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Dental Issues

James

This is an embarrassing one tbh so helpful comments only please. I'm autistic and as a child (and teen tbh) I really, really struggled with sensory issues when it came to dental care. I was only diagnosed recently and as much as I accept it, I also want to work on making steps to improve some of the damages it's causes. So I'm hoping I might find people on here who have had the same or similar struggles so I don't feel quite as weird, and also if there any any dentists in the Manchester region who people recommend as having an understanding of this situation who I can go to without feeling judgement. Thank you all so much in advance

  • in reply to $parentForumReply.Author.DisplayName
    SiLinda said:
    I mentioned my noise sensitivity

    My dentist offers an in-chair entertainment system where you can wear headphones and watch a video (typically music videos) while he works away. It works great on long sessions like preparing a crown where you can be in the chair for an hour per tooth.

    He has an intercom button on it to press when he wants to say something to me but otherwise I am able to use my own in-ear headphones that keep outside noise mosly out.

    For the light sensitivity I sometimes will put on an eye mask and he will talk me through what he is doing so I don't get any unexpected drill sounds etc. This works best for shorter sessions like fillings of cleanings.

  • I let mine get pretty bad but have been sorting it over the past few years, had a few teeth removed. For whatever reason I didn’t consider my teeth a priority and left it and left it but now I am older I realise that was a mistake. It’s one of a few areas of health that I neglected and I used to feel quite guilty about it. There is always a fear of judgement for sure but I haven’t had any negative experiences when they look into my mouth, they are always professional and look for the problems to solve not judge you by. 

  • I don't know any Manchester dentists, sorry.

    I'm off to the dentist in a few hours, myself. If you find a good one, the whole process is just a bit of "a day out". Nothing much to worry about, really. Not my first choice of ways to pass the time, perhaps, but I always feel relieved that I'm good for another year afterwards. That peace of mind is worth a little discomfort.

    My biggest problem with dentists has always been the excruciating pain I get in my jaw if I have to hold my mouth open for more than a minute. Everything else pales into insignificance (more or less). My dentist suggested using a "prop", a rubber wedge that he sticks in on one side of my mouth while he works on the other. Best. Invention. Ever.

    Before we start, we agree that if I feel uncomfortable, or need a break to catch a few breaths, I'll raise one hand. When I do, he steps back and just lets me resettle myself. A few seconds is usually long enough.

  • There are loads of people who are afraid of the dentist so don’t worry you aren’t the only one. I don’t know Manchester region that well but the one I go to on the Wirral has been great for me. They have sorted everything to make me feel at ease and aren’t judgemental either. But that is on the Wirral so I’m assuming that like at least an hour commute. Hope you find something soon! 

  • I haven't been since 1986. I guess that's quite a long time.

    Unfortunately I don't have any recommendations.

  • in reply to James

    They’re in Glasgow I’m afraid, so not very convenient for you!

  • in reply to Deleted User

    That's good to hear! What is your one called?

  • There are some good dentists out there, you just have to find the right one.

    Through sheer luck, my current dentist is great. She knows I’m autistic and keeps checking that I’m okay - she’s very thoughtful. (It’s a shame their receptionist is less helpful!)

  • I wish I could help, I hate going to the dentist and I've got to get a new one too as our NHS one has gone private, not that I liked them, just that they were free.