Do I need a special dentist?

[Ki3]

This may sound really weird but please read this and I hope you understand what I mean,

I have a brother who has undiagnosed stomach problems and I remember a few years ago before I had crohns we went to the dentist one day. In the past he has had to have 2 or 3 hospital admissions one of which he had an NG tube for 5 days. When it was his turn at the dentists the second they put anything near his mouth he closed it shut. My mum apologised to the dentist and we went home. I didn't understand and I thought he was being difficult and stupid and my mum said she felt so embarrassed.

But now I'm really nervous as I'm like a year overdue to see my dentist and I'm nervous that the same thing will happen, I had an NG tube for a 6 week liquid diet and it has pretty much f*cked up my brain. I sometimes retch when I brush my back teeth and I generally don't let people touch my face. I just remember my mum saying how embarrassed she was and normally everyone says I'm a star patient I literally never complain but I'm so nervous about going to the dentist and just not letting the dentist in my mouth because of my sensitive gag reflex.

I wondered if there are special dentists that could maybe help me or find a way to check up my teeth without upsetting me? I'm pretty sure I need braces and if not I will need them in future probably. I don't want to have horrible teeth because I'm too scared to go to the dentist. I used to love the dentist but I feel like crying at the thought of it. I think when my brother went they told him they could see him again and just use a toothbrush to clean his teeth and build up trust, etc, but I don't want them sticking anything in my mouth even if its a lollipop I just want everyone to stay away.

I doubt there is anything out there that could help but I dunno maybe there is a magical dentist for people with mental issues or maybe some of you have some tips? I dunno but I thought id post this and see what anyone said. Thanks xx

 

[lgpcarter]

Dentists are generally not people's favourite medical professionals so I am sure they are used to dealing with patients that have all sorts of issues with them. I don't think you need a special dentist, but you do need to be honest with them about your fears and issues so they can help mitigate them.

Maybe try a dentist who is known for being good with kids and so is used to taking things slow and explaining?

You might also want to see a counsellor who can give you some coping strategies.

 

[Ki3]

I have been asking to see a counsellor since January but my parents always say there's nothing wrong with me and that I'm fine just because I hide it all so well. I haven't got a dentist appointment booked yet but I might just go to my usual dentist and see how it goes.. I'm just nervous.

 

[KayleighMeek]

If you feel like seeing a counsellor would benefit you but your parents say you don't need one can you just go to a GP appointment on your own? They may be able to refer you to someone. Also some schools, college, uni's and workplaces offer counsellor on site or over the phone so it would be worth asking.

I also get really nervous at the dentist but I always just tell them and they have all been fine I also ask them to start the instruments before they to anywhere near me as the sound always makes me jump. I have just had braces removed and I was really nervous about having them at first but it is fine. Hope it all goes well for you x

 

[Ki3]

I'm not sure I don't know if there is a legal age thing like if your under a certain age you have to go with someone to a GP but its just so awkward to talk about and I'm not even sure if it will make a difference. I don't know, at the moment I'm just going to ask my mum to make a dentist appointment for me and ill see what happens.

 

[Goddess]

I really didn't like the dentist. Solution: Sedation dentistry!

Put me totally to sleep, woke up with a filled cavity. Awesome! My insurance didn't cover the sedative part, though. It was $140.

You can also try nitrous oxide, which is more like $30.

Lots of people have dentist-phobia...

No reason to suffer at the dentist!

 

[Jennifer]

When I was younger going to the dentist I was always sedated when they did any work on my teeth. Nitrous oxide makes the dentist much more pleasant. Another thing you could do is tell them about your horrible gag reflex and they can simply numb the back of your throat. Either option is worth a shot. Any dentist who hasn't dealt with fearful nervous patients before isn't a real dentist.

At your next GP appointment tell them you want to try counseling (even if your parents are in the room). Make your case to your doctor and I doubt they'll refuse it.

 

[SarahBear]

Your best bet would be to see a dentist who usually treats children (like lgpcarter said) or whatever dentist you've been to previously and just explain to them what's going on. You should be able to stop them if you're about to gag or you get too uncomfortable by simply raising your hand. You may need to spread your cleaning out over several appointments to allow yourself time to get comfortable with less pressure. As long as your dentist is understanding, there should be no problems. If they're not, switch to another one and explain when you schedule your appointment what's going on so everyone is aware. As Goddess said, some mild sedation might help as well, but I'd personally give it a shot without first and see if you can get through it.

About the counseling… have you tried explaining to your parents in-depth why you would like to go? Would it be too uncomfortable for you to do that? Doing so (especially since you often hide how you're feeling) might help them see the benefits.

:hug:

 

[Ki3]

Wow being put to sleep sounds awesome but you two both live in America and I'm not sure if its the same over here. We aren't making any appointments until I'm fully recovered from surgery I'm having on Tuesday so I have a while to make up my mind.