Dentist phobia

Tupins

Hi there,

Does anyone know of a good dentist in the Cork area that specialises in dealing with patients with phobias?

My husband has a terrible phobia of dentists. He let a bad tooth go so long that it went away to nothing but the pain got so bad that he eventually had to go to the dentist. He didn't let go of my hand the whole time he was in the chair and the sweat was just pouring out of him!

In the end he had to go to a dental surgeon because basically it was just the root left He had to go on valium when he went there!

He had one session of hypnotherapy last year and that helped a little bit. He announced to me last night that he had decided he would go to the dentist again as he needs some cleaning and another filling. I feel this is a big step for him but he didn't particualrly like the last dentist so I'd like him to have a better experience this time.

Can anyone help?

JoJo123

Hi there,

I can't suggest any dentists unfortunatley but I can totally sypathise with your husbands phobia. I went through a number of surgeries on my teeth when I had braces, including stitches, weights and some horrible orthodontic procedures which I dont like to recall. Since then my back teeth have been in a terrible condition as a result of having metal glued to them. As a result of some extremely tough dentists / orthodentists I cannot bring myself to go back to get one particularly bad half a missing tooth sorted.

If anyone can recommend a sympathetic dentist (or one who will simply knock me out for the entire procedure) in the Dublin / Swords area, that would be great.

Thanks
Jo

Sunny_Dublin

not in the swords area but at least in dublin:
portobello dental clinic is the place a lot of people in the dental forum are raving about.
http://www.portobellodental.com/
they do iv sedation which means you will be knocked out for the entire procedure withouthaving to undergo general anaestetics.
good luck!

The Bishop Basher

I've been getting iv sedation done for years with a great dentist who specialises in phobic patients and I can't recommend it highly enough. It's expensive, and a lot more hassle, you have to fast before and get collected and brought home, but it's well worth it. A little jab in the back of your hand and you wake up an hour later with it all sorted. He's in Ballsbridge. Pm me if you want his number.

lilminx

I too have a complete phobia of dentists, so much so that I ignored a broken tooth for about a year and only went to a dentist after it cracking to the root and I ended up not being able to eat.

Going to a new dentist, I explained my phobia and fear of the drills etc and also told him I have a high tolerance for novacaine. 6 injections later, I was crying and clinging to the chair and couldn't keep my mouth open but I could still feel and the dentist completely ignored me.. To make a long story short, he started taking the remaining pulp from the tooth, hit a nerve and I nearly decked him. Called him all kind of names and basically told him he had a lot to learn about listening to his patients.

He basically said he could not see me anymore, that my phobia was too much for him to deal with and he didn't have the time or inclination to sort me out!

But what he did do was refer me to an amazing dentist in Cork, Tony Canty in Victoria Cross.

They called me before my consultation and brought me straight in. Talked to me the whole time - Dr Phil on a plasma screen on the ceiling. Quick check up then a date for a treatment plan under general anaesthetic.

I got a tooth removed, 2 filings and full gum treatment, scale, polish all done under anasthetic. Valium to take before the appointment so by the time I got there I was so chilled out and relaxed I didn't care where I was!!

Cried for about 2 days before but they called me every day and I have to say they were so good and understanding.

It cost €2500 but to be honest it was worth twice that as I was able to go back a month later to see the hygenist without the same stress as normal.

Teeth look amazing now and delighted with the results.:D Follow ups are included in the original costs too.

Tupins

Thanks lilminx, I'll def look into that. He's a problem with his wisdom tooth at the moment and he can't even talk about going to the dentist let alone go!

I'm thinking of having him go for hypnotherapy. I tried it before for an extreme fear of spiders and I found it really good.

Thanks again.

KayPea

That Cork dentist sounds amazing. I am in dire need of a dental visit but my phobia is stopping me. I have spent 2 days in a cold sweat trying to work up the strength to make an appointment. It has been many, many years since I have been to a dentist, though I have made it as far as the waiting room 3 times. Twice I ran away when I couldn't go through with it. On the third occasion I threw up and then ran.
If any one knows of a sympathetic dentist in the Wexford area I would be incredibly grateful. I have a 3 month old baby so trekking to Cork would be a little difficult.

super_furry

I haven't been to a dentist in 12 years because of this. I know I desperately need to go and can even feel the holes in my teeth with my tongue, but anytime I think about going I freeze up. I've book several appointments but have never been able to bring myself to go.