Starting to worry about my teeth... [Archive] - MoneySavingExpert.com Forums

linzibean

08-01-2008, 7:15 PM

Dentists, I am sorry to say you will probably cringe at the tale of my teeth. I have not been to a dentist in around 7-8 years. About 5 years ago I went through a stage of serious depression and stopped caring for my appearance, including my teeth. Things are now much much better and my life couldn't be happier, but my poor old teeth will never recover I feel!

Firstly, my lower gum is receding as I am a mouth breather, and due to the previously mentioned neglect. I now clean with an electric toothbrush but know I can never cure the problem. Secondly, one of my molars has a hole that probably needs filling, or at worst the tooth needs removing - I don't have any pain from it, but I know it's bad. Thirdly, my bottom teeth are bunched together at the front, as if there is not enough room for them all in my jaw? Could this be to do with my wisdom teeth, which have been erupting since I was 16?

A local dentist has started advertising spaces, but I am ashamed to say I am terrified of going. What will they do to me?? Will it be painful? My impression of dentists may be based on when I was a whild and had a brace to straighten my upper teeth (I sucked my thumb, naughty me, and pushed them out like rabbit teeth!). I'm scared of what thy will do, but don't want to lose my teeth!

Toothsmith

08-01-2008, 7:37 PM

If he's advertising for spaces, then go to the practice to have a look round first.

Go in and ask for 'more information.'

A practice leaflet, fee guides, ASK the receptionist what will happen on your first appointment. See what the waiting room looks like. Do the other patients there look happy? Do their teeth look nice!!!? Do they look like they are being kept waiting for ages?

Sometimes, if the place isn't too busy, you might be invited to have a bit of a tour, to see the surgeries, and the cross infection control proceedures and some of the equipment. You might even meet one of the dentists. (Just informally, not for him to look in your mouth.) Ask him what will happen.

If you visit the place before any appointment, then when you go for your proper appointment, you will be stepping back into a place you are already familiar with, and meeting people you have met and chatted to before.

It will be a much less nerve wracking experience.

If you go to that place, and they are too busy to bother with you, don't have any written fee guides, and just rather you weren't there bothering them, then it's not the right place for you, and you shouldn't book an appointment with them anyway.

BUT - find other dental practices within the area, and do the same thing with them.

With a little bit of legwork and effort, you will find the right place to go.

BUT START LOOKING - AND START TOMORROW!!!!!

tomstickland

08-01-2008, 7:49 PM

I didn't visit a dentist for 5-6 years. When I finally face up to it and got on with it I felt a hell of a lot better. I was expecting them to say "oh my god, we've never seen anything as bad as this", but actually things weren't too bad.

I'd advise thinking it all through in your head for a week or two, gradually getting used to the idea.

ofnus

08-01-2008, 8:03 PM

linzibean i feel like i could thank you a million times over. im also horribly embarrassed over the state of my teeth. ever year i make the resolution that i will go to the dentist, every year i chicken out. i really need to make 2008 the year i face my fear.

im in my mid twenties, and have only ever had one dental appointment :o i went with my mum to one of her appointments around the age of 5. whatever she was having done didnt go very well and her scream of pain terrified me. i refused to go to my next appointment after that, and because she was too terrified to go herself she never forced the issue.

so here i am in my twenties, with crap teeth, a phobia of the dentists that makes me sick to my stomach and a nagging at the back of my mind that i have to do something about the situation now before i get a serious problem. im 'lucky' so far that other than plaque/tartar and teeth that would benefit from cosmetic dentistry to straighten/get rid of the gaps ive had no serious problems. no toothache, no teeth turning black, no wisdom teeth. but i dont know how long that good luck is going to last.

im scared of being judged, of how much its going to cost, of how hard its gonna be to find a dentist i can afford who can cope with my phobia, of how much work im going to need, that its going to hurt, of loosing my teeth. i just dont know where to start. it doesnt help that i have no real idea what to expect from a trip to the dentist, or how it all works, so i can add fear of the unknown to my list as well :cry:

i'll be following this thread with interest, cos im gonna need all the help i can get

SparkyG

08-01-2008, 10:20 PM

Here's an excellent dental fear/phobia forum http://www.dentalfearcentral.org/

HTH

good luck:beer:

ofnus

08-01-2008, 10:53 PM

thanks sparkyG. had a read through. was getting shaky and upset reading it, yet there were some parts that put my mind a bit more at ease. think this is going to being a long and painful road for me though.

are/were you dental phobic yourself?

linzibean

09-01-2008, 12:09 PM

Thanks for all the support and advice so far :) I'm going into town on Friday so I will take your advice Toothsmith and go in and have a look, start asking questions etc. Dentists spaces are quite hard to come by round here, so I was a little wary that they are advertising!

keelykat

09-01-2008, 12:47 PM

I know how you feel about going....i didnt go for quite a few years after something quite scary happened to my mom and was close to bleeding to death (still makes me feel sick)....so i finally plucked up the courage to go, as my wedding was coming up and i wanted nice clean teeth for the photos. It was very scary for me, i was shaking (feel quite silly but cant help it) and when i went in i had to tell them how worried i was. They did put me at ease, and were lovely with me. Telling them how you feel will help, as they will talk you through everything and be gentle with you.

Luckily i didnt have any major problems, but had to go back three times to get my teeth cleaned as id got a build up of plaque etc that needed attention!

Now, i do admit its been two years-so i need to go back asap to get a check up and possible clean again. This is because so much has been going on, i havent got around to going. I will go though.

My next problem is getting my OH to come, he HAS to go as hes just had an absess and needs an x ray and his teeth looking at as its been even longer for him! Hes more scared then i was!

Good luck, im sure everything will be fine!

keely.

BlondeHeadOn

09-01-2008, 2:17 PM

I was/am a dentist phobic too, and didn't go at all for 18 years. Then a friend of mine persuaded me to go to his dentist - and pre-warned the dentist that I was terrified.

It was all absolutely fine, and I felt silly for being such a wuss! But then I didn't go again for another 4 years and all the old fears clicked back in ... then I had to go because I broke a tooth, and I didn't sleep for 4 nights because I was so scared....

Then I went (same dentist) and it was all fine again!

Then I didn't go for another 3 years and got scared again..... (are you starting to get the picture?)

I have finally decided that this is an extremely daft way to carry on, and 2008 is my year to start going for regular check-ups. I hardly ever need anything doing anyway, but in the long stretches of time between appointments all my old childish fears start to bubble up and multiply again. So I am going to keep my 6-monthly check-ups and not allow myself to get into such a state ever again.

I think there is something about a bad experience of dentists at an early age that the fears produced will just never go away and seem to grow and multiply over time. The only way to try and calm them down and keep them manageable is to find and keep visiting a nice friendly and gentle dentist - that you like! - little and often.

That's my new resolution anyway .....

:D

LuciferTDark

09-01-2008, 2:26 PM

I am petrified of dentists as well, I don't know if you saw the other thread about teeth yesterday? I posted that an abscess put me in hospital in intensive care for 3 days, yes? It was my own fault too as I'd stopped going for 8+ years & ignored the problems till they nearly killed me.

I'm still petrified but actually went for my first appointment at my new dentist last month & needed a filling which I had done there & then. He did suggest an injection but I was half out of the seat by the time he'd finished saying it so he changed his mind.

queensway_boy

09-01-2008, 2:33 PM

If he's advertising for spaces, then go to the practice to have a look round first.

Go in and ask for 'more information.'

Do the other patients there look happy?

I think you might be pushing it a bit there toothy:D

belfastgirl23

09-01-2008, 5:06 PM

I have to say as a mostly reformed dentist phobic, just go...

Dentists (or good ones anyway) are very used to terrified patients. In fact the dental surgery is one of the very few socially acceptable places to be terrified. If you explain that you're nervous they'll be great. I have quite a few big and old fillings and am in the process of getting them replaced and only once have I had any real pain. And even then it was only for a few seconds. In fact I have even had a couple of small fillings without anaesthetic.

I think the key is to find a dentist you feel you can trust. Personally I much prefer a female dentist (illogical I know but I think this is one area where you can indulge yourself in being biased). I know that my dentist knows what she is doing and that I am in safe hands. this helps a huge amount...

Also you do get a real high after you go.

I'm down now from actively dreading the visit from the time I make the appointment to dreading it only the morning before. I even sleep as normal the night before going. In fact once lately I managed to forget it altogether :o this would never have happened a few years ago cos the date would have been practically burnt into my brain.

And you do only get one set of teeth. The longer you leave going the more will need done so it's best to go regularly...

Go on, make the appointment now!

Toothsmith

09-01-2008, 6:22 PM

I think you might be pushing it a bit there toothy:D

You should see mine!! Especially now I've got nice new comfy leather sofas in the waiting room!!!

ofnus

09-01-2008, 10:55 PM

after reading the forums on sparkys link and looking at some of the pictures on there, i have taken a small amount of comfort from the fact that my teeth dont look anyway near as bad as i thought, and as much as they embarrass me they wont be the worst teeth a dentist will have seen.

im feeling more resigned to my fate that i have to do it this year and it cant be put off any longer. im really worried about how much it is all going to cost and whether i can afford it all.

can someone give me an idea of costs (nhs vs private). how does dental insurance work? how do i know how much cover i would need? are things like xrays included in the cost of appointment or are they extra? do you have to pay to see the hygienst as well as the dentist? are private dentists better with phobics than nhs (oiece of string question i guess).

thanks for the advice and support.

moomin_white

09-01-2008, 11:11 PM

can someone give me an idea of costs (nhs vs private). how does dental insurance work? how do i know how much cover i would need? are things like xrays included in the cost of appointment or are they extra? do you have to pay to see the hygienst as well as the dentist? are private dentists better with phobics than nhs (oiece of string question i guess).

thanks for the advice and support.

i personally believe a private dentist would be more likely to be better for a dental phobic than an Nhs Dentist. This isn't a knock at NHS dentists, but a private dentist will (generally) spend double the time with a patient than an Nhs dentist will. If you are nervous, you don't want a dentist rushing you in and out of the surgery -it will only make your nerves worse!
regarding hygienist, you always have to pay seperatley for their appointments!(sorry!)
dental insurances all vary, and generally (like many insurances) it gives you peace of mind rather than being cost effective!

specsappeal

10-01-2008, 9:00 AM

I thought i'd throw in my two pence worth. I was absolutely terrified of the dentist after a traumatic experiance as a child. In fact i have been known to walk out of the surgery when my name has been called :o . I was an NHS patient and my surgery was always packed and i always had to wait at least an hour before i was seen. As you can imagine this did not go down well for me as i would be sitting there physically shaking and close to tears. So i decided to have a look at a 'private' surgery and my god it was like walking into a different world. I signed up there and then. The surgery is bright and very calming and i never ever have to wait more than a couple of minutes to be seen. the dentist is absolutely great, on my first visit i explained that i was a complete wuss and she was fantastic. she always tells me exactly what is going on and what she is going to do. A check up lasts about fifteen minutes which suprised me as at my previous dentist it was less than a couple of minutes!
Ok so its not cheap (£50 for a check up and scale and polish, fillings start at £60 etc) BUT to me it is worth every penny without a doubt. I still get a few butterflys when my checkups come round but i am not filled with dread anymore. I always get a receipt with a breadown of what shes done and how much it is etc. I put money away each month to go towards the cost of my dental appointments and it works great for me.

belfastgirl23

10-01-2008, 9:27 AM

I go through Denplan insurance - we pay almost £40 a month (for myself and DH) but because of no of old fillings I have and the fact that he has a bridge (I think that's the word) we're higher risk than a lot of people - I think we're in the middle of the 5 levels of risk they cover. If you don't have anything really 'wrong' with your teeth you'll probably be lower cost. That covers pretty much everything I've ever had to get done BTW.

I do think private is the way to go if you're scared...

Lots of luck.

ofnus

25-01-2008, 9:40 PM

im back.

well its the end of the month and ive been paid. with a bit of shuffling of the finances, ive managed to free up £200-£300. im hoping this will be enough to get me through the first consultation and so on, but i have no idea what im going to need or how much it should cost. im guessing appointment, set of xrays, session with hygienst at very very mminimum, and thats before any treatment i will need. can anyone give me an idea of costs and how much these will vary from nhs to private dentist?

next step is to find a dentist. the thought terrifies me but i know i have to do it. how do i do this? what should i be looking for, aside from someone non-judgemental who understands phobics?

Id be dead chuffed to think that i could have faced the fear and had an appointment by the end of feb. any advice, support and encouragement you can give will be fab cos god only knows how much im gonna need it.

Toothsmith

25-01-2008, 10:23 PM

As it seems to be the thing I repeat the most often, I have changed my signature to give my top tips for finding a new dentist.

belfastgirl23

25-01-2008, 10:29 PM

Good for you.

I think the best way to start is to ask around your friends and see who has a good dentist, preferably one who is used to working with nervous patients (I think dentists who are good with kids are also probably good with us tremblers :)). See if you can get a chance to have a quick chat with them. Your first appointment will normally be a check up where they just have a check around and see what needs done, do xrays etc. At that stage they'll suggest you come back for whatever work needs done. Sometimes mine has also suggested doing a minor filling or whatever at the time, I always jump at the chance cos once I'm in the chair I'm fine. If you only want appointments in 15 min chunks that's fine or if you'd rather have a longer one to get everything done it's worth saying so. Although there is a limit to how much of your mouth they can freeze at one time :)

Sorry I can't help with costs at all but I do think it's worth exploring dental insurance when you first select your dentist and see what the options are for taking this on. If you're on a budget I think it's worth pointing this out and asking them to figure out what really needs done and what you can maybe live with for another six months or whatever.

And lots of luck. Going to the dentist is something you might dread but you don't ever regret!!

Also just remembered I always take some bach flower Rescue Remedy with me, it does help calm me down. And I make a point of getting an early morning appointment so that I will def be seen on time (the worst bit is the waiting IMHO) and usually walk there since walking calms me down too. Don't be afraid to use whatever you need to :) except probably whiskey :)

ofnus

25-01-2008, 10:52 PM

thanks both

I think the best way to start is to ask around your friends and see who has a good dentist, preferably one who is used to working with nervous patients (I think dentists who are good with kids are also probably good with us tremblers :)).

see the problem with this is admitting that you have the problem/phobia, and then comes the whole social stigma of being gross and never having been to the dentist. although i guess some of them have figured it out :cool: its like a part of the al anon's 12 step programme :eek::D not sure if im ready for that yet. do plan to 'come out' to my other half though and get his help and support

See if you can get a chance to have a quick chat with them. Your first appointment will normally be a check up where they just have a check around and see what needs done, do xrays etc. At that stage they'll suggest you come back for whatever work needs done. Sometimes mine has also suggested doing a minor filling or whatever at the time, I always jump at the chance cos once I'm in the chair I'm fine. If you only want appointments in 15 min chunks that's fine or if you'd rather have a longer one to get everything done it's worth saying so. Although there is a limit to how much of your mouth they can freeze at one time :)

ok well good to know what to expect. thinking longer term, it probably will be best for me to get as much done in one go, if it means less trips. all comes down to what i do actually need doing though, i suppose. at the mo i can only speculate, which normally leads to thinking the worst. i do think the first appointment willl be the worst...its like the not knowing is the hardest. think i'll be able to psyche myself up for what follows (failing that, copious amounts of drugs, to the point where i dont care what they do to me).

Sorry I can't help with costs at all but I do think it's worth exploring dental insurance when you first select your dentist and see what the options are for taking this on. If you're on a budget I think it's worth pointing this out and asking them to figure out what really needs done and what you can maybe live with for another six months or whatever.

do think some sort of insurance plan will be the way forward longer term, to motivate me to keep going as much as anything. although any savings will be a great help. whilst i aint skint, i aint flush either.

longer term again, where does dental health insurance sit with cosmetic dentistry? (orthodontics specially, straighten teeth and closing gaps rather than whitening and so forth). would i be able to claim towards that, or would it all have to come out of my pocket? i've read that can easily cost in the region of £2k +. guess i'd best start doing some overtime :rolleyes:

thanks again for the info and encouragement, its much appreciated

Toothsmith

25-01-2008, 11:14 PM

thinking longer term, it probably will be best for me to get as much done in one go, if it means less trips.

No!

Go for short visits and little targets.

One or two 'big hits' will have you really stressed before them, ages in the chair getting more and more tense as you jaw gets more and more tired, and a stiff painful jaw for days afterwards.

This will all reinforce your negative feelings about dentists and dentistry, and will do nothing to get you over your fear.

Short appointments are bareable, positive experiences, and each time you go you will be a little more relaxed. Afterpain will be minimal, and you will actually get to know your dentist, and begin to see him/her as a human being, and a friend trying to help you.

Put ALL thoughts of anything cosmetic right out of your mind until you become a happy regular dental patient.

Cosmetic stuff needs a lot more looking after, so unless you are happy to attend regularly, getting advanced work done will potentially harm your dental health rather than enhance it.

That's the main reason I'm against 'dental tourism' which always seems to be promoted as a 'one hit' fix for life. Dentistry isn't like that. The more you get done, the more looking after you need.

ofnus

25-01-2008, 11:21 PM

Go for short visits and little targets.

One or two 'big hits' will have you really stressed before them, ages in the chair getting more and more tense as you jaw gets more and more tired, and a stiff painful jaw for days afterwards.

This will all reinforce your negative feelings about dentists and dentistry, and will do nothing to get you over your fear.

Short appointments are bareable, positive experiences, and each time you go you will be a little more relaxed. Afterpain will be minimal, and you will actually get to know your dentist, and begin to see him/her as a human being, and a friend trying to help you.

Put ALL thoughts of anything cosmetic right out of your mind until you become a happy regular dental patient.

Cosmetic stuff needs a lot more looking after, so unless you are happy to attend regularly, getting advanced work done will potentially harm your dental health rather than enhance it.

That's the main reason I'm against 'dental tourism' which always seems to be promoted as a 'one hit' fix for life. Dentistry isn't like that. The more you get done, the more looking after you need.

all received and understood. fully understand where you're coming from. i'd be lying if i said the idea of being able to get a smile that i was self concious of at the end of it wasnt a motivator, but i know it cant be rushed

do you know the answer to my question about health insurance and orthodontics (just from a financial point of view, so i know whether i should start saving sooner rather than later). i know there's no point even contemplating getting ahead of myself until i have healthy teeth, and until i see the dentist i dont know how long/costly/painful that journey will be. loosing the embarrassment factor is a big motivator though so it'd be nice to know where i stand financially

scotlass99

26-01-2008, 12:18 AM

I'm so glad I found this thread!! I haven't been to the dentist for over 10 years due to an awful experience as a child. I honestly think it should be drummed into dentists to BE NICE or people won't go and they will get horrible teeth...

Anyway, i've had problems in the past which have meant me going to the emergency dentist, physically shaking but in so much pain I thought I would pass out. But the dentists were sooo lovely! I couldn't believe it, it really restored my faith in dentists!

So new years resolution is to get teeth in shape again, I have a cracked tooth and a filing has came out of another. I phoned around some denists in my area, all but one were taking on new patients. I've been down and registered. It's a new dentists but the only problem I have is there wasn't anyone in the waiting room. Surely a good dentist has people queuing out the door?

I'm going to give this one a go anyway, meet the dentist, discuss my fears etc.

It would be good to know how you are all getting on with this and i'll also keep you updated.

ofnus

26-01-2008, 1:00 PM

hey scotslass. well done on being brave. its funny how the support of a total stanger can be such help - it would be great to have a face the dental phobia buddy, least i know im not alone.

well ive been proactive, and have found a list of dentists in the area that are currently accepting new nhs patients. what info i've found about private dentist prices indicates that its going to be price prohibitive for me to go private. must be brave, anything is better than the thought of loosing my teeth altogether.

should have a day off this coming week so im going to visit them all, pick up practice leaflet, check there are no tortured screams escaping from the treatment room and then choose one to join. after that next step will be making the first appointment, and actually going to it :pale:

one step at a time. thats my plan

belfastgirl23

26-01-2008, 1:05 PM

Hi Ofnus

You don't necessarily have to come out, just maybe mention you have a friend moving into the area can anyone recommend a dentist for her kids or something like that....

Sorry can't help with the costs issue, I know that this would be a big issue for me too

And just to say I very rarely have any significant after pain, sometimes a little bit but a couple of painkillers deals with it and I don't think I've ever had to take a second lot...

Good luck as well to scotlass :)

regstevens

26-01-2008, 6:58 PM

Im a dentist and I see cases like you daily... nothing to fear,

1) get a dentis
2) hopefully have some coverage
3) review web info on teeth issues (http://www.teethwhiteningzoomm.com)

Dentists, I am sorry to say you will probably cringe at the tale of my teeth. I have not been to a dentist in around 7-8 years. About 5 years ago I went through a stage of serious depression and stopped caring for my appearance, including my teeth. Things are now much much better and my life couldn't be happier, but my poor old teeth will never recover I feel!

Firstly, my lower gum is receding as I am a mouth breather, and due to the previously mentioned neglect. I now clean with an electric toothbrush but know I can never cure the problem. Secondly, one of my molars has a hole that probably needs filling, or at worst the tooth needs removing - I don't have any pain from it, but I know it's bad. Thirdly, my bottom teeth are bunched together at the front, as if there is not enough room for them all in my jaw? Could this be to do with my wisdom teeth, which have been erupting since I was 16?

A local dentist has started advertising spaces, but I am ashamed to say I am terrified of going. What will they do to me?? Will it be painful? My impression of dentists may be based on when I was a whild and had a brace to straighten my upper teeth (I sucked my thumb, naughty me, and pushed them out like rabbit teeth!). I'm scared of what thy will do, but don't want to lose my teeth!

moomin_white

26-01-2008, 9:14 PM

Im a dentist and I see cases like you daily... nothing to fear,
review web info on teeth issues (http://www.teethwhiteningzoomm.com)

i don't think tooth whitening is a priority to someone who is just trying to get through a dental surgery's door!

Toothsmith

26-01-2008, 10:25 PM

I think that was some Canadian dentist doing a bit of touting.

It's a bit chilly up there, and the nights are long. Plus, they have a real chip on their shoulders about not being American.

There is a good section on that site about how to find a dentist, but it doesn't give much more than my new improved signature!! :D

Savvy_Sue

27-01-2008, 1:45 AM

There is a good section on that site about how to find a dentist, but it doesn't give much more than my new improved signature!! :DShame your new improved signature (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/announcement.html?f=81) is more than 5 lines then! :rotfl:

Toothsmith

27-01-2008, 3:07 PM

It depends on your browser Sue.

I'd read the new rules, and it's only five lines, (I haven't counted the characters though!!) I have only pressed the return key 5 times, it's just on some screens the two longer lines wrap down to a new line.

On this computer, It's only 5 lines, on my work one there are 7 to it.

I think it will get past the sig police, but we'll see!!! Otherwise I will just revert to reminding everybody what a liar Blair was!!! :D

belfastgirl23

28-01-2008, 12:54 PM

by the way do let us know how you go. Sometimes having a sense of having people to 'report in' to can help motivate you onwards :) Works for me on the grocery challenge anyway :)

scotlass99

28-01-2008, 7:30 PM

Well i've got an appointment! 23rd February!!! Maybe the dentist i'm registered with is busy after all!

It's damage limitation now, as the tooth that the filing fell out off isn't sore (touch wood!) but does have a great big hole in it, so taking my time eating things and steering clear of crunchy things. Also, being very disciplined in brushing teeth for the right amount of time..

How are the rest of you getting on in your quest for nice teeth?!

LouBlue

28-01-2008, 8:59 PM

Well done to all of you with a phobia but now deciding that 2008 is the time to look after your teeth. :T

I didn't go for years, after crap one the school would send me to. But had to go after I needed root canal treatment.....so then decided I couldn't avoid it any longer. So I went and found another one and signed up with Denplan, £14 a month for me. I go twice a year for a check up and 4 times a year to the hygienist. So now I go little and often, I need less done.

Its my OH that I need to get there now. He hadn't been for years but then had terrible tooth ache so we had to take him to a clinic for nervous patients...ie sedation...so it cost us a blooming fortune! I told him he can't leave it now, he has to go regularly, and he actually said to me that he hates having the phobia, he hates dreading it, and he really wants to overcome it now, so thats a start anyway. :)

toshkininny

28-01-2008, 9:12 PM

Hope you get yourselves all sorted and don't worry too much. I've never had a problem with going to the dentist - it's the doctor I can't stand !

Does anybody have any good tips on getting your children to go to the dentist? My daughter is 3 and a half, and didn't want to go anywhere near the dentist when I took her - even to get a sticker as a reward, so I really want to nip it in the bud before it gets out of hand.

ofnus

28-01-2008, 9:24 PM

well done on making the appointment scotslass. i hope to go on my visit of the local practices that are accepting nhs patients some point this week.

been looking at HSA dental insurance today but it just seems so confusing. really not sure whether it offers value for money or not. looking at it i think the worse your teeth are = the more treatment you'll need = the better value for money it is. wont know whethers its right for me until ive seen a dentist though. need to go to the opticians as well. 2008 seems to be the year of the body MOT!

ofnus

28-01-2008, 9:27 PM

toshskinny - would bribery work? not ideal but if thats what it takes to get her to go...

toshkininny

28-01-2008, 9:39 PM

toshskinny - would bribery work? not ideal but if thats what it takes to get her to go...

maybe a bit of chocolate perhaps? ;)

scotlass99

29-01-2008, 12:14 AM

LouBlue

29-01-2008, 12:16 AM

I looked into a dental plan but was put of that in the first 3 months you can't claim!! And I don't think I can wait that long til I get treatment! Why do these things always have clauses to catch you out! Grrr!

Pretty obvious really. People would wait til they had really expensive things needed doing, then suddenly all sign up. Its worth it in the long run!

belfastgirl23

29-01-2008, 10:29 AM

My dentist told me that your teeth had to be basically in order before you signed up for dental insurance although that said I had a lot of very old fillings coming to the end of their life and she could have been a bit sticky about this (I joined up after I hadn't been for about 4 years :eek: ) so you might find with the right dentist once you get any really obvious problems out of the way (scotlass ;) well done on making the appointment by the way ) they'll let you sign up before you get the longer term more remedial work done. Especially if you make it clear you're in the insurance for the long term and you're sticking to a plan.

Toshskinny is it worth having a word with your dentist to see if they have any ideas about how to encourage your dd in to see them? TBH if they don't or if they aren't available to talk about it then they aren't the right dentist anyway :) It might even be as simple as them taking off their white coat or going in and talking to her in the waiting room first. It might also be worth getting from her what it is she doesn't like about it. Has she had a bad experience or has someone put her off? You're right to try to nip it in the bud :)

Savvy_Sue

30-01-2008, 11:45 PM

DS1 was a nightmare at that age: we could get him in through the door, but then he wouldn't open his mouth. But I blame the dentist, who said his little brush was only going to 'tickle' DS1 and demonstrated on his hand.

Now, DS1 always HATED being tickled, and we'd always said it was his right not to be tickled if he didn't want to be. I did try telling the dentist that he wouldn't want to be tickled, but it was no good.

Anyway, I spoke to my own dentist at another appointment, and she suggested taking him along to one of our appointments, and just letting him see how we behaved. So he went off with DH, who was VERY brave, opened his mouth nice and wide, and cost a fortune because he needed an expensive filling! :rotfl: Biggest dentistry bill we'd had for years!

But it did the trick. Can't guarantee it will work for everyone, but thinking about it afterwards, he'd always gone on the chair before his brothers, and he just didn't know what to expect.

ofnus

01-02-2008, 12:44 AM

well another step in the journey; i've 'come out' to my OH who was very supportive, tactful and considerate. feels good to know that i have physical support as well as online support

belfastgirl23

01-02-2008, 9:12 AM

well another step in the journey; i've 'come out' to my OH who was very supportive, tactful and considerate. feels good to know that i have physical support as well as online support

Well done!!

It is incredibly common y'know, nothing to be ashamed of..

scotlass99

03-02-2008, 10:14 PM

well another step in the journey; i've 'come out' to my OH who was very supportive, tactful and considerate. feels good to know that i have physical support as well as online support

Aww thats great! I am not really looking forward to my appointment but keep the picture of me with healthy teeth in my mind!!:o

alw

04-02-2008, 11:14 AM

...........

eyelinerprincess

04-02-2008, 11:18 AM

belfastgirl23

04-02-2008, 11:46 AM

I haven't been to the dentist in about 4/5 years. I hated the dentist I used to go to, and there have been various stories about him (including one woman I know who gritted her teeth in her sleep and dentist yelled at her until she cried), and I have a fear of anyone putting anything in my mouth (possibly cos I have a sensitive gag reflex, even the doctor putting a tongue depressor in my mouth makes me gag).

Just try to keep in mind that you are one of the unlucky people who has had a very bad experience and it can only get better next time! I had a horrible dentist as a child but all of my dentists since then have been great and my current one is a star. BTW I have a strong gag reflex too, even when cleaning teeth etc, but find with a good dentist it isn't triggered...

scotlass99

24-02-2008, 7:30 PM

Ohhhh I have my appointment on Wednesday getting nervous already!! I really hope this is a nice dentist!! Keep your fingers crossed for me!!

How is everyone else getting on, teeth-wise?

LouBlue

24-02-2008, 11:53 PM

Ohhhh I have my appointment on Wednesday getting nervous already!! I really hope this is a nice dentist!! Keep your fingers crossed for me!!

Well done - you'll be fine! :T

maytaurus

25-02-2008, 3:02 AM

Toothsmith

25-02-2008, 9:26 AM

The most terrifying thing for me on my last visit to the dentist, was that they told me I need some root work doing
That my own dentist can't do it and to go private will be £50 to £75 for the consultation and £500 to £700 for the treatment !
So it might be 10 years before I can go for treatment ! :eek:

Although it's undeniable that you will get a far superior job done by a private specialist endodontist, it's worth asking WHY your dentist can't do this treatment.

Before the NHS 'new contract' of April 06, when dentists got a fee for each item of treatment they carried out, the vast majority of dentists did their own root fillings (Although the statistics show they did them pretty badly!).

Since the new contract, when all dentists get are 'funding points' for a treatment plan (And it's the same number of points for a plan with one little filling, or a plan with a shedful of fillings and root fillings) they are a lot more reluctant to do the more complex stuff.

Their contract values though (The money they are paid), are based on how much they earnt when they were doing all the complex stuff. So - by refusing to do the stuff they used to do - they are, in effect, cheating the taxpayer.

Now - there are perfectly legitamate reasons to refer someone to a specialist endodontist. If a tooth (Particularly a molar is 'especially difficult' with, say very curved roots) or if a tooth has previously been root filled, and that root filling has failed. A dentist could also say it was 'ouside the sphere of his/her competence - and there are many specialist endodontists who would say that was ALL root fillings for some GP dentists:D

But- if it's just a simple front tooth, or premolar, then the dentist would be on very sticky ground if his figures from before the new contract showed that he was regularly doing these things.

It would be worth asking the dentist why he thought it needed the special attentions of a specialist. If you're not happy with the answer, it might be worth having a word with the local PCT's dental person. There have been cases of PCTs asking dentists to PAY for the referal to the specialist (and the treatment) when it was found they were referring things they used to treat.

On the other hand, you could pay the money and sleep sound knowing that you've had the best possible job done on that tooth, and that it will be much less likely to fail and give you a toothache and/or a fat face at some terrible inconvienient time in the future.

Savvy_Sue

25-02-2008, 1:03 PM

The other question to ask is "Does it matter if I lose this tooth?"

DH's NHS dentist wanted to a root filling for him and I said no, not to have it done there, I'd had too many problems with that chap. He went to see a local private dentist who quoted for root filling, and then said "as it doesn't show, would you rather just have it removed?"

I've got a gap too where I had an abcess which that dentist allowed to fester for over a year, but it doesn't show so I'm not too fussed.

maytaurus

25-02-2008, 1:21 PM

Thanks for that Toothsmith & (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/member.html?u=32390)Savvy_Sue (http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/member.html?u=6784)
If I had the £ I wouldn't hesitate to pay for the treatment
The tooth is 3rd from the back, has been root filled before and is attached to a bridge ,so when I asked about having the tooth out, it was explained that it would cost just as much
I have always looked after my teeth :D,
this is the only problem I have,
but this amount of £ is just more than I can pay :sad:

Toothsmith

25-02-2008, 1:29 PM

Hmmmm.

If it's already root filled, and the support of a bridge, then I would say referring you to a specialist was perfectly justified. It's an important tooth, and you will loose more than just that one tooth if it goes.

The 'false' bits of the bridge will have to be taken off the bridge as well, as they won't have enough support.

sandy2

25-02-2008, 4:27 PM

Could the dentist give you somesort of payment plan

maytaurus

26-02-2008, 3:27 AM

If they can ... they haven't mentioned it to me
I suppose it might be worth asking
they can only say no :rotfl:

scotlass99

27-02-2008, 12:33 AM

OMG!! Got my appointment at the dentist tomorrow!!:eek: I am already really nervous about it and have played out a hundred scenarios in my head!! Please send me happy dentist appointment vibes for tomorrow! I'm not so much frightened of the treatment (although that is scary) but more worried about if it will be a good dentist/if he will be understanding of my fear/if he will give me a lecture etc etc etc...oh my goodness i've got butterflies just thinking about it:eek::eek:..okay deep breaths....

Feel so stupid about getting worked up about this but I have such a fear....

I shall keep you posted on how it went...

maytaurus

27-02-2008, 5:37 AM

THINKING OF YOU ... I'M SURE ALL WILL BE OK :D
Just make sure they know how you feel and I'm sure they will give you lots of extra TLC
http://craigpages3.100megsfree5.com/JPG/HUG_CUP.JPG

belfastgirl23

27-02-2008, 9:48 AM

Just think of the high you'll have when it's over :)

Lots of luck, and well done on making the appointment and facing your fears.

Do let us know how you go

LilySue

27-02-2008, 10:13 AM

Sending you good dentist vibes!I was scared of going to the dentist for the first time ever at my last check-up ( which was last week, hence why I have read this thread) For me, it was because my sister who like me has pretty perfect teeth got a horrible shock at her last dentists visit, seven fillings needed...now I had missed my last six month check up so was sure, just sure that I too was going to have problems.And....everything was just fine. Funny enough, I know I have a nice dentist, I researched him carefully when we joined as our youngest son has autism and we knew we would need a good dentist. He did pick up on how nervous I was as I am normally pretty calm, and took things more slowly explaining more what he was doing while he checked my teeth. The thing that helped me most was as I was lying there, I could here the poor mans tummy rumbling ( it was getting near lunch time) and I thought to myself, poor chap, he's human too ! For some reason or another that helped me.

scotlass99

27-02-2008, 4:37 PM

Well I have survived my first appointment. Dentist seemed nice, think we was itallian! I half-expected him to burst into "Whats the matter you? Hey! Gotta no respect? What-a you t'ink you do? Why you look-a so sad? It's-a not so bad it's-a nice-a place Ah shaddap-a you face!"..but he didn't...

So I told him I was nervous etc and he was very good about it. I need a root filing (is that what it's called) and another filing (I think that is just to start with!!!). He also said to the nurse DO or OD, any of you dentisty people know what that means??

So, dreading my next appointment on 6th March now.....gotta be brave though...

Toothsmith

27-02-2008, 8:32 PM

DO = Distal occlusal.

A cavity on the biting surface of the tooth that goes over the back edge.

Can't tell much about it just from that, you can have tiny DO cavities or huge DO cavities.

Sounds like a positive experience though.

scotlass99

05-03-2008, 8:00 PM

Dentist tomorrow for filing and root filing...very very nervous..

One of the teeth that is going to be treated has been giving me a bit of pain the past couple of days..I think it knows something is going to happen to it..lol

Will let you all know how it goes....wish me luck!!

whatatwit

05-03-2008, 8:03 PM

Good luck, I'm sure you'll be fine.
The worst bit is the waiting.

belfastgirl23

05-03-2008, 10:03 PM

Good luck!! Come back and tell us how brave you've been!!

scotlass99

06-03-2008, 4:37 PM

Just got back from the dentist. I was so scared! The dentist sat me in the chair and I asked him to explain what he was going to do. So he numbed the tooth, which was fine. Then he drilled out the tooth, which was fine (but I could smell burning..is that normal?)

Then he used the instrument thats metal and has a tapered end like a toothpick and touched the nerve. It was SOO painful I just about jumped off the seat. I started to panic a bit because I wasn't expecting it to be that painful. So he gets his needle out again and puts more anesthetic on it, but it's still PAINFUL, like when you bite on foil with a filling! So he says he's going to put 'medicine' on it and then put a filing on top.

At this point i'm thinking, are we finished or what? So I ask him and he says that he has put something on the tooth which will kill the nerve, so next time it won't be painful. Oh lordy how long does root canal take?

I came out of the dentist and cried as soon as I got in the car..I wasn't really expecting it to be so bad..and I felt that I hadn't made any progress, except now I have a bigger hole in the tooth (although he put a dressing on it)

Toothsmith, if you happen to read this, should a root canal be painful? Should the dentist perform a root canal on a healthy nerve? (I take it the nerve was healthy else I wouldn't have felt any pain..) Should this medicine he put on it kill the nerve or am I going to go back and endure the same pain next time?

Oh god, oh god i'm starting to wonder if he is the right dentist for me now..he speaks broken english so it's hard to communicate. Plus, while he has both hands plus whatever implement he is holding in my mouth he is saying "There is pain?". How the hell can I answer??! I need to learn sign language or something..

I'm away to feel sorry for myself now...

LouBlue

06-03-2008, 4:42 PM

"There is pain?". How the hell can I answer??! I need to learn sign language or something..

Are you very flexible? A kick in the b&lls should work. :confused::rotfl:

scotlass99

06-03-2008, 5:00 PM

Are you very flexible? A kick in the b&lls should work. :confused::rotfl:

LOL!:rotfl: That should work! Thanks for making me smile...well, the right side of my mouth anyway!!

belfastgirl23

06-03-2008, 5:13 PM

Aw poor you. Though hopefully this should sort out the pain issue once and for all. Sorry no advice on the specifics but if it helps my dentist tells me to raise my right hand if I'm in pain although she can usually tell by the stiffening and eye rolling :) And I can usually manage an 'uh huh' elvis style no matter how much wadding is in my mouth...

I know I do have one tooth that I always experience some pain with no matter how much she dopes me up. It's not nice at all at the time but it does sort things out longer term...try to hold on to this.

On the burning smell a friend of mine came out of the dentists convinced he had bad breath till she realised what she had smelt was coming from her own tooth and not him at all .... ugh!!

Toothsmith

06-03-2008, 8:47 PM

Toothsmith, if you happen to read this, should a root canal be painful? Should the dentist perform a root canal on a healthy nerve? (I take it the nerve was healthy else I wouldn't have felt any pain..) Should this medicine he put on it kill the nerve or am I going to go back and endure the same pain next time?

Oh god, oh god i'm starting to wonder if he is the right dentist for me now..he speaks broken english so it's hard to communicate. Plus, while he has both hands plus whatever implement he is holding in my mouth he is saying "There is pain?". How the hell can I answer??! I need to learn sign language or something..

I'm away to feel sorry for myself now...

If everything felt numb, but right in the centre it was still painful, then that is a very long way from a healthy nerve. It's a 'hot' nerve that despite being very poorly hasn't had the decency to die yet. They are a right pain in the bum for dentists and patients alike. And the number of times they strike on the more nervous patients really is Sod's Law!!!

They are nerves that are so sensitive that despite it seeming like the anaesthetic has worked, you fine out once your there that it hasn't! Not nice at all, but fortunately quite rare.

The stuff put on it should kill it completely.

One of the things about all local anaesthetics is that they never take out 100% of the nerve fibres. 80% at best. It's just that when a nerve gets to a 'junction box' if only 20% of the nerves are firing, then the chemicals released arent enough to keep the transmission going across the joint, and the signal stops before it gets to the brian.

How much chemical is necessary to fire the reaction across the joint is down to 'pain threshold' and is a very varialble thing.

In someone very nervous of something, it is right down, and if you 'start to panic' it reduces even more.

I know it's hard, but if you try and stay relaxed and calm, the whole process will be a lot better.

Having said that, come next week and that stuff having worked, it should be a different experience altogether.