AIBU to think the Dentist is going to tell me off

[TooManyBiscuitsNotEnoughTea]

I haven't been to a Dentist for nearly 10 years. I had one in a city I lived in 10 years ago but couldn't find an NHS one here in hometown. TBH I can't say I put a lot of effort into finding one, I am shit scared of dental procedures.

My front teeth are in a mess, I think there is decay starting and I have managed to find an NHS dentist who is taking on.

My appt is tomorrow, and I am so scared they are going to judge me and tell me off for letting them get this bad :(

Tell me your stories about lovely dentists please!

Great outcome, OP. Well done on facing your fears. Sounds like you are in very good hands for your next appointments.

Sounds awful but I never understand why dentists are angry / judgemental - surely someone who needs treatment is going to provide them with way more income than if everyone came to them with perfect teeth?

Maybe that's me thinking the worst of them and most are lovely and don't think that way. Have to say mine are always really nice and friendly.

Oh and well done for braving it and glad they were lovely :)

Can i ask what is the cost of dental treatment?

I'm haven't been for 10 plus years and am so nervous but cost is putting me off. Won't it cost thousands for me to fix?

Fair play to you. I had similar fears and hadn't been in years. When I finally did go I had 4 fillings replaced and a good clean but otherwise it was ok. I go to dentist yearly now and hygienist every 6 months.

@Tiscold are you with an NHS dentist or private? Google dental banding if NHS because it varies but it explains exactly what's included with each band

I found an NHS dentist when I got my maternity exemption card and hadn't been for 12 years, I was scared about how much work would need doing (although I'm not scared of the dentist) but didn't need a single thing doing.

None at the moment, cancelled my last one 10 years at least ago and haven't been since.

I'll have a look thanks

Don’t confuse us being matter of fact with us ‘telling you off’
As a hygienist I often get people worried that I’ll tell them off for not flossing
No good dentist will judge you They just want to put things right

I also went today. I was absolutely dreading it, and did cry before hand because I have awful anxiety.

But she was super nice, made jokes and played music. I didn't feel shamed at all. A lot of worry over nothing and I should have seen her sooner but I wasn't ready.

I didn't go to the dentist for 20 years after my old dentist broke one of teeth out without pain relief... I was forced to go due to wisdom tooth pain and it was fine!!!! No fillings and just needed a scale and polish. Dentist didn't tell me off - he was very understanding actually. I've registered with him now and go every 6 months

I actually like going to the dentist. I know weird! I used to like the clean she did but now I use an electric toothbrush so no longer need that.

Well I had my first set of fillings today. 2 at the back, 1 int he front. I had worked myself up so much that my whole body was trmbling throughout.

I could barely feel the first 2 injections but the third in my front tooth did hurt.

She said I did very well! I am hating the numb feeling and my jaw and teeth are starting to ache but I did it! My front tooth is no longer ugly!

Oh and she (and the dental nurse) was lovely! She had the radio on and they chatted together which did ease it slightly.

I will definitely be taking better care of my teeth from now on.

Just one more filling and a scale and polish to go!

Well done