Depressed after first dentist visit in 8 years

[Brighton5555]

So major dental phobia keeps me away from regular dental visits, my usual pattern is to only attend when I agony at which point the tooth usually needs removing and they take one look at me and offer sedation ..

This stems from being abused as a child and having my teeth punched out at 12, then due to a needle phobia having painful treatments without being injected by not so great dentists …

Today I braved it . I am aware my crown needs replacing and I was hopeful to be a candidate for bridges at the bottom as have lost teeth each side on the lower parts .

Find out I’m not a candidate, I need 6 fillings total cost £1,000, a hygienist which I knew £60, a referral to their periodontist £150 for the consultation and £80 to see me ….. ouch !

Told me that the crown most likely needs a root canal and she can’t guarantee I’ll keep my tooth!!!! it’s a front one so important .. said I have infection but I haven’t had any dental pain in three years touch wood , no sensitivity, no throbbing , nothing !

Gums do bleed though :/ god knows how much the periodontist will be … anyone have a rough idea ?

Just wanted to share because I’m angry I’m still paying the emotional and financial cost of having my teeth punched out in the first place and the subsequent trauma that followed ..

I had to pay £400 today and the rest end of the month … the dentist also very much pushed seeing the orthodontist but at nearly 40 and my bottom teeth always being ‘ jacked ‘ I don’t see the point , I told her even if I did a brave and got them straight I will still have missing large gaps either side as I cannot face / afford implants just the thought makes me shudder

She didn’t listen well and pressed me to go for a consultation as it’s free … just feel down .

Anyone else had to go through a lot of expensive dental treatment ?

Where are you based? A lot of dental university’s will see patients for free or NHS prices.

Go on NHS choices and see which NHS practices are taking patients on- even if it’s an hour away, the petrol for that will be a lot cheaper than the prices you’ve been given.

Band 3 NHS which includes everything needed will be £282.80.

Get put on waiting lists for NHS practices closer.
You could wait until you have pain, call 111 and they can get you in to see an emergency dentist who will get you out of pain- charge will only be £23.80.

improve your oral health as much as you can, brush well Twice everyday, don’t rinse after, use a high fluoride toothpaste. use floss or interdental brushes each time. Use corsodyl daily mouthwash (at a different time to brushing)

Good luck

@EmeraldShamrock

I'd have them removed and replaced with screw in dentures. I wasn't a fan of the dentist I've had a lot of work this year, 3 wisdom teeth removed left with nerve damage to my sinuses. I have two more to go, I can't afford root canal and a crown on several teeth I'd rather save for a new set. I had an eating disorder for years. I'm seriously considering screw in dentures. There was a positive thread on full tooth removal at a young age.

Isn't that the same as implants?

I'd get a second opinion on the crown at least. Wouldn't be having a root canal on a tooth that was causing no problems.

I have a molar that is crowned and literally every time I get a new dentist they suggest I need it out as there is a shadow on the root, suggesting a massive infection. There is no infection. The shadow has been there since I had it done at age 16 and I am now 31. No pain. No changes in the X Ray at all. That is just how it looks.

I’m not phobic of “the Dentist” but I am really, properly phobic about needles. I had a spell in 2017 where I needed a load of work done, despite having always gone for six monthly checks, including referral to a very expensive root canal specialist. What got me through it was that my dentist is smashing, and I have a really good relationship with her and her nurse. They literally held my hand through every injection, and didn’t laugh at me when I brought a teddy bear to some treatments. I cried numerous times, and my dentist patted me a bit and gave me tissues. She booked longer appointments than I needed for every session to allow me time for faffing a lot and weeping.

If you didn’t click with the dentist please do try and see someone else, it will absolutely make a difference. I am actually an NHS patient, although my surgery is a mix of private and NHS, so I know I am really lucky.

Really do get a second opinion. My teeth are terrible but I have a great dentist that supports me and keeps work to a minimum.

Do you have people (friends or family) in your area who can recommend someone that they trust? It really does make a massive difference when it comes to something like dental treatment. I used to be terrified of the dentist when I was a child. These days, if you go to the right person, there's no reason to have a fear of the dentist. Okay, nobody likes needles in order to numb but it's such a brief thing. Dental treatment is not frightening as long as you find the right dentist.

It's really important to get gums and the mouth checked out regularly, as they can indicate serious problems, including heart disease. People can always refuse any work being done on their teeth if they chose to - it can't be forced on you. But, at least, with regular checks you have the information to make any decisions.

Isn't that the same as implants?
Full dentures screwed up technically are the same look as implants but about £10,000 cheaper.