Judy – Denture Phobia

Thank goodness for Google! I searched “dental / denture phobia” and came up with the Winning Smiles website. I am 62 years old and work in a position where I am constantly dealing with people face to face. Having had dental problems for many years and having been unable to cope with regular dentures or even sitting in the dentist’s chair I was at the point of considering giving up work as my dental appearance was so poor I felt constantly embarrassed and yet could not overcome my phobia to visit a dentist.

From my first contact with Winning Smiles I have nothing but praise for Andrew Fennell and indeed his whole team. I now have denture implants and can smile again for the first time in years and although I still have some work to be done I have no fear! Thank you so so much.

Treatments: Implant Retained Dentures

Dental Review Response

By Andrew

Judy thanks so much for your honesty here. So many patients are in a similar situation and they want to know that something can be done to help them overcome their nerves and sort out their dental problems.

Many patients suffer so much with their dentures that they either give up and go ‘toothless’ or only wear them for show – being careful never to eat in front of anyone. Dentures can be very difficult to wear – even the good ones move around quite a bit (especially in the lower jaw) – eating hard food? Forget it.

Soft foods only – and nipping to the bathroom after every meal to remove trapped food. Hardly glamorous.

About 10% of denture patients can’t wear them because they cause gagging.

And why have these patients lost so many teeth in the first place? It’s as Judy says – a fear of visiting the dentist (often started as a child) which keeps them away unless they are in total agony by which time it is often too late to save the tooth and the extractions start. Our first task with a patient like Judy (and there are many) is to reassure them that

  • 1) We care
  • 2) We understand
  • 3)We are not going to make you feel like its all your fault (its usually a childhood dentist at fault in truth)
  • 4) We will take all the time we need (no rushing)
  • 5) It’s never too late – we can provide a fully functioning solution.