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.
The side of my face is swollen
Hi i feel bit silly but here goes its 2am in the morning and cant take much more my face is swollen 1 side and I’m in alot of pain my teeth are rotten, I can’t smile, I dont talk in public places im hardly eating now 3 days ago i had a tooth snap of to the gum line while the rest of my teeth are black near the gum line and are hanging on by a thread. I’m 43 and so scared of the dentist it started when the dentist took out a wisdom tooth with no antiseptic many years ago to the point it took 3 staff to hold me down since then ive had 2 other bad run ins with dentists to the point where I lost my temper since then i break out in pure panic at the thought , sweat uncontrolably even to the point of being sick if i get to the front door of a surgery i just want the pain to stop my wife doesnt even kiss me anymore because my mouth is such a mess and my breath stinks its so embarrasing now is there anyway i can have all my top teeth took out while im asleep im not with a dentist even now i know it sounds stupid and being a 43yr old man i need to get a grip and you’d think even for my wifes sake and my childrens embarrasment id get them sorted but the total fear i have over rules these factors please help me i want to look normal again and not a embarrasment to my family thankyou
Hello
If your face is swollen then you need to get some antibiotics as soon as possible . Your dr , or emergency dr should be able to do that .Explain your severe phobia .
I have a patient in a similar position to you who I saw recently .
Its possible to ask to be referred to a hospital oral surgery department , or a dental hospital to be put to sleep fully to have all your teeth out . Then you could get some dentures which restore your function and appearance , and are clean and trouble free .
The dentist can see you without doing anything other than looking at your teeth .
You have to overcome your feeling of embarrassment and shame .Take small steps , perhaps get someone else to make an appointment and go with you , and go in to the dentist surgery with you , even to speak for you and tell the dentist what you want .
If you really want to change things , then try to take the first step very soon
Jenny
