Dental phobic - emergency!

[GappyMcGapPerson]

I've not been to the dentist in 40 years, due to a strong phobia. I've dealt with abscesses, tooth loss, severe pain etc., over the years - but today one of my bottom front teeth got knocked out (accident!) and I'm totally and utterly panicking. I've managed to push the tooth back into the socket for now, but it's not going to stay there - and this means that I need a dentist - my worst nightmare.

The situation is complicated by the fact that I don't live in the UK - but I want my dental treatment there (basically because I know a dentist I could perhaps feel safe to go to). I won't be able to get to this dentist until the beginning of February, so I have a few questions.

1. Would I be best off continuing to keep the tooth in the socket, or taking it out? I think it's beyond saving, but I want to keep it in for cosmetic purposes - it looks as crap as all my other teeth, but is better than a gap. Should I take it out at night, or will the socket close up so I can't get it back in?

2. Given that I have receding gums, what sort of replacement tooth would I be looking at? A denture? What are my options?

3. I'm going to need (a lot of) sedation before I can face the dentist's chair - again, what are my options?

4. Obviously I'm going to have to pay for treatment privately - a family member already uses this dentist, and has done for years - I'm hoping we can arrange some kind of payment plan - is that common?

5. I am so scared and traumatised by this - it's my worst nightmare and I can't stop crying - I have confidence issues as it is, so can't cope with having a missing tooth - I feel like I'm between a rock and a hard place, with no option other than to face this thing which is my worst fear. How do I get through the next couple of weeks knowing that this lies ahead?

Any advice very much appreciated - there's a lot of background to this phobia - bad experiences with dentists as a child, DM being diagnosed with the disease that killed her after a dentist visit, other bad associations with dentists - a lot to get over, basically!

I am so frightened! Please help!

Hello OP, I'm bumping your thread for you as I'm on another thread with people who are facing up to a dentist appointment for the first time in several years so I can understand how you feel. I will try to find a link as it's slipped off my active threads.

I hope someone can come along and answer your questions shortly and you can face your phobia successfully.

Good luck!

Not a dentist but you need to see one asap!

Yes it will heal over without the tooth in it
Probably looking at a bridge (fastens onto either side with a false tooth in the middle I believe)
Sedation can be General (google dentists who specialise in treating the terrified - mine does and I'm sure there are lots of others)
Yes a payment plan is what private treatment is here (I pay £25 a month which has been so worth it as have had lots done).

My dentist just saved my life (spotted a lesion turning to cancer and had minor tongue surgery twice to remove) so they can be good guys!!!

Good luck!

Try this site www.dentalfearcentral.org.uk lots of fellow dental phobia sufferers that can be a support to you. All the best for getting it sorted.

Sorry, I meant www.dentalfearcentral.org

Gappy, poor you!
Not sure what country you are in, is there any way at all you could see a dentist local to you who deals with nervous patients? Or an English speaking dentist there if there is a language barrier?

I'm not trying to scaremonger but not sure how safe it sounds to sleep with a tooth loosely pushed in like that.

You have my sympathy. I paid for a general anaesthetic and had all my work done in one go.

Many dentists offer sedation now Gappy. I have it because I'm phobic too.

Like you I avoided the dentist for 20 years because of fear. I did eventually manage to go and it was absolutely fine, he was lovely and everything was sorted, I felt so much better. Not phobic any more. I hope you can steel yourself and go, as you say you are between a rock and a hard place so you may find you are able to force yourself to go this time, I think if you go quickly they could save the tooth maybe? I do understand I was phobic of doctors too but am over that too now so wishing you luck x

It may be a bit late as it was an emergency situation but nevertheless I would like to give you some information.

You have done the best thing by replacing the tooth back. You should avoid disturbing it: soft diet and a soft toothbrush to clean it. Chlorhexidine mouthwash is recommended to aid plaque control (e.g Corsodyl) but long term use may cause staining.

Going to the dentist is important. Typically a dentist would bond the tooth to the adjacent teeth to prevent any movement for 2-4 weeks (longer is not advisable). If the gums are generally healthy healing of the bone and gum around the traumatized tooth is expected. However regular reviews are necessary to make sure that there isn't damage of the nerve and blood supply of the tooth, which is common in teeth like yours. If this happens you may require further treatment. Hopefully by then you will find a dentist that you can trust and can help you to overcome your fear. Fear is normal and most dentists are understandable and kind. They just try to do their job as best they can.

Best of luck!

Update - thanks so much for the advice - I have today been to the dentist! I need one extraction, a small plate (to fill the gap, and the gap that'll happen when the next door tooth is removed) , three 'restorations' and a shedload of hygienist attention. The dentist, his nurse, his receptionist were beyond lovely - I got there under the power of diazepam and a good friend, but have had a thorough examination, many x-rays, and now have a treatment plan, which is actually affordable. I am on top of the world right now (could be the diazepam, of course!), and am off to the hygienist first thing tomorrow for the beginnings of a clean-up.

The only concern I have is about the extraction, but have managed to get a Dr's appointment - in the right country! - in order to get some strong sedation beforehand, so I will survive. I can't believe I've got this far (had several x-rays today), and what's more amazing is that the whole experience has been filled with laughter and sympathy. I'm beginning to think that dentists might be good guys after all :)

I know it took a while for the update, and have had this hanging over me for weeks now, but had to let you know how I got on!

Well done you did so well. I took my phobic DD yesterday. She was crying & shaking but managed to hsve an inspection. She needs orthodontics but is too upset to have a plate as she said she will gag on it. The lady we had before had left. We saw another dentist but he was nice.

Bloody hell Gappy! (Or should that be Happy?) Amazing, amazing, amazing. I was like you - although not quite 40 years sans dentist! But I ended up forcing myself to go out of vanity - I chipped my front teeth getting out of the bath when I was preggo. Getting in that cab to the dentist for the first time in YEARS, I felt like I was on my way to the electric chair!

I've since had all sorts of horrible things done to me (and yes, not pleasant) but now I can concentrate on the cosmetics and I totally see it as a beauty thing. Phobia gone.