Dental anxiety - am going for the first time in six years

[JollyPirate]

I have always had problems with my teeth. Just after DS was born I developed a tooth abcess. The dentist had to remove the tooth but the anaesthetic wouldn't take and it was the worst experience of my life - I haven't been back since. Rationally I know that anaesthetic failure is extremely rare and was due to the infection but cannot get the fear this will occur again out of my head.

BUT I am going today - took a deep breath and made an appointment some weeks back. I am dreading it - firstly the dentist is going to shriek with horror when he looks in my mouth - several very broken teeth - some broken so far down that removal is going to be difficult. I am anxious but I know I am definitely doing the right thing in going and making a start on all the work.

Any dentists out there......? Is the dentist going to shriek or will he have seen much much worse?

I know how you feel, im exactly the same.

Went last year for the first time in a long while and ended up having one removed - under sedation because I am such a wimp.

Was told I needed a filling but they wouldnt do it under sedation, so havent bothered.

Starting to get some slight pain in the one that needed a filling, and have booked again for an appointment in April but I am terrified.

Dont worry, the dentist will have seen much worse, but I just get so annoyed because DH has perfect teeth as does DD1, but DD2 takes after me and has weak enamel.

Im not a dentist but he will have seen much worse I promise you.

My ds has very bad dental probs (v misaligned teeth) and hes at the uni hospital for his treatment and I asked that question and they said no theyve always seen worse and its a rewarding experience to get the teeth sorted ather like a mechanic renovating manky onld car engine I presume.

Your teeth are a huge pat of your life your looks and your esteem you will feel so much better in yourself for getting sorted-i myself didnt go for 15 years and had to have loads of treatments - you will be fine and you will get your teeth sorted ....btw I too had similar experience having my tooth removed.

You will feel so relieved once youve been and got a treatment plan - I went every 2 weeks for 9 months.

Good luck .

Thank you - yes - getting my teeth sorted is a self esteem thing. I want to be able to smile without feeling self conscious.

I am going today too Jollypirate.
I absolutely hate it. I have a broken tooth- broke on Valentine's night - how alluring!
I have really sensitive teeth and just the cleaning bit at the end causes me huge anxiety.
I am going to take some paracetamol before I go and some rescue remedy.
I feel so pathetic and eally should be braver but I just revert to being a scared child when it comes to the dentist.

Just wanted to wish you luck and say well done for making the appointment.

How did it go JollyPirate?

Thank you all. It was fine. The dentist was lovely - took X-rays and an impression of upper and lower teeth. She asked me what I wanted to achieve (not to feel self conscious when I smile) and assured me that she would help me achieve this.
I go back on 20th March to have a few teeth out (those where only roots remain) and at the appointment she'll discuss what fillings need doing and also a plate to replace the back teeth I have lost. Only drawback is that the plate may cost in the region of £400-£500 if I opt for the non NHS one which will be a better fit.

Thank you all for your good wishes.

Well done. You were very brave.
Now you have a plan sorted out you can look forward to that beautiful smile.

Am so glad for you. Well done again.

You brave girl - that was the hardest step ,no going back now !!! with regards to the plate try the nhs one and see how you get on

You brave girl - that was the hardest step ,no going back now !!! with regards to the plate try the nhs one and see how you get on

You are brave - I really need to go - same as you - want to smile without feeling self conscious . . . I must be brave. Will make an appointment today. You have inspired me.