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How can I get past my dislike of dentists?
It is about 10 years since I had work I done, and my teeth and gums are in bad shape. But I can not find that one dentist is not active all judgmental when examining me and I feel like a worm for my teeth can be so bad. I do not even mind the actual work done geting when they use a sedative and proper anesthesia, but her “Well, prevents TSK” attitude out of my appointment and what to get my teeth even worse. It’s a vicious circle! Why do dentists have the attitude to have?
This entry was posted by admin on May 29, 2010 at 2:17 pm, and is filed under Health Care Services. Follow any responses to this post through RSS 2.0.You can leave a response or trackback from your own site.
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#3 written by mrs_rosene 1 year ago
I went to the dentist’s on Monday after 18 years of not going (didn’t have insurance, I’m 26 now) and I was really scared of what the dentist would say. Fortunately, my experience was awesome! I just explained over the phone, and again when I got there that I hadn’t been for 18 yrs, and that I was looking forward to a healthy mouth after all this time. They were very kind and patient and understanding.
And after all that time all I had was one cavity (getting filled next week) and a partially cracked tooth. Granted I need 2 cleanings, but it’s such a relief to do something about my teeth.
Go now, rather than later. Things can only get worse if you wait.
The dentist gets paid to “fix” you, so I would ignore any negative comments (if any). I think nowadays, dentists are more compassionate.
You won’t regret going, believe me! -
#4 written by She-Nerd 1 year ago
Good suggestions, above.
Also, look in the yellow pages or dental referall service for a dentist who “caters to cowards”
This is an advertising code word that dentists use, meaning that they are welcoming and non-judgemental toward people who are particularly anxious, havn’t been in a while, and their teeth show it.
I do’nt care too much for calling one’s potential clients “cowards”, just like I don’t like the uses of the word “Dummies” in the “(topic) for Dummies” series of how-to books. But then, I’m an Aspie, and tend to take things very literaly. Most people, though, don’t seem bothered by this, as evidenced by the popularity of these books and the accepted use of the phrase “we cater to cowards” in announcements of dental services. -
#5 written by Batty 1 year ago
Call around and discuss your concerns with the staff. Arrange a consultation visit to just meet the staff/DDS. Maybe even try going to a DDS that offers pediatrics – they will be better at distraction. You can discuss the issue with a therapist or your Primary care physician and they can recommend a good DDS who will work with you. A good option might be to go to a vo-tech school and get the student DDS & hygienists to do your cleanings. It will be cheaper and you will have more doting dental care (because they are worried about grades, etc).
Lots of people have anxiety about going to the DDS. You are not alone. However, if you don’t get the help you need you can make yourself really ill. When people make “tsk tsk” comments… redirect your thoughts to recognize they are not being personal attacks. I realize that is hard… I’ve had to learn how to do that too. I also find that it helps to do meditation and relaxation before (and during) visits. A good place to start is with a behavior therapist – they can help you learn to be more assertive about your needs, redirect the conversation towards what can be done to correct the problem and away from how bad it is, and deal with the anxiety that can cause dental visits to be so alarmingly “memorable”.
A yr or so ago I tried tooth whitening… and developed VERY sensitive teeth = I now keep a bottle of Orajel in my pocket. (BTW if you have very bad gums or sensitive teeth: try adding a drop of Orajel onto the toothpaste before brushing to prevent any pain. This might make it easier to brush more regularly.) I use it before they start cleaning & make a point of discussing my pain threshold so they will be ready to add more numbing agent if it wears off.
Also, try to get a DDS who uses Sonic cleaning tools – they are less painful.
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#6 written by ashley p 1 year ago
There is not a lot you can do I am afraid. I suggest while phoning around to price out your appointment-express how neglected your teeth are and how worried you are about it and see how they react that way. Either way you most likely will have to let the comments roll off your back because getting a healthy mouth so it doesnt create other health problems is more important that a snobby dentist.-good luck!!
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#9 written by grannypamrox 1 year ago
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#10 written by Bill 1 year ago
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I’m a dentist.
Let me be completely honest with you.
We really don’t give a damn what you do with your teeth and gums. We really don’t. We want you to be healthy, and we’re going to tell you when you’ve done something wrong (such as neglecting your teeth)–hence the “tzk tzk”. But when you come to us with rotten teeth and bleeding gums, it doesn’t phase us. Your choices do not affect us emotionally.
Why?
Because we see it all the time. Every day. You are no different.
Rather than worry about what your doctor will think to himself/herself, try to be on the same page as the doctor and worry about whether or not your mouth can be made healthy again.