Broken tooth, fear of dentist. So embarrassing.

[CrowleysBentley]

God this is embarrassing. From the outside, my teeth don't look bad. But I currently have 3 broken back teeth (two down to gum and one brokwn in half top to bottom) and now a big bit has chipped off of the back of my front tooth it's not painful, but it's sharp. My bite is all fucked up because of the broken back teeth if I close my mouth my bottom teeth go behind my top teeth where they used to meet, and that's probably what has caused the front one to snap I suppose.

I don't know what to do really. I really badly want to get this all fixed, but I'm terrified, literally shaking sitting here just thinking about it. How do I get a dentist sorted quickly, and get an emergency appointment, and how do I manage to not have a massive panic attack in the chair? I've actually only been to the dentist about 3 times in my adult life and each was an emergency filling

Does anyone have any experience with dental phobia or any advice please? I'm worried it's going to get even worse.

I forgot to say I'd need NHS treatment as I am on disability benefits, and I also can't manage to travel far which make sit even more difficult

I have dental phobia, and also badly need a dental appointment to sort mess out in my mouth.

Last time this happened some years ago I took a kind friend with me, who waited in the waiting room with me before the appointment. It really helped me and gave me courage. The ridiculous thing is that the appointment is never as bad as you think it’s going to be, and the relief after it finishes makes you feel so good.

I don't really have anyone that I could take with me, and I think I'd probably be too embarrassed for anyone I know to see the state I get in. I have got a bit of DD's dental wax smooshed onto the sharp bit to try and protect it/L and my tongue a bit. She has a fixed brace, I always made sure my kids had proper dental care even if I was too chicken to go myself

I have done a bit of googling and there's a dentist quite near me, that is accepting NHS patients, and does urgent appointments. The reviews I can find say they're good with nervous patients. I'm going to ring them first thing, and then see if I can get a Dr's appointment to ask him to prescribe a couple of valium for me so I can manage the appointment. He has done it for me before, for a breast clinic appointment to get a lump checked that I was freaking out about, so I hope he will for this too. I feel a little bit less panicky now I have a plan, I hope I can get a quick appointment so I don't have too much time to chicken out of it.

You will start to feel better once the appointment is all booked. Tell the dentist about your phobia beforehand , they are so used to it and you will feel better if they know. And try to arrange a nice relaxing afternoon for after the appointment. Good luck and well done for now dealing with it.

I didn't go to the dentist for years (like 20 years ) because I had such bad experiences as a child. Unsurprisingly, its left me with awful teeth.
When I did eventually need to go, it took several attempts but I found a lovely, lovely sympathetic dentist who has been able to do two root canals and even remove a wisdom tooth.
Never miss a check up now and whilst I still get nervous and don't want to go, I know it will be ok.
Dentists are so much more aware and understanding now. Just tell them how you feel and they will do what they can to make you comfortable.
If they don't, try another practice. Took me two attempts to find my current dentist.
Good luck.