Scared of the dentist?

Question

My boyfriend is a student dentist and found out recently that I haven't seen a dentist in about 8 years. He found out because I was eating a chocolate and had a sudden severe pain in one of my teeth and then he asked when I'd last been to the dentist. He wanted to examine my teeth but I wouldn't let him because I'm too embarrassed. I'm sure my teeth must be in a pretty bad state by now, I mean I brush regularly, but I don't floss and I do eat quite a lot of chocolate and sweets if I'm honest.

Anyway, I was just wondering, I know you can't really tell without seeing my teeth, but how much work am I likely to need done after 8 years of not seeing a dentist? I don't have any really bad toothaches, except that one tooth that hurt when I was eating chocolate, most of my teeth are generally quite sensitive to cold things as well - is that bad? I use sensodyne toothpaste but it doesn't seem to help.

I'm really freaking out here!!! HELP!!!

Answer 1

Hi babydoll. I've been in a similar position - I didn't see a dentist for 10 years, but then was forced to one day last year when I got a really bad toothache. Like you, I brushed regularly, but didn't floss, but by the sounds of it your teeth are in better shape than mine were. If I'm honest, I'd been having pain from various teeth for a while. Anyway, when I finally went to the dentist I needed an extraction, 2 root canals and fillings in all my molars, which I'm still in the process of having done now. But if you don't have any pain except from this one tooth, it's unlikely you'll need anything like as much work as I did.

The one where you had a severe pain on eating chocolate probably has a cavity in it - that's a classical symptom of it. But other than that you probably don't have too much to worry about, probably quite a lot of plaque build up, but hopefully not too many cavities! Good luck, let me know how it goes!

Answer 2

Hi. I had the same problem for many years after a very bad visit when I was a child. The trick is to try and identify exactly what you are scared of. With me it was injections. Although I have had a serious problem with dentists this week (I could not find any) I have to admit that things have come a long way and they are usually very good. As I found out 2 years ago, the longer you leave it the more problems you may have later on. You have to remember that one day the pain will be so strong that you will be forced to go. Its better to overcome your fear before that happens. Good luck.

By the way. I have learnt an important lesson this Xmas and New Year. If you have a dental problem over the holidays and you can’t find a Dentist anywhere. Do not leave it untreated as it will get worse and you may do long term damage to your health if you overdose on pain killers. If you can afford it, get on a plane to France, Spain or Germany and get it sorted there. They seem to have a much better system to deal with things outside office hours. Crazy but true.

Answer 3

Im terrified of dentists, to the point where I get to the door for my appointment and then run away.
I got a new dentist recently and told him how scared I was, he's really good about it and doesnt tell me off!
You really should be brave and go, Ive ended up with some false teeth after years and years of avoiding the dentist and now I wish Id been a bit braver.

Answer 4

Hey, I feel your pain. My girlfriend is a nurse and got on me for not seeing a dentist over 9 yrs as well. When I finally went the dentist had to numb my gums and ended up scaling my teeth along w/ the cleaning. Needless to say it was no fun for awhile while I was still feeling the effects of the Novocaine - that shot hurts too. Hope I haven't scared you. But you need to get to the dentist and ge that taken care of.

Answer 5

Hy, You may have a suprise and find out that your teeth are in pretty good shape even though you eat lots of chocolate. My wife cleans her teeth and flosses and mouthwashes many times a day, and on visiting the dentist the last 3 visits last year she had to have work done. I however dont look after my teeth as much as her and have had less trouble up till just a few months ago, but it is only a bridge that keeps comming loose, my dentist tells me my teeth are in pretty good shape otherwise, he mentions something about PH? level in my mouth helps look after them.

If you are nervouse about jabs, ask dentist to put the magic cream on first, thats what the kids call it.
I have a dentist in a million,I use to be terrified of dentists until I seen him, he is so gentle, never feel his jabs apart from the pallet jabs that do hurt. After my treatment, He gives me some medication, either a huge bar of chocolate, huge toblerone or large box of maltesers.
Now I aint going 2 mention his name nor where I come from or his surgery, but I bet before the night is out there will be folks telling me who he is and where we both come from, just wait and see.

Answer 6

Impossible to say. BUT go in, just for xrays. That doesn't hurt. Then he or she can tell you what is wrong, if anything. Personally, I would not tell the dentist how long it's been, its more likely they may take advantage.

Also, take a few tylenol or whatever with you. Take them right after any work done, or even before you go. I do this.

Lastly, relax. Take a cd or ipod with you to listen while they do any work or just while you wait. Listen to music that is relaxing.

Answer 7

Go to the Dentist....they have come a long way and are quite sensitive to peoples fears!

From what you are saying it sounds more like you have problem gums - receding - exposing the tooth below the normal gum line. This can cause sensitivity to hot, cold and sweet things but it is easily remedied and does not require any invasive treatment.

Answer 8

Bless you, I just know how you feel, i too are so scared of the dentist.

Answer 9

No.they wont tell you anything, they will be like just brush your teeth more often or something like that. Its not there business so mostly likey they wont say anything about it . I smoke weed pretty much alot and when i go to the dentist they dont tell me anything about it. N im underage also so its all good ,dont worry

Answer 10

I to am deathly afraid to go to the dentist, however... it will get worse if you don't go now. Teeth do not heal themselves. This is my advise. Tell them both when you make your apt. and when you go in. They face this all the time and they will help you get over your fear.