Is my extreme embarassment and fear of the dentist rational?

Question

I am 23 years old and have never been to the dentist bc of the low income of my parents. Recently, I recieved a good job, with dental insurance. I also noticed discoloration of my molars and one tooth in general is putting me in a lot of pain.
My problem comes from the fear and embarassment I feel about going for the first time. Insurance only pays 50% for things such as filling, root canals, also. I am making myself sick over going. I feel like a total loser. Any advice that could make it seem better would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Everyone has been in your position at some time or another. I didn't go for 5 years and was terrified. Now I go every 6 months and I still get nervous. Call them and book the earliest appt they have available. It'll give you less time to worry or dread. Tell yourself to,"Get it over with!" Esp when you feel scared. Make plans for after the dentist. I planned a movie fest w/friends. That way, I looked forward to the plans and the dentist was something I had to do before then. Once I got there, I told everyone that I was really scared. My dentist was super gentle and nice. Once in the chair, close your eyes. Play with your ring or your bracelet or bring a mp3 player to listen to. Take a look at a calendar. Two months from now, so much stuff will have happened or will happen that the dental appt was just something you had to do. No, you're not a loser. Everyone's scared. Tell yourself,"what's the worse that can happen?" I would think of the most absurd thing. I thought I was going to be wheeled out and can't be worked on. Then I would laugh at how that would never happen. And if it did and they were mean, I could just walk out. Remind yourself that they've studied teeth for over a decade. So they really want to help ppl. And trust me, waiting and wondering was much worse for me. I start to think too much. Once you're done, you'll feel so proud that you overcame your fear. Good luck! =)

Answer 2

There are tons of people afraid of going to the dentist and you have definitely rationalized why you are afraid of it. Most people fear the unknown, simple as that.
I am answering this question because you remind me of my husband. His parents didn't have dental insurance to cover their family, so he went only once a year. My parents didn't have it either, but they scraped to take me every 6 months as I was growing up. As a result, I have never had a cavity or filling because of going regularly as a preventive measure along with brushing 2-3 times a day. On the other hand, my husband has 4 fillings (one of which fell out), and the other day when he drank a margarita for the first time he yelped in pain because now he apparently discovered a cavity.
Going to the dentist won't be a cakewalk for you the first time, and I'm not going to lie to you and say that it isn't uncomfortable. However, if you have a good dentist, the treatments won't be that unbearable.
Think of it this way; either you are going to fix your teeth now or wait until the problem gets worse. If you need one root canal now, you might need 3 later. The tooth might not even be salvageable and you'll be forced to wear grillz :P. Grillz may even cost more than the 1/2 off treatment!
My advice would be to just take the hit and pay for the treatment. Yeah, you'll lose money and it will hurt, but think of it as gambling with some compensation. I'm going to try and think of an analogy...
Okay, if you go now, it will be like putting a lot of money on black and playing roulette, then losing everything. But now that you know not to play foolishly like that, you next spread your bets (and go every 6 months for preventive care!). You're not guaranteed to win. but there's a better chance of you breaking even.

Answer 3

No, your fear is not rational, because you have not had the experience to cause your fear yet. Don't worry though, I'm not insulting you, most fear IS irrational. These days dental is a piece of cake. You'll find that the dentist will probably only do a little checkup to start with, to ease you in, and then construct a treatment plan and chat with you about it for the rest of the appointment. nothing scary. If you have major concerns about your anxiety, it's even easier! Just tell your dentist to put you under and do everyrthing at once. You will need an appointment to review everything about a week later, but it will be a lot easier to upkeep your dental health after that.

Answer 4

First of all you´re not a loser.. Alot of people are scared to go to the dentist.. But since you have never been, i would take advantage that your job gives u the option to have dental insurance. ( some jobs only have health insurance and not dental)... and believe me if you need something filled its better to pay 50 % then the full price since dentist tend to be some what expensive..
so my advice is that if your in pain ( might be a cavity or something) pick a dentist from the insurance book and just go.. You´ll be ok.. In the dental office i go to my dentist always has classical music, so i feel relaxed while she cleans my teeth...
Dentist Are there to help you have a great smile ! think of that and that is sure to make you feel better!
Have a great Holiday weekend!
take care !
Bcn_mimosa

Answer 5

Firstly I'm answering this question because I'm a Specialist in Prosthetic and Restorative Dentistry.
1. Now in this era of minimum intervention and preventive dentistry we are well trained to manage cases n extraction of teeth is the not a solution until unless its prognosis is hopeless.
2. When it comes to pain, a dentist is well trained to manage by use of local anesthetics, conscious sedation n in very complex cases under General Anesthesia procedures after a Pre anesthetic check up.
When it comes to payment yes dentistry is expensive but comparatively less costlier in countries like India-Known for dental tourism equiped with all the required advanced materials n Instruments.
If you leave your dental condition without getting root canal treatment n fillings done then it may progress to more severe sequale of it.
If you are an Indian I would suggest you get your treatment done in any of the 120 recognised dental colleges whichever is at the nearest.

Answer 6

I understand your fear considering that you've never been to the dentist your whole life. But don't get embarassed. It's for your own good. However, to overcome your fear, make sure that you are accompanied by one of your good friends who understands you, having a friend with you during the dental check up will give you a feeling of encouragement and support. Bring a friend whom you really comfortable with.

Answer 7

I have a fear of dentists that goes back 50 years! but convince yourself that you need to see the dentist for your health. Take a deep breath before you call and make an appointment and when you ring tell the receptionist that you are really anxious about the visit . I can assure you that the dentist will really understand your fears and will take the necessary steps to help you relax and get you through your appiontment . He / she may even give you a mild sedative to help you relax . Or they may give you relaxation tecniques to help you .

Answer 8

Don't be embarrassed. I was alot older then you when I finally went to the dentist. They are always happy you finally came in, plus you will get alot of relief from your tooth pain. If you're really nervous ask them if they cater to "cowards" when making your appointment. Most dentists do and try to make your vist as pleasant as possible.
Good luck!

Answer 9

You should overcome that embarassment to avoid prolonging the pain and possibly advancing the problems that you may now have with your teeth. Remember, most people do not have a "Hollywood" smile.

Answer 10

You are not a loser . many of us have this problem . health care of all types is so unaffordable it's becoming ridiculous. try to remember this , the dentist is working for you , therefore you are his or her boss . If you don't like the service that is rendered -fire them .don't take no guff off of them either , just remind them who is paying the bill .