August 17, 2011 | And So It Begins

Well for a very long time I have been putting off seeing a Dentist. Now before you cringe, roll your eyes, shake your head in disgust, please hear me out.

My last full visit was about 21 years ago when I had my wisdom teeth out. I was 24. At that time I had 4 impacted wisdoms removed, 2 (baby) eye teeth, and 1 molar removed. 7 in total. I was knocked out obviously.

I tried to go back and get the rest of my teeth fixed. I tried… but the anxiety and fear and my overly sensitive and overreacting gag reflex stopped me from going. And so the years rolled on…..

At the age of 45 I am now faced with this impending fear that I’ve had. I woke up one morning thinking I was developing a canker sore  (mouth ulcer). After about a week and a half of pain and gargling with warm salt water and days of Advil, I finally gave in and went to the doctor. He didn’t say much because I was already freaking out just having to go there and have him look inside my mouth. I cried, shook with fear and if I had a weak bladder, I probably would’ve wet myself.

Upon looking at my mouth, he saw my teeth and immediately said, “I can’t do anything for you, go see the dentist” and put me on antibiotics incase I DID have some sort of infection. I’m on Day 1 of these antibiotics.

Lyn, my ever-so-faithful and loving, caring partner took the initiative to call around. A local college has very low cost services and has found a specialist who will give me a consultation for free. He specializes in cases such as mine. Fears, phobias, overactive gag reflexes etc. My biggest concern is that I’ll end up with dentures.

And so it begins…. I have the consultation visit next Tuesday at 12:30.  Why I’m blogging about this? Because I hope that it will help me clear my head, clear my thoughts and if it gets around, possibly help someone else who has fears and phobias like I do. I blogged about my fear of flying and now am fine with that. This………… is next.