Expert answers
We know how daunting dental treatment can be. Our Dental Phobia certified experts are here to help ease your mind before treatment by answering your questions.
I have a pain in my tooth, if I go to the dentist will they force me to remove it?
Hi Dr I would like to ask you a question if I may. I am contacting you from near Preston and as a dental phobia patient. I ave never liked going to the dentist even as a child, I cannot remember any bad incident for example, Ive just always felt the same way about them although this fear has definitely progressed over the years into more a phobia than an annoyance as was the case. the thing is I have been having a pain in my gum around the base of a tooth (second from the back on the bottom right). it is in the gum and not the tooth, the gum around this site looks a little red, will the dentist just want to extract the tooth if I go in, I feel like I’ll be committed if I go, could you help/advise please?
Thank you for contacting me.
The truth is you are not committed in any way if you go to the dentist, as they can legally only advise you of their opinion and the choices available to you. It is then up to you to decide what you want to do. A lot of people imagine they have to make a decision there and then , but that is also not tha case – you can go away and think about it and decide when you are ready.
I would suggest you just see your dentist and ask them whats the problem is, and what solutions are available. You might then also discuss your anxiety and see if they have any suggestions as to how they can help you with this – but fist you need to find out what is going on.
Please remember you under no more obligation to take the dentists advice than if you were in a shop choosing a jumper – it is YOUR choice and your decision.
Good luck.
Simon
