will the dentist be horrified.?

Question

i haven't been to the dentist for ages, my teeth are a real mess, i feel ashamed and too embarassed to go to the dentist. my grown up children tell me that the dentist deals with this kind of thing all the time. i feel that one look in my mouth and they won't know where to start. can't remember the last time i smiled properly. its on my mind all the time and i dont know where to start. please help.

Answer 1

I am a dentist and oral surgeon. First, please make sure you get to a dentist. Find someone who is caring and non-judgemental. No matter how bad your mouth is, we've all seen worse. We're not here to judge you, but to help. Find a gentle and caring dentist, who will not only put things back together, but help you keep it that way. If you have extensive work that may present a challenge to the dentist, try to find a dentist that is experienced in full mouth reconstruction. Some of the cases can take up to a year or more, so be patient. Get a good treatment plan - that is a good discussion and in writing with the dentist regarding:
1. What are the problems that he can identify
2. What are your concerns
3. In general, how will he go about fixing them
4. Specifically what treatment each tooth will get
5. What is the approximate time it will take
6. How much it will cost

Remember too, that this is an investment in your looks and general health! If it seems expensive, think of the benefits and how great you'll feel when you're done. Look for quality work, not price. And forget about insurance - generally doesn't pay enough to cover the dentist's expenses - so if he accepts insurance, that's the kind of work you'll get. Pay for what you want, get great quality and a caring gentle dentist. He'll teach you how to maintain your smile, teeth and health so you'll never get this way again. Stuff happens and over a long period of time it gets out of hand. Everything can be fixed. Take the first step and don't worry, I'm sure you'll find a caring dentist. Anyone who can not show compassion for his patients shouldn't be in this business. Good luck to you. Please e-mail me if you have any more questions!

Answer 2

In my early 20s I stopped going to the dentist. I didnt return for many years. When I did, the dentist explained this wasnt uncommon.

What I learned was that people who regularly go for cleanings are basically getting there teeth 'polished', as well as the normal exam and xrays for cavities.

After having been gone that long I went through a thorough cleaning which involved removing calculus, which is tarter that has had time to build up. Therefore, it usually requires two visits to do your entire cleaning for the time involved to remove it.

As well, you will undoubtedly have some level of gum disease which is the gums receding due to lack of care and this can cause less suppport for your teeth to be secure. Good news is that going will get it under control. Not going means you are probably headed for early dentures unfortunately.

The real thing is to act on this and go. Dentists are professionals who aim to help. The place to start is check with friend and families for referrals. Your children are right - go. Afterwards you may, as I did, wonder why you waited.

Answer 3

Your children are absolutely right. Ask friends or relatives to recommend a good one. The first thing they'll want to do is a thorough cleaning, which will probably need to be done in 2 or 3 visits since it's been so long for you. Once that's done they'll take x-rays and the dentist will do a thorough exam of your teeth and gums. Then they'll write up a treatment plan explaining what needs to be done and how much it will cost. It's going to be a long process but you'll be so pleased once you get through it. A good dentist welcomes this kind of patient because it gives them great satisfaction to bring back someone's smile!

Answer 4

Trust me honey, we have seen it all before. Nothing really bothers me anymore. Not unless it is a child who looks like he has been neglected. I have seen patients come in with everything from cavities in every tooth so big that the tooth is completely black, to so much buildup on their teeth that this is all that is holding the teeth in their mouth. Don't worry about what a dentist will think. They have probably seen worse.

Make an appointment for a new patient exam. Talk to the assistant at the beginning, tell her your fears. She will probably reassure you of what I already said. Let them do x-rays and tell you what kind of damage that you have and what needs to be done to fix it.

I have had patients come in saying that they haven't smiled in years and when we get done, they can't stop smiling.

Answer 5

Erin,
there is nothing to be ashamed of. It's teeth and it's the dentist. They really do deal with that kind of stuff all the time. The dentist will probably be happy to help you. My teeth were so bad (6 cavities, 2 root canals not from bad hygiene but bad genes from my dad) and the dentist was so nice! Probably cause it cost me over 2,000 dollars! So relax and don't be nervous.

Answer 6

I'm a dentist.

No, we won't be horrified. We've seen cases like yours many, many times. You are not in the least bit unique. But we will look in your mouth and wonder (to ourselves) how the hell you could neglect your health for so long. We doctors are human beings, after all.

Look at it this way. Whether the doctor outwardly ridicules you (which is highly unlikely) or treats you courteously and conscientiously (which is likely), you are much better off addressing your problems now rather than later. Dental problems invariably get worse with time, and before you know it, you're losing all your teeth.

You need to dispense with your childish concerns and see the doctor as soon as possible. This is your health we're talking about.

Answer 7

call some different dental offices and explain your situation. ask questions about the dds's office hours, how long they've been in practice, any special services they offer (especially for those who are nervous). you can tell a lot about a practice by speaking with the person who answers the phone. they should be friendly, patient, and willing to answer your questions.

also look for someone who will schedule you with a consultation for your first visit. the dds should meet and speak with you, take a look in your mouth and take some x-rays. that way you can have a comfortable first visit and get an idea of what needs to be done without having to worry about having any work done the first time you meet. the dentist will be proud of you for taking the first step - and you'll be glad you did.

Answer 8

The only thing I know to say is that even when a dentist sees one cavity they are horrified so, if ya feel ya owe the dentist an explanation don't use that dentist. Find one that fits in with your budget and you are comfortable around after you have had your consultation. Trust me I had personal experiences before.

Answer 9

Believe me you should not be ashamed when you go see your dentist. On the contrary, the fact that you finally made the decision to go get your teeth taken care of should be applauded. There is no point in a dentist or his/her staff to make you feel ashamed or embarassed. They are there to help you improve upon your oral health and to get you on the right road to an improved smile. Believe me we have seen it all and personally nothing shocks me. Most of us got into dentistry to help people, so rest assured you will be in good hands. If you feel in any way judged or made to feel ashamed, find another dentist. You should be given respect and made to feel comfortable no matter what condition your teeth/gums are in. Again that first visit will prob. be hard, but don't worry to much. Getting over the fear, and taking that first step will prob. be the hardest part. You should not have to live like this, smiling is part of our human existence. If you are const. worried about how you look if you smile, then you are not truely enjoying life to the fullest. You are putting unwanted and unneeded stress on your-self. Not to mention that it is not good for your body to experience all of that decay and infection going on for so many years. The mouth is part of your total body health, and like your body, it needs the proper maintenance. So good luck and go see someone about your dental issues. You will be so glad that you did, esp. when you can smile and not be worried about what your teeth look like. A smile can transform a life, being in the dental field I see it all of the time. You owe it to yourself to be happy, so go for it. You and your children will be so glad that you did. God bless.

Answer 10

Don't fret! I bet that your dentist has seen at least 5 people whose teeth were 100 times worse than yours. Unless you're a meth addict and all your teeth look like satan teeth, I wouldn't worry. You are going to correct the problem! He/she will know that. Don't worry about it. Just tell them it's been awhile, if you have a nice dentist, he/she will understand!