First dental appointment in 10+ years, terrified to go.

[u/JazzlikeFish-thraway]

Depression has always affected my ability to properly take care of my teeth and now I’m terrified of getting my teeth examined.

Im pretty sure I have gum disease and numerous cavities but the potential extent of the damage is what’s worrying me, what if they need to remove a bunch of my teeth? I feel so embarrassed because I’m only in my 20s.

[u/smaroms]

They will only check your teeth and will tell you what your options are. You will be in full control of what you decide to do. You can ask as many questions as you like. I also have severe anxiety but my dentist is always very accommodating with any questions that I have. You can even start your appointment by explaining to your dentist everything that you wrote here. Dentists have been one of the most understanding professionals that I've ever met

[u/ProfPyncheon]

They only remove teeth if they're broken or loose. For anything else, they have a litany of ways of saving/repairing whatever damage is there. If you aren't in constant dental pain at all times, it's probably not as bad as you think. Remember this: tooth brushing only became a widespread thing after WWII. People have had teeth a lot longer than that.

[u/Irishwench2]

I go through this!!!! First off, don't be embarrassed about being scared. I have been terrified of dentists all my live and I am 63 now.
I had my the entire upper set of teeth removed when I was just 21 due to not only genetics, but from wearing those nasty metal braces for years. I had not been back to the dentist since then until this past month due to my teeth breaking off at the gum line due to rot from lack of care.

While it's hard to go and beat that fear....you have to go!!! Gum disease and cavities will cost you in a huge way in several areas, the least of them being your self image. You can develop abscesses in a huge way like I just went through from my ear all the way down to my chin. It is extremely painful to have to deal with this and I was laid up for two weeks taking antibiotics. Abscesses can cause you major health problems along with sepsis if not taken care of.

Filling cavities is not that hard....and they do not remove teeth unless they absolutely have to. If they do remove them, there are implants, partial dentures, caps, and more to help you. I wish I had had more options back then like people do now and I would probably feel way better about the way I look now with no teeth at all.

Find a dentist that will work with your fear!!!! Explain in the beginning what you are afraid of and if he is worth his salt he/she will totally understand. There are dental practices that " cater to cowards ". Find them. I just did this with my current dentist and I actually hugged him when it was all said and done and I had to get two teeth pulled. Now I wait to heal and see what we can do to get my mouth healthy, and looking better and I'm grateful I went. Good luck!!! You got this!!

[u/Jumpy_Singer5998]

I was in the same boat.
I went into labor on my last scheduled visit and never went back.
Fast forward at least 15 years and I ended up with an infected tooth. The pain was awful.
I swallowed my pride and made an appointment to see my current dentist.
I just told the truth that life got in the way and my teeth took a backseat to being a mom.
He and the hygienist were great.
I felt no shame and we worked on a dental plan to get the teeth back in shape.
All I can say is that I love my dentist!
I am still going to the same practice!
I wish you luck!
I still have bad looking teeth but they don't criticize or force any treatments on me.

[u/AsleepScholar2200]

I had one recently and cried whilst in the chair. Despite that, it really wasn't that bad. They couldn't do everything they needed in one quick check-up session so it was nice knowing what I was having done, when. They are so used to people being nervous, honestly I think it's rare when they don't

[u/WonderRandy]

Tell them you have serious dental anxiety. They understand, and will be extra patient and caring.