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 haven’t been to the dentist in eight years
Good afternoon.
I am a 45 yr old guy who is terrified of visiting a dentist. I haven’t done so for around 8 years.
I know my teeth are in very bad shape, with a lot of gaps, cavities, chips and decay. I also suffer with occasional toothache, which eventually goes away. Yet, I still can’t bring myself to make an appointment.
I think the best option, for me, would be to have my teeth removed and use dentures instead, as I would be prepared to undergo a one-off procedure and the associated treatment etc.
Having done a lot of online research, I get the impression that dentists will try to ‘save’ what I have.
I appreciate that all dentists are not the same, but I really don’t want a long, drawn out course of treatment.
I haven’t looked after my teeth, I’m a fool, but dentures seems like the only viable alternative, for me.
Can you help?
Thank you
Hi
I have 4 patients like you at the moment . They are having all their teeth removed and either dentures placed straight away , or one will wait .
They are all having intravenous sedation , and I have also referred another to hospital for a General Anaesthetic .
I also have some people who have teeth which need to go , but its worth keeping the ones which are sound and will cause no trouble .
If thats what you really would like , then you need to tell a dentist that , its your right to do that .
If your teeth are in the main sound , then partial dentures may be an option to consider .
If you make an appointment , then that doesn’t commit you to doing anything else until you are ready , or find the plan that will work for you .
Could you try to make the next step this week ? Have a mental rehearsal of what it will be like to pick up that phone , you will feel very anxious but it will die down .
Hope this helps
Jenny
