We’d like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum.
This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are – or become – political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
Starting to worry about my teeth...
Comments
-
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.How to find a dentist.
1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.0 -
Toothsmith wrote: »
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 financially0 -
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.0 -
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 plan0 -
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
0 -
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 issuesDentists, 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!No Unapproved or Personal links in signatures please - FT30 -
regstevens wrote: »Im a dentist and I see cases like you daily... nothing to fear,
review web info on teeth issues
i don't think tooth whitening is a priority to someone who is just trying to get through a dental surgery's door!0 -
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!!
How to find a dentist.
1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.0 -
Shame your new improved signature is more than 5 lines then! :rotfl:Toothsmith wrote: »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!!Signature removed for peace of mind0 -
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!!! How to find a dentist.
1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply
Categories
- All Categories
- 354.8K Banking & Borrowing
- 254.6K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 455.6K Spending & Discounts
- 247.7K Work, Benefits & Business
- 604.6K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 178.7K Life & Family
- 262.3K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.7K Read-Only Boards