Decline dental treatment

[freshin]

I have extreme anxiety regarding my dental health. I’ve had so many fillings which I found extremely traumatic, I had a tooth removed because it was beyond repair it wasn’t painful though but I listened to what they said and I’ve had all my wisdom teeth removed. I absolutely hate going for a check up. It always results in more work. I do clean my teeth but my mental health can often cause me to go through periods of not taking care of myself. I have an appointment in 2 weeks and I’m feeling anxious already. I do have a few niggles in my teeth but not agony. I know I am extremely lucky to still have a NHS dentist and I try to focus on that. I’m not sure I could cope with any dental work at the moment but I’m worried if I decline it I will be kicked off the books ! Normally after a check up I go to reception and pay for my check up and impending work and make an appointment. Without going into detail and at such a stressful time how can I decline treatment without consequences? I’d rather go when I’m in despair and begging for help. I know that sounds awful.

Id just pay for the check up and say you need to look at your work diary because you work funny shifts or some such excuse, you'll ring them. Then not ring them. I doubt they'll kick you off the books before your next check up.

It’s not great to wait until ur desperate and in pain as u might end up needing more work done than u need originally did, also toothache is horrific. However much like medical treatments you cannot be forced to have anything done that you don’t consent to and are perfectly entitled to book things when you feel you can cope with it

My DH is waiting 5 months for a small filling after a check up ,the dentist said they are prioritising people who have gone without a dentist under a new labour scheme..so you might find you also have a long wait for treatment,and you might feel like you can cope with it in a few months time

If you wait until you’re in agony which is very likely at some point, there’s a strong chance you will just end up losing teeth. That treatment will be just as traumatic, if not more. They will continue to deteriorate if you don’t try and keep on top of your dental health. It’s really hard sometimes, but you’re not helping anything by refusing treatment. It is absolutely your right to do so, but it’s not a good idea in the long run.

Just give your appointment to someone who wants/needs it instead if you've no intention of taking any required treatment.

I'd give organs for access to NHS dental care.

Untreated dental problems can cause serious cardiac issues, so you should be aware of those fully before you decline treatment.

Does your dentist know about your mental health condition? Mine is aware that my mental health condition can affect my self-care and is sympathetic taking this into account when planning treatment. If they are aware they can discuss options with you and try to come up with a plan that works for you and your teeth as well.

I also struggle with this.

Please please go. Call your dentist first and tell them how anxious you are. They are trained to deal with anxious patients.

Little niggles are very easy to solve. Any little niggles will turn into very painful problems and then you will absolutely have to go.