon! He said soonest looked at soonest mended and less time to worry!

I meant LOOK at it for free!

actually YANBU to be scared, I'm another here with dental phobia. Actually so much so I used to be sedated for treatment and even then refused to open my mouth apparently! so have to have full IV sedation.

I have a new dentist (NHS) who is an absolute gem and now I can go and have work done .

I am currently having RCT treatment on 2 teeth (another apt tomorrow).

BTW fillings don't hurt as they'll give a local aneasthetic.

Thanks to all of you for advice and making me feel a bit less mad, by the way!

should x posts. Good luck. And should have said I now have treatment done without sedation!

One other tip, if you're already anxious about being there, ask for non-adrenaline injections.

I've always been anxious/nervous patient but had a proper physical reaction a couple of months ago as I was paying in the reception area, which my dentist said was a typical adrenaline reaction. I believe the only reason it had never happened before was because that treatment was very short and I had two injections - normally I end up riding out the worst of it whilst still in the chair - I can't exactly go anywhere can I?! Anyway for the next treatment she gave me the non adrenaline ones and MY GOD, I can't tell you how much difference it made. I felt normal! Not panicked, not scared, not physically sick and shaking. I could breathe, I wasn't suffocating. I had never realised how much of my fear of the dentist had a genuine external physical cause and wasn't just in my head. I feel almost resentful now that not one of my previous dentists had ever picked up on this.

Eeek - I have to go tomorrow afternoon!

Good luck cathycomehome. I am phobic too, but ironically am getting over my phobia and going every six months. I have a very nice nhs dentist. If I need any treatment though, I get some diamazepene (sorry spelt wrong) from the doctor and take a tablet on the morning before the treatment. i broke a tooth on a chewit! And another on some type of pick and mix sweet that I didn't even like!