Dentist phobia - appointment tomorrow!!

[anxioustoothmonster]

I have a massive dentist phobia stemming back from an incident when I was little.

I haven't been for 8 years as I fall apart as soon as I get near one but yesterday my tooth fell out!!

I think as I minimum I have 6 'problem' teeth - a minimum of 2 will need to be removed but I wondered if anyone can impart any wisdom to get me through this?

I really need a dentist who will not overwhelm me by telling me a massive list of what needs to be done but rather deal with one or two teeth at a time if that makes sense, it is a private practice so hoping it may be a bit quieter/less rushed?

I'm scared, I've spent the morning crying since making the appointment - I'm annoyed that I've let myself get to this stage but I cannot explain just how deep my phobia is!

Oh, well done for not cancelling the appointment. It will get better from now on.

Oh OP, very well done for going!

So yes, not the best news but at least you know now and won't be always wondering. Just take it slowly. Maybe ask the dentist if he can work on a small thing first, like for instance the smallest of the fillings you need, so you can build your trust and confidence in them. If you are at all unsure about whether all they have suggested needs to be done remember you can get a second opinion.

Also, if you now absolutely make sure your daily dental routine is good (brushing thoroughly 2x/day, using floss and/or interdental brushes, and a good mouthwash to help with gum health) then you can spread out the treatments you need over a longer period.

I think the dental surgeon may be able to help with more than the one broken tooth because if you need general anaesthesia for that he may be able to deal with other things while you are under. Might be worth asking because that way you absolutely won't feel or know a thing about what they do.

The important thing is if you felt you could trust them or not, and if you felt they were very understanding of your fears?

And did you ask them about sedation options for any of the treatments you will need? Hopefully they were able to explain and reassure you about that.

Sending you all the strength you need.

@Biffatcrafts he was really lovely and took everything at my pace which was lovely.

I'm hoping I wouldn't need to be put under, I did ask and he said he didn't think so it's just beyond his capabilities...

He wasn't too concerned to be honest said I can take my time to come back if needed and suggested just not leaving it longer than 3 months

Well OP that sounds very positive He obviously has understood your fears, and has taken them seriously which is great for you.

I also think the fact he has suggested you take your time is good too ... I would have been worried for you if they had tried to rush you into anything.

Now you know you have a bit of breathing space you can relax a little bit, and take this time to work out with the practice how you want to proceed, and which things you want to have treated first.

It sounds like you have found a great, and very understanding and responsible dentist - congratulations

Well done for going!

Hey, I was in a similar situation and really required dental cleaning. I developed foul breath and a lot of plague accumulation. I was first hesitant to attend the dentist, but my spouse persuaded me to do so. My dentist was really supportive and motivating because I had dental phobia. My doctor emphasized the importance of professional teeth cleaning since it improves the quality of our teeth and advised me to visit the dentist at least once a year for a basic check and cleaning. I feel its better to mention your dentist about our fears before going for the procedure.

So proud of you for going, OP! I also have dental phobia and managed to have a filling on Tuesday, I've been terrified for weeks but it really wasn't bad at all.