Dentist Phobia

[Aldebaran]

I'm so frightened of the dentist, that I can't pick up the phone and ask for help. I had work done under sedation earlier this year and at the latter end of last year and the work that wasdone is appalling. I've lost the front part of my tooth, a filling at the bottom is flaking off and black marks are showing up that were supposed to have been dealt with. I'm still left with a broken tooth in my gum and my mouth is a mess. I'm running out of places that I can chew.

I know I HAVE to find an understanding dentist again, but they're rarer I think than hen's teeth. I don't even know how to go into a consultation room anymore. I burst into tears just by saying hello. I've had good dentists over the years who've helped me but an ignorant comes along and wipes out all the good work.

Is anyone here phobic and have you any suggestions on what I can do to help? I've spoken to people on phone lines who deal with this but they haven't really said much that has helped.

 

[Scimama]

Whilst no help whatsoever - its a very common problem.

do you live close to a teaching dental hospital near you? They may be able to help - either offering treatment themselves or suggesting a suitable dentist for you.

In my local area I have seen adverts specifically advertising dentist for very nervous patients.

Have you tried hypnotherapy? Or calming techniques?

Can you get a friend or family member to go with you, dentists are very used to adults taking someone along for morale support. Or ring the dental practice beforehand and explain (or get a friend to do it) and the dental assistant will often come out to meet you and walk you into the practice.

As you can probably tell I have experience of this problem. I was 'cured' by giving birth - bit drastic!!!

 

[Anie]

I used to be like that too, howeve, I decided to ask round the local area and found a really understanding dentist who got me over my fear. If you find one, be honest about how you feel, hopefullyy they will help you through your fear.

Good luck

 

[Aldebaran]

We have a large teaching hospital not too far away but unfortunately they won't take me on as a patient, (or wouldn't at one point, don't think it's changed). I had to go to a private dentist through and NHS one, (who had the worst and offensive attitude ever, she was a slip of a girl who thought I was beneath her). The private one was lovely but his workmanship leaves a lot to be desired as it's rubbish. The work he did is awful.

I've thought of hypnotherapy, may still try that and I wish I knew someone who could learn me some calming techniques. It would help loads if I could stop getting so anxious when I even think of the dentist. We don't have any advertisements like your'. That is a shame as I'd jump at the chance to try them. We're near Sheffield and you'd think there'd be loads but I can't find any.

The dentists I've seen aren't keen at all to let someone go in with me, infact down right rude fits some of them. Fingers crossed I will get one that understands. Thank you Scimama x.

 

[Aldebaran]

I used to be like that too, howeve, I decided to ask round the local area and found a really understanding dentist who got me over my fear. If you find one, be honest about how you feel, hopefullyy they will help you through your fear.

Good luck

Will do Anie. As I've just said to Scimama, round here there doesn't seem to be any. I have to find one soon as I'm struggling to eat and have pain too. I think it's appalling that when there are so many people like me, we still have the problem of nasty dentists who make people's fear worse. Here's hoping. Cheers Anie x.

 

[Scimama]

Do you have a local to your area Facebook page? In our very small town we have a few groups on Facebook for parents advice, selling, lost & found etc. Maybe a question on there asking for recommendations for dentists for nervous patients might work

 

[Aldebaran]

I never thought of that actually. I don't know but I can look to see what there is. Facebook definitely has some good uses