dental advice please

[WelshMoth]

Can't be bothered to nc however embarrassing I find this to be.

I've suffered on and off with ED for 26 years. My body shows small signs of it but my teeth mostly. I avoid the dentist at all costs. The last year, 3 of my teeth have crumbled and one of them is in my 'smile line'. As a result, I try not to laugh out loud or smile too much. It's killing me

My usual dentist was unsympathetic to my fear of getting in the chair and I often felt talked about between when I went in (I never have just check- ups. I always have procedures needed ).

I need to sort this out but I don't want to keep feeling like this. Despite having a decent life with great DC, it's actually bringing me down a lot.

I don't know how to tackle it. My surgery is in the village and all local young girls work there. I feel vulnerable when I go to the point that I avoid it completely.

Bump

I would ring around a few other surgeries, explain your fears & dental problems and I'll bet you find one with a sympathetic dentist. My surgery (not my nearest incidentally) has an amazing team that includes one they recommend for nervous patients, one for children etc . Please don't let something that is fixable take over your life this way.

Thanks Phoebe I'll start googling.
I've always felt so scrutinised in my local dentist.

Should I tell them about my ED and the state of my teeth beforehand?

I would tell them over the phone beforehand - I don't think they'll need the history as an examination of your teeth will show them, but, it might make you feel better if you get it all out in the open & explain your anxiety. My local dentist is awful - local village surgery, everyone knows everyone's business and just not business-like enough for me so I'm happy to drive half an hour to get a great service (on the NHS!)

Phoebe I've found a clinic in the city (only half hour away so well worth the drive) and I've contacted them - they had a message box on their website so I've had the chance to do what you suggested and given them a brief explanation to how things are for me.

With any luck, I'll get offered an appointment. I've been paying Denplan for years and not used it!

Starting to feel like I can hopefully smile properly again

Well done you sound so much more positive already . Don't be deterred if they don't sound like they'll be sympathic or helpful, move on and keep looking for the right one.