I'm truly pathetic and just need to off load

Northern78

So this is more for me to get things off my chest and maybe something in my head or heart will 'click'.

I'm the most pathetic person ever. I'm nearly 40 years old and petrified of the dentist. My teeth are now in such a state that i've actually thought i'd be better of gone. It's only because of my amazing, beautiful kids that I'm still here.

Up until my mid 20's I had lovely teeth, couple of fillings from when I was little but after a brace through my teens they were straight and shiny white.

I went camping one weekend with some friends and, very stupidly, held a couple of tent pegs in my mouth whilst we were hammering the others in. Some lads who were camping near us kicked a football and a gust of wind blew it in my direction and it hit the pegs, at some pace, it cracked 5 of my teeth. I went to the dentist on our return home and he said straight away "they'll have to come out and you'll have to have false" I'm my early 20's that was hard to hear. He then dug round in my gums to the point of them bleeding all over and the dental assistant under her breath calling me a dirty tramp.

Now the things is I earn enough to have perfect teeth, money isn't the issue but I cannot go to a dentist nor can I live like this anymore. I can't even walk passed a dentist without having a panic attack. My teeth are getting worse and I really don't know what to do. !I just feel like the most pathetic thing ever considering people deal with far worse ever day!

Feel free to mock, like I said I know I'm pathetic, I just need to sort myself out.

Artytarty

Well I for one odnt thinkmyoure pathetic!
I'm quite sure a good dentist can help you overcome this.
Using tiny steps.maybe start by asking your gp for help.
It's sad, and I'm truly shocked that a dental nurse was so offensive to you!
That should be a sackable offence.
Whereabouts are you? Belfast? I know a couple of good dentists I can recommend, I think things have probably come a long way since you last visited the dentist.
Take heart.

Northern78

Thank you artytarty. Your words are comforting. My phobia is far more deep rooted to the point most nights, as I am tonight, I end up in tears.

I'm in Sheffield and yes the dental assistant/nurse (not sure if there's a difference) was awful. I just can't live like this any more yet don't know how I can over this stupid fear. I have to cross the road when I get near any dentist. What an absolute idiot eh!?!

Ames

I don't know if there's one where you are, but I go to a community dental practice which is for people who have trouble going to a normal one. I had to be referred by my GP, but they're great. I'm not afraid of the dentist but I think most of their patients are so they assume I am, they're really friendly and non judgemental.

Rosemary7391

I can totally see why you're off dentists after that - she was well out of order. Thankfully that's quite rare. I don't know Sheffield, but perhaps someone local to you can recommend a good dentist you could try talking to at least? I know one I used to go to had a few leaflets around explaining what they could do for those who were scared of dentists etc, so they won't treat you like you're silly - they'll have seen things before! Find one with a good website so you can have a good "virtual" look around before you speak to someone?

In fact, I've just looked up the website of my old dentist and found this link:
http://www.cherwelldental.co.uk/nervous-patients/
(For the avoidance of doubt - they're only my old dentist because I moved 400 miles away!)

gettingtheresometime

I don't like the thought of dentists either so you're not alone!

If you don't want to go back to that practice (and I can perfectly understand why) try another one.

I told my dentist that I had this issue with dentists and my file was marked nervous patient - I was happy with this as I didn't have to remind them each time I visited.

Northern78

Thank you for the replies, I know I have to sort this. Knowing that you aren't judging me makes me think I just happened to attend a very poor dental surgrey. I just don't want people thinking I don't look after myself or my children.

Northern78

Funnily enough the surgery is still there physically but apparently not long after my 'episode' with them, he left.

It's crazy, it's not just a mental thing, I actually sweat, shake and and feel sick if I see a sign for a dentist! What an idiot! I need someone to drag me by the scruff of the neck and put me in the chair. I'm such a nob! (excuse the language)

helcat26

The dentist in Sainsburys Archer Road Sheffield is very good, very kind and nice- they are private but do a very good value annual scheme including hygienist, check ups and x rays.Also the one on Broadfield Road is very professional and probably has facilities to refer you for anaesthesia to get the main work done and accepts NHS patients.


The only thing that can fix your fear of dentists is going to a nice one- you will be safe with either of these.


This will probably get deleted - hope you see it before it does.

Northern78

Thank you helcat26. I might drop them an email an explain my fears and see what they say. Much appreciated.

helcat26

Ring them up.
Ask if you can speak to the dentist Chetan Mistry at centre for dentistry Sainsburys. Once you speak to him you will feel safer.


Recommend Craig Smith at the Broadfield road one