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 my first dental appointment in 20+ years. What can they tell me about gum disease?
I am going to the dentist for the first time in over 20 years. I am absolutely petrified beyond belief. I have had no back teeth since my teens, and the 11 teeth that I do have are all crowned. One of the crowns broke recently.
My gums are quite swollen and often bleed for no reason, having read through many internet websites, I would imagine I have gum disease.
On my first visit, will the dentist be able to tell the scale of the gum disease and what would need to be done? When I had my back teeth removed all those years ago, they wanted to remove all of my teeth then, and so I feel this will be the course of action now.
Your advice would be appreciated.
Hello
good to hear you have plucked up courage to go.
Your assessment may well be correct. You posssibly have gum problems resulting from not having been able to have any professional cleaning for years .
The dentist will be able to assess the probable extent of the gum disaese , and advise you about the prognosis for the teeth .
For some people getting rid of the teeth is a welcome relief , but for others it does take some coming to terms with having to have dentures .
Jenny
