I know I need to go so bad! I haven’t gone since I was a small child , I’m 27 now.
I remember having to be strapped down when I was a kid and I think it was so tough on my mom, she just never took me again. I tried going again when I was 18-19 but the staff made so many comments that just made me feel worse and cry!
Maybe it was tough love cause I NEED the dentist but oh gosh I just felt so sad and disgusted with my self
My teeth have been the part I hate about myself the most but I just can’t build up the courage to go.
Doesn’t help that 2019-2020 was also the darkest time of my life , after my mom passed I truly stopped taking care of my self. I know I need to go but I just don’t know how to go about it .
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Call up a few dentist offices in your area (if you have dental insurance, call your insurance agency or go to their website to find one that is covered). When you call the dentist office, talk to them about your anxiety and past history and let them know what’s going on with your mouth. If they give you any flack at all, hang up and call the next office. Find an office that operates with compassion! Ask them if they can give you a prescription for medication to take before the appointment to help with anxiety (some offices will do this. It’s just a one pill rx, but it helps). And ask for laughing gas, even if it’s just for a cleaning and x-rays.
You got this!!
Can you get any recommendations for a dentist from family/friends? You could even see if your city has a reddit page and ask for recommendations.
Also agree with the above comment. Tell them about your anxiety (it’s so common with the dentist) if they brush it off/rude you know that office isn’t for you.
I totally sympathize, dentist shaming is the worst, I wish they knew how much it makes some people stay away.
I would start searching, but be clear that you don’t want to be shamed or nagged, you just want to get what needs to be done, done. Mentioning it as anxiety may help them understand what you need.
Advocate for yourself the way your parent should, I’m not comfortable with this, I don’t want to do that, I don’t like the way you are speaking to me.
Remember, they are not in a position of authority over you, you are a customer.
When I had to change dentist offices I called and the first question I asked was are all the staff kind and gentle with the patients. I chose the one who provided details on how they handle sensitive patients. Excellent office! Never rushed me, always explained what they were doing. If I raised my left hand they knew to stop so I could take a moment to relax. You can do this and you will be happy to feel better!
My husband is 40, and he was strapped down as a child too. When you call to make an appointment, explain your dental history and ask if you can take some sort of tour (Quick Look around) and meet some of the staff. That way you can get a feel of the environment before sitting in the chair.
If you have sensitive teeth, ask them to use Ora gel on your gums before they start cleaning.
I had someone tell me they get knocked out for their appointments maybe you could find a place that does that?
Our dentist asks if you have any dental anxiety during your intake. My Dr. Also recommended a good dentist for people with anxiety.
Could you ask in a local group? Or ask your doctor?
Read reviews, I am now 66 and I hated, was afraid, of going to the dentist based on an experience when I was much younger.
I read every review before selecting my current dentist and she is fantastic.
I will also say that techniques and equipment have improved so much and that makes a difference.