I have bad teeth...damaged by many things throughout the years and am afraid to go to the dentist...HELP!?

Question

I am afraid to go to the dentist, but I know I need to to take care of myself....but I am very fearful. My teeth are not in good shap and I would like crowns/veneers...etc because of the extent of damage to my teeth. Any dentists out there who can give me some pointers on how to calm my anxieties so I can get a dental check up? It has been several years...and I know I need to go. I hope this doesn't sound stupid, but any HELPFUL advice would be greatly appreciated. Need/want more details please ask and I will post an update...Thank You!

Answer 1

The things that I've found help patients at our office feel the most comfortable are first coming in for an exam only and then having one Valium prescribed for the day of the procedure.
If you go into an appointment for an exam only, you will know that there will be no procedures done that day. The assistant will take some x-rays of your teeth and the dentist will evaluate your mouth and talk with you. It will give you a chance to see if you like the dentist, the staff and the office. If you decide to go somewhere else, take the x-rays with you so you don't have to pay for them again.
Prescribing one Valium is very normal for dentists. Many patients are nervous. The medicine makes it easier on the patient and the dentist.
If all else fails, ask an assistant to hold your hand! It's common and we really don't mind.
Best of luck to you!!

Answer 2

I feel your pain. My husband just went to the dentist for the first time in 5 years (because I made him) and his teeth are pretty bad. He needs a partial and some fillings, etc.

I can tell you this, putting it off will only make it worse, the longer you wait, the more will need to be done.

Also, you may be afraid, but dentists have so many ways of making you confortable now, it's not a bad experience. Plus, you'll feel a lot better after you go.

My suggestion, check out the waiting room of potential dentists. In my experience, if the waiting room is plush and nice, so are the rooms and the "service." If the floor is creaking the the carpet is from the 70's, you may get an "old-school" dentist that is not for the faint of heart.

Also, remember this - if you make an appointment for a cleaning, they aren't going to drill into you or anything... just give you a look-see and take a couple x-rays - no pain. Then you can talk to the Doc and ask specific questions and voice your concerns. Most dentists are really compassionate these days and will do whatever they can to make you comfortable (besides, they want your business, right? So, they'll serve YOU).

Answer 3

Much worse; at one time you could get 2 O Levels, learn on the job, and then get a good career / income. Now, the influx of foreigners who will work cheaply, means you will be on the minimum wage for evermore. Plus, the increase of people with worthless degrees has also put pressure on the working class from above - whereby a degree becomes the minimum requirement for clerking etc. Obviously, there are so many other factors that one could be here all day - societies with much more prevalence of casual violence than Britain (traditionally) have rubbed off on us negatively when they come to live here. To name but just one other factor. The general lack of manners and respect for others is a major change too.

Answer 4

find a female dentist. they are the most relaxing. they seem to know just what to say and do. try breathing deep when u go and get the check up and mayb try taking a close friend to hold ur hand...as sad as it sounds it can b a real comfort. perhaps if u have a phobia u could try hypnotism. or find a dentist with happy gas.

hope it helps....

Answer 5

go to a dentist which offers twilight sleep. You will be given a pill to take before coming to dentist. You should find a dentist in your area who is AACD Certified. You can find one by going to www.aacd.com