Tooth anxiety exposure

Hi everyone! Does anyone have any good exposure ideas for constant tooth anxiety? Long story short I've had a lot of bad luck with my teeth over the years, most recently needing an extraction after 2 failed root canal treatments, and in the process of having an implant. I have since chipped another tooth and also got early decay on another, as well as fremitus in the teeth and a clicky jaw. I am constantly hyper aware of any sensation in my teeth, and run my tongue constantly over the chip/crack (which my dentist said was actually too small to fill, but the reassurance only lasts while I'm still in the dentist chair and I'm convinced it is/will get infected and I will lose another tooth (which has cost me over £3000). I wear a mouth guard for clenching which may be why a couple of teeth always feel sensitive/achey. Basically it feels like a rational fear but it's an extreme anxiety, and any advice would be really appreciated as it's been affecting my quality of life for a long time 🙏

CatGee

Date posted: 12h

I get anxious about this too. I worked as a dental assistant for a few years and since then, I think my anxiety is amped because I know of all the tooth possibilities. I’m not sure if this will help you but lately I’ve been imagining the worst case happening and trying to sit with the idea that…that’s okay. For example: I had my implant put in last month and during the procedure I would imagine what if I threw up right now… or during a root canal I will think… what if my tooth just shatters and they try to extract it but it won’t come out and they’re struggling so much and I’m panicking or… whatever my big fear is. It’s weird but I think it’s helping. Instead of “oh no, what if I have another cavity and I need this tooth removed 😬 ” I will think “oh kaaay, what if this is a cavity 🤷‍♀️ Maybe it’ll hurt. I might have it removed. That would be hard but manageable right?”

Shea95

Date posted: 12h

I have teeth that are not optimal as well, mostly bc I was very depressed as a teen and did not care about oral hygiene and now as an adult I’m dealing with the consequences. I also do the thing with my tongue where I constantly try to feel for chips or cracks. However, while I cannot give reassurance, I would like to say that focusing on just my general dental hygiene like flossing, brushing ect and not being so consumed by little details such as cracks or potential future issues has helped me a lot. Whenever I worry, I either brush, floss, or simply focus on things that are within my control here and now.

alan87

Date posted: 12h

I have and do absolutely one hundred percent deal with this anxiety, worry, obsession. I don’t have good luck with my teeth at all despite flossing and brushing consistently. I have 5 root canals (maybe more I lost count), 7 crowns, etc. any sensation I immediately assume the worst. For me, one thing my spouse has told me, we can’t worry about something that hasn’t happened. Try to enjoy the moment of not being in pain, not being at the dentist or fearing our overall/dental health. Enjoy today. It’s easier said than done, but I try to follow this thinking, and also remember that I have so many root canals that those teeth can’t be in pain.

CatGee

Date posted: 12h

Would watching videos of bad teeth be an exposure? And of course: making a rule for yourself that you aren’t allowed to inspect your teeth with your tongue, fingernail, or mirror. At all.

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