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I am so nervous that even talking about the dentist makes me want to cry, can you help?

hello i am very nervous even talking about the dentist makes me want to cry i fear i have periodintis as my gum has receeded really far back can i be put under anaesthetic even for a teeth clean as i know i wont be able to go through with it otherwise.

Hello
you’ve made a good start in writing this fear down .
You have made an assumption about your diagnosis .
All the treatment for most gum problems starts with the need for good teeth cleaning . Its a shared thing between what the dental professional does and what you do at home .
Have you ever had your teeth professionally cleaned ? If not then again you are just projecting your worst fears onto it .You say that you know you won’t be able to go through with it . It would help to try to identify exactly what ‘It’ is .
There are things that can be done to help you , ranging from numbing gels , numbing injections , and sedative techniques to help with your anxiety .
For many dental avoiders , teeth cleaning at home is simply brushing ineffectively because of the debris that has built up .
At least get a start , get a diagnosis , and ask for some home care advice . Then see if you could make another step forward .
Jenny

Answer provided by: Dr Jennifer Pinder Retired
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