Expert answers
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I fear that none of my teeth can be saved and I’m petrified of the dentist, what can I do?
Hi, I expect I’m a dentists worst nightmare but really don’t know how or where to start and was hoping you could maybe point me in the right direction. I’m a mid 40s male with pretty much no salvagable teeth and am fairly certain surgery will be needed to extract a lot of what is left. It’s probably been around 30 years now since I’ve been to a dentist and the term ‘abject terror’ would be a fair description of my feelings on the subject. Combine this with the fact that I’m being treated for acute anxiety and depression and I hope you’ll understand why I don’t even know where to start looking. I’m writing this now after (during) my latest infection that’s had me screaming into a pillow for the better part of 2 days. I know that I need to get this fixed but was really hoping you could maybe give me some pointers as to how and where to start. I live in the Newcastle upon Tyne area and (I’m sure you will have guessed) am not registered with a dentist currently.
Thanks in advance for any guidance you can give.
The good thing is that you have a fairly clear idea of how things are in your teeth .
The Dental Hospital in Newcastle might be a good start for the emergency .
They have a sedation course and have such a service for teeth extractions .
If you need replacement teeth or have to get treatment in general practice then you will have to decide first whether you will have / can afford Private treatment or look for an NHS dentist .
I suggest you look up www.dentalfearcentral.org for dentists in the area that others in your situation have found helpful .
That’s the starting point .
You are not the only one
Jenny
