Sammiboo Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 I wont bore you too much (i hope) 14 years ago when i was at high school I had a bad experience at my family dentist. What i thought was a routine filling has caused me 14 years of pain on and off.... The dentist didnt numb my mouth properly and he hit a vein or drilled to far and i had the most immense pain and i was choking on my own blood (my white school shirt was badly stained ) I was mortified by this experience. I didnt go back there again. When i was about 24 I went to a private dentist and spent 2.5k getting my mouth sorted (this involved sedation on every visit). It was all sorted and i moved away from my parents. I joined the NHS dentist in Oswestry and had a few routine inspections. They were adament to take this problem tooth out but i didnt want them to touch it. I did have an appointment for an extraction but when I couldnt go through with it and tried to call the dentist to cancel it. They talked in me into showing up. When i got there i had a complete panick attack (it was very embarrassing ) I said to them as long as its not causing my pain it can stay in. Half a tooth is better than no tooth... When i moved again (only 15 miles away) the dentist never sent me any check up appointments and i didnt ask for them as i knew this would be an issue from my last visit. I just played dumb - if they dont want to see me i dont want to see them... Anyway, in the last few days this dodgy tooth has developed an abcess ive not really eaten for days and felt poorly with earache and sore throat. Today when i was in work the tooth that is directly above my "dodgey" tooth decided to lose a bit of it and panick set in.... i knew i would have to get this sorted. After much egging myself on i plucked up the courage (pathetic i know) to call the dentist and booked an emergency appointment. I got there this afternoon, sat on the chair and was met with a lecture and telling off about me not going there for three years (i could have really done without that) i felt like a child being told off by a teacher and i made it clear i wasnt interested. He looked at the tooth I told him had the abcess and told him the tooth above was the tooth that a bit had dropped out. After more lecturing, he perscribed some antibiotics and he refused point blank to look at the tooth that I said had the hole in it. I said that needs sorting too. He still refused. I said if i am having to have the tooth out I HAVE to be sedated. I said this is the reason you havent seen me for 3 years. He bascially said i am not allowed sedation and said its not for silly people with silly phobias. I am really angry and upset about it all. I want treatment but I cant be completely with it when it happens i will freak out and end up doing something silly. Infact i dont think i could even go through with it at all. I am looking for private dentist but not sure what to do - whether to go back to the NHS dentist or just go private. The NHS dentist has really made me feel an idiot and i am freaking out at the prospect of whats going to happen. sorry to ramble - just needed to get it off my chest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavenders_Blue Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 Gosh your dentist sounds rubbish, I think we'd all feel anxious visiting a dentist with that bedside manner (or lack of). My friend is a dentist, working in her family dental practice. Several years ago their practice went private, under the Denplan scheme. They didn't really want to leave NHS practice, but in order to be able to deliver a high standard of care, they felt they had no choice. The NHS system squeezes treatments into impossibly short appointment times and pays dentists for carrying out fillings, extractions etc, so some unscrupulous dentists will carry out these procedures unncecessarily to get their payments. As with all professions, there are good and bad dentists out there, both NHS and private. But from what I have learnt about the NHS system, I would rather pay the extra money and have the private treatment. Are you able to ask around for recommendations? Perhaps find out who people in your area visit and whether they would recommend them? Word of mouth (pardon the pun) may well be the best way to find a dentist who can offer you good quality treatment in a caring and professional manner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 Really sorry to hear of your experience. Find another dentist! You're not being silly - phobias are real, and yours is based on an awful experience as a teenager. Ask around -you may have to go privately for sedation, but whether NHS or not no dentist should treat you like that and you deserve to be listened to. NHS dentists are generally as dedicated and skilful as private -after all, they all have the same training, bur as said above they don't always have enough time or resources. This is just an unfriendly dentist though - ask around for a better one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Couperwife Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 find another dentist I know someone who needs to book a double appointment (the dentist suggested this to help them) so they can work through the appointment and have "time out". a dentist should care for their patients, that one isnt doing. its not your fault you have a phobia, its through a bad experience, the dentist should appreciate that, surely customer care is part of the job. (((((hugs))))) cathy x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sammiboo Posted June 2, 2011 Author Share Posted June 2, 2011 thank you for your kind words. I feel silly as i dont let things bother me. When i had my car accident i had a doctor poking around under the skin in my arm in a large wound fishing out glass so its not pain as such i just dont know what it is Ive sent an email to a private dental surgery who have a very informative website i liked this statement "Some people feel a deep seated anxiety about visits to the dentist. We understand. Please feel free to discuss your fears with us and we will do everything we can to help. We do have a hypnotherapist available for sessions to help in this area. Sedation is also available should you feel that you would require this to receive dental treatment. Oral sedation or intravenous sedation techniques are used and should this be of interest, all options will be discussed at your consultation." With some dental plans i have read you have to be given a clean bill of health before they take you on. I have three teeth that need work of some kind - not sure how true it is thank you for being so encouraging x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teacake Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 oh dear, no wonder you are anxious. hang in there. we went private when we moved as there were no NHS places, and we found that if we registered they would take the children as NHS patients but not otherwise. the first appointment we had they did an assessment, and according to the condition of your teeth the amount you paid per month was calculated. hope you get sorted soon, and at least you have some antibiotics to treat the abscess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 I understand where you are coming from. I have had nothing traumatic happen to me at the dentist except for having a panic attack because he put a piece of rubber sheeiting accross most of my mouth while he drilled out a tooth. I felt so trapped, you can't speak and I am very funny about things being over my face. I had a temporary filling put in and I waited for over a year before going back to have the permenant one done. I tried to be brave and I think that made it worse. I very nearly got up and ran away screaming, my heart was pounding. I managed to control myself, but have had problems with being stuck places since. I even started panicing in the chair at the hairdressers yesterday. I had panic attacks when I was young and I largely got over them, but this has brought them right back. I am a very level headed person as a rule and don't make a fuss but inside sometimes I am a mess. Make sure that you find someone sympathetic and explain fully how you feel, I will certainly do this in future and will also try for sedation. I hope that you get it sorted, keep us informed as to how you get on. Don't feel silly, you are not alone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patsylabrador Posted June 3, 2011 Share Posted June 3, 2011 You're definitely not being silly. The dentist brings out the weakest part of me. I heard the dental nurse say last week " Judy's (me) here & she looks nervous", I was actually feeling fine at that point but of course that made me feel nervous. It's uncomfortable, undignified, sometimes painful & very expensive. There's not much to like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snowberry Posted June 3, 2011 Share Posted June 3, 2011 Why not write down your previous experiences with dentists (or just copy & paste the above & print it off) so that you don't have to verbally go through the trauma of getting your new dentist up to speed with your history. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted June 3, 2011 Share Posted June 3, 2011 You're not being silly. I think we would all have problems with the dentist if we'd been through what you have. I always panic a bit when I'm in the dentist. I think its from when I was a child and having an impression made of my teeth for a brace. In those days it used to take ages to set and I felt like I was going to choke or not be able to breathe. I now try and almost meditate when I'm in the chair. I always mention that I'm nervous. I'll hold my hands up to not going too often too. I've just been as a tooth was sensitive, the lovely dentist couldn't find what was wrong so took out my old filling and put temporary filling in. Now half my tooth has broken off Part of me doesn't want to go back but I know it will only get worse. Near where we live is a dental practice that uses sedation, you have to be referred by your dentist. I had YS's teeth taken out there as I didn't want him to be traumatised for the future. The new dentist website sounds good. I hope you get on okay with them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted June 3, 2011 Share Posted June 3, 2011 Nice isnt he - I ageee get another dentist and quick and take someone with you if you can. As a practice nurse I have needle phobics all the time - and make a point of being sympathetic - I am so busy yakking to them I get the injection done and say breezly " ok you're done" to which they usually reply " what its done" - they cant believe I've done it. So much for the power of chat. Smear patients are another prob - many have had heavy handed or unsympathetic practioners and there is a risk they might end up never being screened. Again I usually chat away about nothing and get the job done. I dont want any Jade Goodys on my conscieince. Get another dentist - one on recommendation is good and take a friend or relative with you. Good luck - you are not silly - very comon phobia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted June 3, 2011 Share Posted June 3, 2011 That's not a silly phobia at all - perfectly normal! I'm terrified of frogs - now that is a silly phobia! Definitely see another dentist, or as many as it takes until you are happy with one. You need to feel reassured & at ease, after all you are trusting them with a bit of your body. You're not going to let any old Tom, Dick or Harry meddle with your mouth! I hope you find someone nice to do your dental treatment. Good luck. Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bramble Posted June 3, 2011 Share Posted June 3, 2011 Hello Sammiboo, I really feel for you!! I used to be very scared of the dentist (verging on a phobia - I certainly didn't go for seven years after I moved to a new area). However, there is hope, believe me!!! I found a fantastic dentist, admittedly she is expensive, but I can honestly say I can go now without even giving it a second thought (in fact, I'm so laid back about it now, I worry I might forget about an appointment!) My dentist is in Warwickshire, so a long way from you, but I'm sure there are other good dentists out there who will be able to help you. Please don't let other dentists put you off! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chucknette Posted June 3, 2011 Share Posted June 3, 2011 Hi I think your dentist is treating you badly. I had a terrible fear of the dentist from treatment when I was younger. (being shouted at for crying and having a mouth clamp put in every time I went) I left my NHS dentist because I felt he was making my anxiety worse. My first private dentist was a lady. She didnt help my fears and she left to have a baby. She sold the practice to another newly qualified dentist and he made my fears worse. He never spoke to me and his prices were enormous. I left quick sharp and looked for another dentist. I have found the most fantastic dentist. He is very calming and gentle. I have had quite a lot of work done now and every morning and evening when I have brushed my teeth I do a big smile just to look at them Even the receptionist chats away to you so that you dont feel like running out the door while you are waiting for your appointment. I even enjoy the hygeinist appointments as she talks no stop and I need that. When you go to a dentist while you are looking, if you dont like them or they make you feel uncomfortable, leave and look for another. This is how I did it and the search was worth it. Good luck and I hope you find your dentist soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HennyPenny Posted June 3, 2011 Share Posted June 3, 2011 That is appalling behaviour from your (hopefully ex-) dentist! You deserve to feel angry. I have a full-blown dental phobia, stemming from a particularly horrendous incident when I was a teenager (nearly 40 years ago) and have spent years trying to find a dentist I could cope with. Finally, I have a marvellous dentist who fully understands me and my needs. I take Diazepam before I go and that really helps - I have even managed to have injections in my mouth which is something I thought I'd never be able to do. Unfortunately, because of my fears, my teeth are in a terrible state but there is still hope! I really hope you find a terrific dentist who will take proper care of you - they do exist! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sammiboo Posted June 10, 2011 Author Share Posted June 10, 2011 Thank you for all your replies. I went to the private dentist for a quick check up. I am having a full consultation on tuesday. They did advise that one of my teeth may need to be extracted but due to the position of the tooth its not a straight forward extraction and could be quite traumatic as they need to split it first I asked about the different types of sedation and because I had intravenous before then i should have it again. All in all i feel better no idea how much all this is going to cost me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted June 10, 2011 Share Posted June 10, 2011 So glad you went - thanks for updating us. I hope you feel you can have confidence in this dentist, and that you'll get all the support you need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sammiboo Posted July 15, 2011 Author Share Posted July 15, 2011 lastest update.... i have been for two lots of fillings so far.... 1st appointment i was shaking like a loon, they didnt give me enough anesthetic so was a bit sore and had to make them stop and give me more. I went again on wednesday and I had that much anesthetic it took 6 hrs to wear off but didnt have a problem. I have another appointment then its extraction time and sedation. cant wait until its all over with. i really feel like i made the right choice going private. before i left i had a 15 minute discussion about sedation, where as NHS just thought i was a fool and dismissed it totally.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UKMARCH Posted July 15, 2011 Share Posted July 15, 2011 Hi, I'm glad you're getting it sorted, I also have had similar problems but am at a private dentist now and make myself go regularly so less work needs to be done. The injections never seem to take and I end up having several and going down to wait for 20 mins for it to kick in. They are very sympathetic there to nervous patients and have a pair of glasses which people wear and watch a film for distraction and then the patient cannot see what is going on and the instruments coming. I had a problem before Christmas when my dentist was giving me a root canal things didn't go to plan and I had to see a specialist to continue the treatment I went to him and watched "Meet the Fockers" I was so oblivious I found myself trying not to laugh during the procedure Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted July 15, 2011 Share Posted July 15, 2011 Glad to hear that things are going in the right direction. Strangely enough i went to the dentist today for a check up and he has told me that I need another small filling. I think I might ask about sedation, or at least make him aware that I might panic. I was pretty chillded today though and he told me that my gums are in great shape shich is good because I come from a family with strong teeth but poor gums. Electric toothbrush has improved things fantastically for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ygerna Posted July 16, 2011 Share Posted July 16, 2011 I am so glad you went, and seem to have found an understanding dentist. I have 'issues' with dentists but, its not actually the dentist that's the problem. I have a phobia about anything to do with mouths. I can't even brush my teeth sometimes and if I see someone else doing theirs then it makes me physically ill. Even typing this there are some 'words' I cannot write, I am trying not to think about them, as that sets me off too. I was lucky that I found a dentist who is very intrigued by my 'condition' and very supportive, she prescibes me a medication when I have a check up. I do not know, or understand why I am like this, its just how it is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
