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Original poster

Need to have teeth taken out but am petrified!!

30 replies

Nemo1977 · 31/03/2006 19:26

I have a rare gum problem that I was told I would have to get my teeth taken out by time I was 25. I am petrified of dentists and havent been in over 3yrs. Anyways I am now 28 and am 99% sure my front four bottom teeth need to be taken out. The thought of going to the dentist makes me feel sick. I know I have to as I also havent taken DS who is now 2.5yrs.

OP posts:
MMH · 31/03/2006 19:29

Deep breath and get on with it girl, and dont let DS know you are scared.

If it is any consolation, a decent dentist will do all they can to keep your teeth, and if they do need to be extracted then they are the easiest.

It sounds like you need a few sessions with a good hygienist.

CHICagoMUM · 31/03/2006 19:30

What makes you think you'll need to loose the 4 teeth nemo?

Original poster
Nemo1977 · 31/03/2006 19:34

My gums at the front are now very detriorated at the bottom. Which means the backs of my 4 front teeth are getting holes in and have now just found a hole in the front of one too. The teeth are not wobbly or painful but I just know they will have to be taken out as when I was 12 they said I would loose them by age 25...obviously time has now run out.

OP posts:
Dior · 31/03/2006 19:35

Nemo Sad. Can you have false ones implanted? You know that you really need to go to the dentist...don't put it off.

spacecadet · 31/03/2006 19:36

explain to the dentist that you are dental phobic, i did and now when i see my dentist he always explains and forewarns me of things he is about to do, also, when for example i have a filling, its agreed that i will just put my hand up and he will stop, knowing that is reassuring.

CHICagoMUM · 31/03/2006 19:37

If they aren't painful or loose there is every reason to try and save them with filling the hols. You need to try and be brave get to the dentist and become a regular friend with the hygienist. I know its scary (believe me I've had patient's crying on my shoulder before) but do try to bite the bullet and get there sooner rather than later. I would get yourself dealt with first then take ds along so he doesn't pick up on your fears.

Original poster
Nemo1977 · 31/03/2006 19:42

suppose now is as good a time as any as it will be free..lol
suppose I should phone on monday

OP posts:
CHICagoMUM · 31/03/2006 19:51

We are kind souls (mostly) honest Grin .

Original poster
Nemo1977 · 31/03/2006 19:54

chicagomum you dont fancy moving my way...lol
Can I ask if they take them out will they take casts first to get false ones the same or will I be left without anything for ages....that idea upsets me the most.

OP posts:
spacecadet · 31/03/2006 19:55

nemo, i took all my dc's to the dentist from about 18 months onwards and as a result they cheerfully go for check ups and hop into the dentists chairGrin.
i hide my dental fear from the dcs although im much better now.

spacecadet · 31/03/2006 19:56

nemo, im sure they give you temporary ones in the meantime.

Original poster
Nemo1977 · 31/03/2006 19:56

Spacey I think taking Ds with me might do me better as will put a brave face on etc for the first appointment..lol will see how I feel.

OP posts:
spacecadet · 31/03/2006 19:58

good luckSmile, i think the anticipation is often worse than the reality.

CHICagoMUM · 31/03/2006 20:00

If (and it is only an if) you have to have them removed and they aren't troubling you the general course of treatment would be to have several visits (4 generally) to go through the stages of having a denture made to replace those teeth (but it may be poss to do it in 2) and the last of those appts. you would have the teeth removed and the denture fittef (so you go in with your own teeth and leave with a replacement).

Wether you then opt for something fixed such as a bridge or implants depends on cost (looking at private options here) and suitability, depending on how your gums are, bone density etc.

CHICagoMUM · 31/03/2006 20:00

Have to return dd to bed but will be back in a few mins.

Original poster
Nemo1977 · 31/03/2006 20:01

thanks chicagomum and spacey..will let you know if i make the appointment.

OP posts:
spacecadet · 31/03/2006 20:05

ring them on monday!Smile

stleger · 31/03/2006 21:02

I have awful teeth, filled, crowned etc. A cynic once told me dentists will do anything to save a tooth as once it is gone s/he can't earn any more money from it! I am amazed at what they can do, and am amazed that it might be uncomfortable but doesn't make me scream. Try asking around if there is a choice of dentist, but I find the under 40's good at explaining, talking, and telling you what they are about to do. Plus my son managed to remove half of a front tooth just before Christmas! He has it filled.

Original poster
Nemo1977 · 31/03/2006 21:33

thanks stleger.
See thats the other problem actually getting a dentist. Will try our old one first as he was actually quite nice despite me sobbing the whole time and shaking. If not where do I go from there??????

OP posts:
stleger · 31/03/2006 23:28

I'm in Ireland, so have to pay up front and claim as much as I can back from tax. I know the NHS system is under pressure(!) just a bit. If you are registered with someone do they have to take you back if you haven't been in a while? If you liked him, go and see him. At the risk of sounding like my mother, the longer you leave them the worse they will be, but if you go now they might be fixable. And if you go often they will become your friends, Chicagomum is a mine of dental info.

Skribble · 01/04/2006 00:07

I got my teeth removed under sedation partly due to them being big wisdom teeth and partly because i was cacking myself. Under sedation was fine i fell asleep and really didn't even know they had done it. I got 2 teeth out and a filling in about 3/4 mins.

Original poster
Nemo1977 · 01/04/2006 00:24

skribble can you still be sedated..if so that would be fab

OP posts:
fastasleep · 01/04/2006 00:27

DH goes to someone in town that does wonderful sedation and she is a lovely lady dentist too (he has terrible teeth) she was very gentle with him and this lovely ane...you know, doctor that knocks you out! Comes and puts a drip in your hand, and then you just float away...

It's the getting better that's painful unfortunately.

Original poster
Nemo1977 · 01/04/2006 00:29

FA I can deal with the afters and pain its just the whole sitting in the chair bit I cant..lol

OP posts:
fastasleep · 01/04/2006 00:31

I can't either I totally understand, I don't need teeth removing but I can't go to the dentist I can't I'm terrified...

ever since the 4 year brace and the dragon of a woman that used to pull the wirse so tight I couldn't open my mouth...

I can't do it!! I think I'd pee myself in fear Blush

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