Dentist with t1

You just go to the dentist like anyone else would if they didn't have diabetes, just make them aware you have type 1 and are insulin treated, whilst your there just tell them about your anxiety issues around dentists.

A good dentist will want to make sure you feel ok about going to see them & should find the time to answer any questions you have.
Dentists realise that a lot of people are very frightened & some specialise in treating very nervous patients.
If you 'Google' (other search engines are available lol!!) local dentists it should mention the things that they specialise in. Dentists aren't like doctors - you don't have to go to a local one- you can go wherever you want, so you can look around.
Local analgesia is where they inject you into your gums near the teeth they are wanting to treat- all dentists offer this.
General anaesthesia is where you go to sleep - but this is only done for children having teeth out really.
There is also something called Relative analgesia- this is where you breathe in a gas that makes you feel relaxed, detached & spaced out.
Not all dentists will offer this - it is usually done by the dentists with a special interest in nervous patients. Unfortunately because it takes time many of these dentists charge privately.
You can always go into a dentists & ask the receptionist your questions- or ask if there is a practice manager. You can get a feel for the way the dentist works/ thinks by how they are with you.
Diabetes doesn't make things more painful but it does make you more susceptible to problems with your teeth & gums so it is really important that you do see a dentist regularly if at all possible.
Hope all this helps a little & best wishes.

There's no reason why you'd need anesthesia of any kind unless you have actual issues.

It's extremely wise to get routine teeth cleanings (at least 2x per year) in order to avoid the painful trips to the dentist. Diabetics are more prone to infection and our mouths are no exception.

Routine preventative measures to get all of the plaque off of your teeth is extremely effective at helping to avoid gum recession and disease as well as tooth problems as well.

Michik said:

It makes me extremely painful when they use their drills/handpieces.

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The entire point of getting routine cleanings is so they DO NOT need to use drills on your teeth. They only need to use a drill when there is a problem like a root canal.

I've gone to the dentist at least twice a year for the last 25+ years. I've never had a dentist use a drill on me EVER, but that's largely because I get routine cleanings.

During a routine cleaning, they'll scrape plaque off of your teeth. Even the basic hand tools are not painful. However, there is new ultrasonic technology that is entirely painless and most dentists offices (should) have upgraded to them. They'll usually also polish your teeth and sometimes they'll check your gums for recession and inflammation.

Here's the best way to explain it: go to the dentist twice a year so they won't have to use a drill and so things won't be painful.

As you are only 15 you are entitled to free treatment in the UK, when you make an appointment tell reception that you have a phobia, the dentist should be able to make you comfortable, anaesthesia is very good now days and you should be completely numb if treatment is required, as posted you can go to a dentist that offers concious sedation although you will haveto go into with an adult. My son had this when he had 4 teeth out due to over crowding (I still get it in the ear that I had 4 of his healthy teeth taken out, but he now has gorgeous straight smile)
People tell me I have nice teeth, I tell them I gave a good dentist, as Torq says twice a year dental check up spots problems before they cause grief.

Sorry I didn't realise you were only 15 Michik. Yes treatment is free for you.

Hi Michik

I understand how you feel about getting your scale and polish done (some dentists will numb you up for it if your gums are over-sensitive). My dentist certainly doesn’t have anything sonic or whatever to do that work, only the cold water spray and metal scaler, which sounds just like your dentist too. Yup, and when they are doing it does sound like a drill so don’t worry about saying that. When it’s being done I think of the polish that follows and that makes it worthwhile.

I don’t want to sound like your grandpa and lecture you on your own dental care. I’m sure you can manage that but please take some of the advice you’ve been given here and have a chat with perhaps a dental hygienist or the dentist at your surgery and explain how you feel. Maybe do that before you make the appointment too. Once you get to know the dentist and they get to know you, an element of trust is there and that makes a huge difference.

Don’t forget...the questions you ask and the concerns you have will not be new to them.

50 years on insulin here and I have had 6-monthly checkups since I was 5yo. Yet, my stomach still churns when I go see my really great dentist. I'm sure many of our friends here would say the same so you're not the only one worried about it. Best of all, it's great you asked the question!

Bill

Michik said:

Hi, sometimes I think of going to the dentist because and I want to ask some questions. What do I have to do before dentist's visit? What can he do with me? Like any special "curing plan" or other treatment. And finally, does diabetes cause more pain? Because I was terrified when I had to go to dentist some years ago and still do. Im stressed, terrified of pain in his room.
I only agree if dentist gives "local anesthesia" because otherwise Id scream like a little baby

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There is no requirement for any special preparation before a T1 sees a dentist. Your treatment should be no different to any other patient. The others seem to have covered the basics.

One thing I would add is to ensure you take your testing kit with you, just in case you need to test. If we get nervy, we can feel a bit off, and some folks may find that their nerves can bring on hypo-like symptoms or a hypo itself. So, testing and hypo kit should definitely go with you to the dentist.

Ensure you tell your dentist you have T1. It shouldn't affect your treatment, although he should know, just in case you feel unwell at any time.

Good luck with it all.