Is there anyone here that hadn’t been to the dentist in awhile and had a good experience?

Question

I’m terrified of the dentist, always have been. Well I had my son three years ago and couldn’t go while pregnant (the dentists here don’t like working on pregnant women) soon after I had him though, I lost my insurance so I haven’t been to the dentist since.
I know for a fact I have cavities, I’ve always gotten them VERY easy and I’m just scared they’ll find me disgusting or something.😂🤦🏻‍♀️ I really do try and take care of my teeth but I still get them like it’s nobodies business. The last dentist I went to I had a horrible experience and that’s one other reason I haven’t been back, like I said I’m already scared of the dentist and that incident just made it way way worse.😬
Any advice that could make my trip there better and make me calm down a little bit?

Answer

Dental Hygienist here.
Most important thing, find a Dentist with reviews about being gentle. They even have Dentists now who have service animal comfort companions who sit on your lap during your appointment!
Let me give you an idea of what will happen! At your first appointment they will take x-rays and do an exam to determine if you have any cavities and what kind of cleaning you need.
If it's been a couple years, you may need a deeper cleaning than the usual 1 in 6 months kind. Depending on if there's inflammation in your gums. For this kind of cleaning they get you numb so you are not in any discomfort.
If you have any cavities, they have all sorts of methods to take care of them and have you be comfortable. See if they have nitrous, this can help relax you. And definitely listen to music! This really helped when I needed a crown (yes, I'm a hygienist and even when I'm having work done I need help relaxing!!!) It's more common than you think!!
If you don't feel right about what your dentist is saying, you can always get a second opinion 💕
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask me!

Answer

I hadn’t been to the dentist in 10 years when I went last month. I spent two weeks picking out a dental insurance and a dentist that specializes in patients with dental anxiety. They were very gentle and concerned about my comfort level, and I ended up only having two minor cavities that hadn’t even gotten through the enamel yet and nothing else. They did a cleaning and xrays the first appointment and then I went back the next week and got three surface fillings with the tooth colored fillings 🤷🏼‍♀️ they didn’t even have to numb me.

Answer

Both my sister and I went to the dentist after not seeing one for almost 10 years due to not having insurance. We went to different dentists and neither of us were judged. I remember mine was very nice and understanding that sometimes dental coverage can be difficult to obtain. And every dentist I’ve had asks about my prior experiences with procedures so they can do whatever possible to keep me calm.

Answer

I’m not sure how long it’s been for you but I hadn’t been for like 4-5 years and went a few years ago after having a bad experience. No new cavities but some needed to be redone. They have options here for those now, some can be done with a laser so there is no numbing or shots they also have epinephrine free shots that numb you without the crazy side effects. Talk the dentist before in case they can get you a relaxer or something. Dental health is important... but I get it. Research reviews too! Good luck

Is there anyone here that hadn’t been to the dentist in awhile and had a good experience?

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