[seeker1950]

Today I went...and learned I have some problems, that will need extra fixing. I had very poor dental care as a child, only going when I had a toothache and needed an extraction, and this was to what I call a "horse dentist" in the coalfields where I grew up. Despite this, I have most of my original teeth. I would love to have cosmetic veneers, but I can't afford it. I think my background has made me overly conscious of my teeth!
Anyone else have a dentist phobia!???

[lizardlady]

Oh Seeker, I hate going to the dentist and have going through dental Hades since the middle of July. You have my complete sympathy!

Used to...broken too many bones to be frightened of pain much anymore. For me growing up it was always about the pain or the possibility of it. Crack a couple of large bones and most stuff pales. For many tho it's the idea of it all. I can see it [remember it!] being unnerving mentally. Poor dentists. I read somewhere they suffer from depression moreso than many professions. Interesting. They ain't overtly loved by their patients that's for sure! Must internally suck to realize that even in doing good you provide an equal amount of trauma. Grinds after a while I guess.

Hi Seeker! I inquired about veneers some years ago. !!!! Guess I'll have to smile with my personality more than any pearlies. Holy Mack! Bueno hugeo dinero!!! I'd druther buy a new modosiggle.

[Big Mama]

Seeker, I have a huge fear of dentists. It is being at there mercy and it aint no fun place to be. I'd rather go to the gyno anyday. I usually take zanax before I go. I take double when I have work to be done. I had a wisdom tooth pulled and it's nasty neighbor to. I let the tooth come in though, mistake. What a nice crooked smile I have now. I am a huge fan of gas and drugs. The good Lord would not have put them here if he didn't intend for us to use them RIGHT

[googley]

I HATE the dentist. The sound of the brush that scrubs your teeth clean makes me wince. When I was a kid they would numb my gums before they cleaned my teeth they were that sensitive if they were going to be having to dig around my gums. I absolutely hate it. I had dental insurance for 3 years and didn't make one appointment I avoided it so much. I wish for just about anything else than having to go to the dentist. And really, it has never been that bad. But I still can't stand it.

[gma45]

I do not like being a patient at the dentist, but worked for one for years, it was my job to make you feel better about being there. I did enjoy that as people with the worse fear felt better if I was there to hold their hand. Funny thing is I sit here writing this with one of the baddest toothaches in my life. I was really good at taking care of others but not good with myself! Now I wish I had the means to go and get them all pulled, I would! May I add...There is just something about someone being in my personal space that I don't like. Dentist seem to have to cross that line!

[Victoria'smom]

I have at least seven cavities, and I need several teeth pulled. I refuse to go to the dentist. I was fine with dentists until I had a root canal. I was not numb when I got it and I became scared of dentists. I have had x-rays and really need work but am way to scared to even make an appointments.

I've had a terrible fear of dentists for years. I don't know why. They used to have to knock me out with IV sedation to do almost anything, even take impressions. But there's a wonderful new drug out now called Versed that is fabulous. You go in about half an hour early, they give you a syringe of versed orally, and by the time the dentist comes in, you're out! You're awake enough to take instructions by the dentist, but you don't remember anything at all. You need someone to drive you home, but you can walk. A short nap, and the stuff is out of your system - completely! Heaven!

Without that, I wouldn't have any teeth at all. I hate dentists!!!!!

[Leed]

I also had terrible fears of going to a dentist because I was molested by one when I was in my 20's. So i didn't go for many years. Needless to say, my teeth were in bad shape.

Recently I HAD to go, as I had a huge problem. I was referred to one by a friend, but i had my daughter go with me. He was WONDERFUL. He did NOT allow me to feel ANY PAIN. If I felt ANYTHING -- he gave me another shot, which I barely felt. He was just great! And of course he had a nurse in with him at all times.

If you're afraid, TELL the dentist, like I did. They WILL be gentle with you, and understand. Many people are terrified of dentists and they know it. So just be honest with them. They'll go easy on you. Hugs, Lee

[waynec]

i have been going to the same dentists for 20+ years. they are great and, now that all my issues resolved, i go every six months and i look forward to it. i was scared of dentists through my 20s until i found a series of good ones.

[CastlesInTheAir]

how much do veneers run anyway? like lumineers?

Hi seeker1950 - i was a dental nurse back when i was working and i completely understand your worries about visiting the dentist. It saddens me that for a lot of people its an unpleasant experience - how ive seen some nurses behave made me determined to do the best job that i could. The only thing i can really suggest is if you're not happy with your current care carry on looking around until you find a place where the dentist is open and warm and the nurses are sensitive and quick thinking. I know this sounds easier said then done but when i was back in practice the little things made all the difference - holding someones hand when they felt nervous, mediating with the dentist so that the patient had as much information as possible, smiling before the patient went under anaesthetic and smiling again when they woke up - its all about reassurance and having patience. With hospitals too these days patients seem to be rushed in and out of a facility without so much as a hello mrs. such and such how are you today? All this said some procedures are still going to be unpleasant and will be difficult to undergo but thats why having a dentist you feel you can trust makes all the difference. I hope the work you have to have goes well - ask as many questions as you need too, a dentist wants to know how to help you in the best way he or she can otherwise you'll take your care elsewhere. All the best.