Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

General health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Flip

1 2

Original poster

haven't been to the dentist for 8 years and terrified

49 replies

aimzbub22 · 16/12/2012 19:51

I had a bad experience with a dentist when I was much younger and that is when my phobia started. I suffered depression for most of my late teens and probably didn't look after my teeth as much as I should, I recovered from that and ever since then I've tried my hardest to look after my teeth. I have build up behind my teeth from smoking and staining from drinking too much coffee. I use the arm and hammer tooth paste but ever since my LO was born I have been building up the courage to go to the dentist, thinking I have been through child birth so I can go to the dentist. Now I know my teeth aren't like the horror pictures that you see of people's teeth but now I have started getting tooth ache in one of my bottom teeth and now I have a funny taste in my mouth. My fear is I may have an abscess or have gum disease from my lack of oral hygiene from when I was younger. I am going to try and book am emergency dentist appointment tomorrow but was just looking for some advice or personal experience

Also when you get child tax credits do you recieve free NHS dental treatment as if I have to have work done I don't know if I'm going to be able to afford it.

OP posts:

VikingLady · 17/12/2012 21:05

You can usually get an emergency referral. DH did, within a few days. If they think it is urgent enough, they will fit you in. If they make you wait it will be because they don't think it is urgent enough, so you don't need to worry so much.

Easier said than done, I know!

Good luck. I'll hold your hand (virtually)

maillotjaune · 18/12/2012 07:45

I didn't go to a dentist between about 21 and first pregnancy at 33. Due to a combination of things - mainly scared of treatment following filling without anaesthetic but also, tbh, not being forced to go by my mum!

Anyway, I was lucky to find a lovely dentist who didn't make a fuss when I explained how I felt. I finally had a deep clean treatment where they use bicarb to remove stains (coffee, red wine and smoking were to blame in my case ) and I used the breathing techniques that had been no use at all during childbirth!

I had the cleaning in 2 short sessions rather than one long one, and my dentist never has a go if I'm a bit overdue a check up as she knows I am still not entirely happy with the whole thing.

I wouldn't say I was cured, but I can now cope with it and my children are not aware if how I feel so it can be done. Good luck OP.

Twinklestarstwinklestars · 18/12/2012 07:51

I was terrified and then ds headbutted me by accident and smashed my front tooth so I had to go, I could only get in at the private one but she is used to nervous patients and was great.

I have to have a couple more fillings and even though I get maternity exemption I will just save up and have them done privately now as I know the dentist is ok there.

CaHoHoHootz · 18/12/2012 08:07

My DM did not go to the dentist for 20-30 years (not sure) because she was too scared. Her teeth went grey looking. She finally plucked up the courage and went to her local dentist. She booked the first appointment of the day and the dentist was absolutely fantastic. He just did a little cleaning on the first day and gradually, over several short visits, got her trust. Eventually he did a coupe of fillings.

I hope it works out ok for you. Good luck.

Original poster

aimzbub22 · 18/12/2012 08:10

Just phoned the NHS line, the person I spoke to didn't seem to care that I was terrified but should hear from a dentist in an hour or so.

OP posts:

amillionyears · 18/12/2012 08:22

Hopefully you get a lovely sympathetic dentist.

FanjoTimeMammariesAndWine · 18/12/2012 08:24

You only get free treatment with Working Tax Credits. Sorry

BertieBotts · 18/12/2012 08:30

If you have a tax credit exemption that entitles you to free prescriptions and healthcare which DOES cover this, I think.

FanjoTimeMammariesAndWine · 18/12/2012 08:31

Yes but not for just Child Tax credits (am dental receptionist)

Original poster

aimzbub22 · 18/12/2012 08:37

Booked in for twelve for a quick look an then they will tell me what's wrong...absolutely terrified

OP posts:

BertieBotts · 18/12/2012 08:38

I looked this up recently - if you only get CTC because you earn to much for WTC then you're not entitled, but if you only get CTC because you are (for example) a single parent who doesn't work then you can still get them.

FanjoTimeMammariesAndWine · 18/12/2012 08:38

Actually I could be wrong.......the best answer is if you qualify for free treatment you will have been sent an exemotion certificate automatically by Tax Credits. If not you arent exempt. I dont know the ins and outs as I just go by whether someone has a certificate blush. But it isnt free if just in receipt of standard Child Tax Credits on top of income.

Original poster

aimzbub22 · 18/12/2012 08:38

And I just got told that if I bring my tax credits card down my appointment will be free. Guessing if and when I need work done I will have to pay

OP posts:

FanjoTimeMammariesAndWine · 18/12/2012 08:38

X posted..I was just saying you were right

FanjoTimeMammariesAndWine · 18/12/2012 08:39

Aimz..no..if you have a card the work will be free too :)

Original poster

aimzbub22 · 18/12/2012 13:36

Ah sorry got confused

Though I am in total shock. There was nothing wrong!!! They think their might be something stuck in my gum causing the pain so I have to use interdental brushes and corsydol for two weeks but I am shocked. No gum disease, no cavities, my roots are strong. I am in total shock !!!

OP posts:

Original poster

aimzbub22 · 18/12/2012 13:40

Well saying that, I do have the build up from smoking and stains, they were happy with me and my teeth and want me back in the new year to give my teeth a "dentist" clean.
They were so sympathetic and they said I can have everything done at my pace which is fantastic

OP posts:

CaHoHoHootz · 18/12/2012 13:45

That is good news.

maillotjaune · 18/12/2012 14:35

Fantastic, and well done for going

gingeroots · 18/12/2012 19:15

Couldn't they see if anything was stuck in the gum ?

( sorry if that seems like rain on your parade )

Original poster

aimzbub22 · 18/12/2012 20:29

They rinse out my gum with corsydol,nothing came out and they didn't want to go digging as I was so scared. And they've put me I. A two week course of corsydol, they think, I had a clean with some floss when I got back, but I'm wondering wether I brush too hard

OP posts:

Original poster

aimzbub22 · 18/12/2012 20:30

OP posts:

gingeroots · 19/12/2012 11:39

I think brushing too hard is very common ,think one is supposed to be very gentle .

higgle · 19/12/2012 13:22

YOu wouldn't normally have to have a tooth extracted just because of toothache or an abscess, they would probably do a root canal filling. You will get a root canal filling on NHS but an implant would almost certainly be private - and they start at just under £1k.

Flip

1 2