Petrified of dentists but have no choice

Katherineanton

I've been reading your post with much interest as I am a Dental Practice Manager and Dental Nurse.

Most dentists nowadays are trained to be compassionate and understanding towards nervous patients; obviously, there are still some "old school" ones out there, but on the whole, a visit to the dentist should not be a painful one.

To anyone else out there with a dental phobia - I'd suggest ringing around your local practices and ask to go in a meet with the dentist before having a check up/treatment. Explain to the dentist and/or nurse where your concerns are - have a quick look round the surgery and if necessary, at the instruments that the dentist uses - they will listen and talk through your fears with you; after all, it's beneficial to both the patient and dentist that any treatment goes smoothly.

I am fortunate to have a superb team of calm and caring dentists who will go out of their way to ensure a happy patient.

Good luck

bubbs

cookie, can i ask where you go to the dentist? as im also in northamptonshire

DON79

bubbs wrote: »

cookie, can i ask where you go to the dentist? as im also in northamptonshire

:hello: I am too! would like to know where you go cookie? thanks

bubbs

where abouts are you don? Im at great billing

Cookiee

Hi Bubbs and DON79 :-) I go to the denist ADP in Higham Ferress (near wellingborough) x

penguin83

Thought I would give a quick update here as it was Cookiee who first inspired me to make that dreaded appointment! I have had 3 visits in the past couple of weeks. I have been referred to the local hospital to have an operation done on my jaw as I was born with it slightly deformed (you wouldnt notice to look at but it causes all sorts of problems with my teeth and arthirits type swelling/pain) I was supposed to have the op done years ago when I was in my late teens but chickened out so it is long past due.

Anyways, I am getting a temporary bridge in place on Wednesday coming which I cant wait for - hopefully I will finally be able to smile without hiding behind something! About 6-9 months after the op I can go back and discuss the more permanent solution depending on the suitability of my jaw bone which also gives me time to save up the 7000 ish I will need!

Anyways my main concern was the embarrasment factor but honestly the dentist and the dental nurse couldnt have been nicer and put me at ease straight away.

To anyone else in a similar situation all I can say is go for it. If, like me, you have spent years not able to eat certain foods, making sure your smile doesnt show your teeth and taking painkillers far too often then you will never look back! xxx

thistledome

This thread has brought me out in a cold sweat. I'm also terrified of the dentist and haven't been for over 20 years.

I'm pleased for those like cookiee who've found the courage to go, but just reading about it is scary enough for me.:eek:

Please keep the thread updated though, it's good therapy (and cheap)