Extreme Dental Phobia

[CamdenTownie]

This is such a difficult post for me to write, but I have nowhere else to turn. I'm terrified.

It's been over 20 years since I've been to the dentist, traumatic dental extractions and orthodontic treatments as a child affected me so badly that I would honestly rather die that visit a dentist, I can't take my children or even walk past one.

My teeth are in an awful state, I have four teeth that have broken off completely and this evening a large piece of another tooth came off. My gums are receding and I've had several abscess over the last few years, at one point I spent a week in bed because the pain was so bad It affected my vision until the abscess popped. I took migraine pain relief to help me get through it. I don't know what to do, I know I'm being irrational but I can't even bring myself to phone a dentist I'm so scared that thinking about it makes me physically sick and I have panic attacks. I'm in an awful state just writing this post, crying and sweating my heart is beating so fast I think I'm having palpitations.

I know I need to visit a dentist, but truthfully I don't think I can actually do it, how can I get myself to go? I can't even pick up the telephone to call. I'm so embarrassed about the state of my teeth too I'm in such a state that currently I think I'd need to be sedated to actually get me into a dentists.

I've managed to look up dental phobia on google which again sent me into mass panic mode, there are specialist dental phobia surgeries but they are all private practices and I just don't think I can afford it as I'd need so much treatment if I could overcome my absolute fear. I have a credit card with £3000 that I could use maybe, but I doubt that would be enough.

I'm so depressed upset and withdrawn because of this, it's all I can think about, I'm worried that the state of my teeth will kill me eventually, but in all honesty that seems preferable to visiting a dentist.

Please don't tell me to pull myself together - I'm not in control of this. I need help, I'm so alone and can't talk to anyone.

X

Is there someone who can sort it for you?

Last time I went it was because a friend booked it all and took me...I hadn't eaten in 3 days by that point because it was so sore, so she just sorted me out

The actual appointment wasn't any better, but her making it and taking made me go at least.

Hi - thanks for taking time to reply.

I haven't disclosed this to anyone, mostly because I'm so embarrassed and also because I just can't talk or even think about it without having a panic attack and getting extremely stressed out for hours afterwards.

X

Ah, I'm afraid that was my only tip... that's the only time I've made it to the dentist in about 16 years...

Could you go to your GP and ask for something to get you through the process?
Remember dentistry has come a long way- it's nowhere near as traumatic as it was. I hate the dentist myself (not to your extent) and go to a dentist who uses newer techniques, I can listen to music etc. Not cheap but worth it.
I feel for you- hope you find a solution.

You aren't being a baby, you had a horrible time and it's normal to be scared. However now it's affecting your everyday health. I know how you feel, I've been there too. I booked a check up, explained to the dentist and dental nurse and they were so unphased. It sounds weird but I was so proud if myself for braving that 15 minute check up when if I did silently sob all the way through.
I'm due some fillings and I'm terrified but I'm focussing on that feeling of pride and strength I'll have afterwards.
I know this might not help too much but you aren't alone.

Depends where you live but many practices can refer to a sedation clinic. I used to work in an NHS one and we successfully treated many patients with dental phobia. Dentists and staff who work in this clinic have seen it all and won't judge.

I can relate as I also have a different health related phobia that seems to be taking over my life .

Thank you, all the replies have been a comfort to me.

I'm still in a state about all this, I woke after a pretty bad nights sleep resigned to the fact that I'll just have to live with this, but now I'm hoping to maybe try and email a dentist to begin with because I just can't call yet.

I want to get this sorted out but I don't know how as I'm not able to talk about it at all.

I was in a similar position to you a couple of years ago, I looked up dental phobia online and found details of local dentists who dealt with patients like me. I then emailed explaining I was extremely nervous and would like to book a check up. It was all done via email. I won't pretend it was easy getting to that first appointment but it turned out the work I needed doing wasn't as bad as I first thought. Admittedly it was a private dentist and it wasn't cheap but he was so nice he has helped me get over my phobia

The pp is right you should email them first to explain your situation as this is easier then having to say it yourself.

Can you ask friends which dentist they use as finding the right dentist for you is important so that you feel comfortable.