Tooth problems

I'm having a dental implant next week and I'm really frightened. I'm also feeling very upset about the whole thing.

Nobody noticed I wasn't brushing my teeth properly when I was a kid. And then dentists assumed I was, and didn't go through it with me. I thought I was, I really did, until recently when a dentist finally figured out that I didn't know some basic stuff. Like brushing your gums as well as your teeth.

My dentist was kind and patient and didn't laugh at me. I just feel so mad and sad that I could have better teeth if I had known. I'm in my 30s and have a postgrad degree and my own freelance business but I didn't know how to brush my teeth properly, it seems so pathetic.

I had to have a molar out and the implant is to fill a huge gap. I have one other smaller gap on top and a few fillings. My dentist says it's really not that bad, the teeth I have are really okay, but I don't feel like they are.

And no matter how hard I try to follow all his instructions and brush thoroughly, floss etc, I still have gingivitis, and I'm scared he won't do the operation, and I will be stuck with the gap.

My dad gave me money for the implant. It doesn't make up for anything.

Sorry, just needed to get this out.

Smoking also causes gingivitis. Are you a smoker? You can use those mouth rinses that kill bacteria. One is called Listerine here.

I had lots of dental problems, too, because of self-neglect (probably learned from my abuser) and also dentist anxiety. I have gone years at a time without even checkups until I had to have (for the past 2 years!) 9 root canals, 4 extractions, and several fillings.

I relate to the shame. I am glad your dentist did not laugh at you. Not being able to take care of yourself was probably learned from your childhood. Nothing to feel bad about. I hope it goes okay. Even if you have a gap, you won't be in pain. I had a tooth pulled, too and now have a bridge. I was going to have an implant, but not a good candidate for one. I lost 4 teeth and could have lost 9 more.

You are not alone.

Carol

Thanks for your replies. I was a smoker but I have quit - my dentist insisted I quit before having the implant and I've been smoke free for six weeks now. I quit before but started again last year.

I have listerine. And floss a lot. But it's just not getting better that I can see.

I have been in the exact same place. Maybe somebody taught me, but it wasn't ever checked, so I had terrible health and hygiene as a kid. I am sad for both of us to have had that experience.

I also had an implant, about ten years ago now. It was a bit of a rough experience--but they put me out for the procedure and gave my meds to deal with the pain I did experience. I've never had any problems with the implant (though all the OTHER teeth are another issue).

I'm glad your dentist was not dismissive or mocking. We can't change the past--but stopping smoking and learning better health practices now means you can take good care of yourself from here on out. You deserve it.

I'm having it done under local anaesthetic. Which is why I'm dreading it so much. But to have it done under general anaesthetic I would have to go to a hospital, and I have a lot of issues with hospitals, and it would mean people I didn't know would be doing it.

Maybe it takes longer than 6 weeks for your gums to recover from the effects of smoking? I understand that smoking interferes with blood flow. Maybe it takes longer than 6 weeks for the circulation to improve?

Seven Gingivitis Home Remedies - Yahoo! Voices - voices.yahoo.com

A dentist should be able so answer that. Not some random psychcentral member.

OP please contact your dentist with your worries. They are not only trained in the obvious, but also in they way people react and view themselves healthwise and the anxiety that comes along. Just be honest and he/ she will " take care of " your concerns.

Littleme, I'm going to block you now so that I don't have to read your attacks on me. I posed this info as questions? What is your problem?

The constant questions?..and the "?????" after every sentence ( having a degree in psych myself). Wonder where you picked up on this and do it on this forum.

Can´t you get a real career and compensate for you need to act as a " pro" outside this forum?.."?????" Wouldn´t that be lovely. I see writing from basic textbooks displayed as your own thoughts..IT´S not. It´s just textbook stuff and no reflection. Most people in here are cabable of googling or reading the same thing, that´s being presented as " support". It´s not kindergarten and usually authenticy is what works.
It´s a place for support and not to read " unqaulified" pro advice! Theres tons of those places online.
Do you have a feeling of omnipotence???? ( to ask one of your own annoying challeging constant question) Think about it. That´s what you allways ask of others posters to do.

( I appologize to the OP )
Case closed.

Thanks for the suggestions people have made, all advice much appreciated.