Two weeks ago, during dinner at Giraffe on Quiz Night, half of a tooth (a molar) fell out of my mouth while eating a grilled chicken salad. I had no idea this tooth had a problem.
Last week, while shopping at the Bush Centre in Marloth Park, a chip fell off another tooth on the opposite side. Good grief! I’ve had nightmares of my teeth falling out. Is this a sign of things to come, or am I just being paranoid? I thought my teeth were in good condition.
The next day, after the first tooth broke, I called Dr. Singh’s office in Malalane to schedule an appointment. However, they had no openings until the end of August, and if it took a few weeks to have a crown made, it would be too close to our departure time on September 14.
I had no choice but to book an appointment with another dentist in Malalane, as there were no dentists left in Komatipoort after Luzanne left a few years ago when her husband got a job in Chicago, Illinois.
Thus, I booked an appointment with Dr. Nel (recommended by our friends Roz and Les), with whom I have an appointment at 10:30 this morning, and we’re leaving here in less than an hour. Today’s post will be rushed to get it done before we leave.
Of course, with a bit of dental phobia, I am a little anxious about having any dental work done. Who enjoys going to a dentist, regardless of the reason? Certainly, no one I know.
Dental phobia is an intense, often overwhelming fear of visiting the dentist or undergoing dental procedures. It goes beyond mild anxiety—people with dental phobia may experience panic attacks, severe distress, or even physical symptoms like sweating, rapid heartbeat, or feeling faint at just the thought of a dental appointment.
It can stem from various causes, such as:
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Past negative experiences — painful treatments or insensitive care in childhood or adulthood.
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Fear of pain — often heightened if someone has a low pain threshold or outdated beliefs about dental procedures.
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Loss of control — lying back in the chair, unable to talk, and relying on someone else’s hands in your mouth can feel very vulnerable.
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Embarrassment — concerns about the appearance or smell of one’s teeth, or about being judged.
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Sensory triggers — the sound of the drill, the smell of antiseptic, or the bright lights can all provoke fear.
For many, this phobia can lead to avoiding the dentist altogether, sometimes for years, which can worsen oral health and, ironically, increase the likelihood of needing more complex treatment later.
Treatment approaches include gentle, empathetic dentists who specialize in anxious patients, gradual exposure therapy, sedation dentistry, relaxation techniques, and sometimes psychological counseling to address the root fears.
I suppose my fear stems from “Past negative experiences,” of which I’ve had many over the years, although throughout my life, I have been diligent about treating any issues and getting frequent cleanings.
Oh well, here it goes again. I will report back tomorrow with details.
Have a great day!
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, August 12, 2015
