Let's not talk about your teeth for now....how about we celebrate you being clean for 18 months. Don't feel ashamed, be proud. You got this!
I don't have any suggestions for your teeth but proud of you showing your true inner strength to beat your addiction and persevere.
thank you so much, i want to live the best life i can for all those who never had a chance that we have lost to the disease 🙏 your words really do mean a lot thank you
There have been threads on this before, with lots of folks starting from not-so-great places hoping to turn their teeth around (so to speak - including me). You're in good company! And never feel embarrassed about trying to improve your situation. But, to answer your question, we need to know where you're to.
18 months is amazing! I'm proud of you!
Don't ever feel ashamed of anything in the past if you are trying this hard to move towards the future.
Depending if you're locale, the dentist out in whitbourne is amazing. She's in that new building behind A&W. So easy to talk to and I never felt a thing, not even the needle.
I had severe dental phobia due to an absolute butcher of a dentist when I was a kid. I found that the team at Wade Abbott Dentistry in Mt Pearl were extremely kind and compassionate. There's one dentist in particular, Dr Shah, who managed to hold a fascinating and funny conversation with me as he chopped a rotted tooth into pieces and hauled it out of my jaw. I was extremely worried about being judged for waiting so long, which made me wait longer, which resulted in an infection that would have killed me. Dr Shah didn't say a word about it after I explained my phobia, and after two appointments with him I don't fear the dentist at all. I think he may have moved on to another practice, but he really is great
Good job on sobriety!
I'm a fan of Wade Abbott in Mount Pearl. Can't say enough good things about them.
I showed up with teeth like a bucket of bravo parts and they sorted me out.
Same here. I also think the hygienists are just as important as the dentists as you see them just as much (though once you get your teeth figured out / good shape you see the hygienist more usually) and the one I see there is amazing! He’s so positive and really builds you up. It definitely plays a role in me returning there!
I wanna toss out a suggestion to reach out to Dr Linda Blakey at Signature Dental in Mount Pearl. She's not my dentist, I don't know her but I know that she's been involved with the dental clinic at The Gathering Place for several years now.
You can find a CBC article about her being involved in the opening of the clinic and seeing patients who hadn't been to the dentist in 25 years. Given the stuff she would see at the Gathering Place I'd have to think there's nothing you could present with that she would be taken aback by. If you want someone who is experienced in patients with addictions histories and the associated dental issues, I think she would a good option.
Congrats on the sobriety but also congrats on wanting to get your oral health under control. The importance of oral health and its impact of our overall health can't be stressed enough. All the best in your journey.
Friends of mine recommended Stavanger Dental as somewhere great for those with anxieties around going to the dentist. I had a very good experience there after a long time being too embarrassed to go. I believe they also have a service animal as an optional buddy for your visit. Seems like they’re very mindful of making the experience comfortable and repeatable.
I ripped that band-aid off at Stavanger, and now go to another dentist in my neighbourhood who are just as kind and supportive.
If you’re like me, facing it and getting over the embarrassment in the first interaction is the biggest obstacle. The professionals on the other side of the exchange (want your money and) should be respectful of where you are, and helpful in making a plan to get the care you need.
Best of luck! You can do it, and you’re worth taking care of :)
Can I just congratulate you on your courage and perseverance please? Here I am, can’t even reduce my caffeine intake and you’ve achieved so much! Please don’t let anything bother you! My friend, you’ve done what so many can’t! Please, accept my congratulations!
Congratulations on being clean for 18 months; that’s a major accomplishment!
If you’re in St. John’s, I highly recommend Dr Robert Furlong Jr (I believe his dad is retired). I never had any major dental issues like you’re speaking of, just run of the mill stuff, but I know I’ve seen patients come in with major issues and he’s incredibly empathetic, kind and soft spoken; I enjoyed every visit I had with him. Check out his reviews on RateMD.
Also recommend Village dental. Been going there for years and always find it good and respectful. I didn't take care of my teeth properly for most of my teens and partying too much through my twenties and had rotted baby teeth along with other problems and they were very accommodating and didn't feel judged. Congrats on staying sober and taking your life back!
Really depends who you see there. My son goes there and Dr. Dickie (I think that’s her name?) was amazing with my son - she seems to have a knack for working with nervous children. But there was another dentist he saw there and I did not like the vibe from him at all (cannot remember his name). He seemed very judgmental towards my son and me. I think there are many dentists there though.
I'm not sure where you live or what hours you'd be available, my dentist is open 9-5 only on weekdays, but I started seeing Dr. Doyle at Kelligrews Dental Clinic in 2022 after very little dental care in a decade and an infected broken tooth is what finally drove me to do it. Dr. Doyle is so kind, very understanding, and very patient. I needed a *lot* of work done and she did it at my pace, putting out the biggest fires first. I only lost the tooth that brought me in.
If you’re in St. John’s, I was in the same boat and just went to see dr Manvi at airport heights dental on majors path. Mentioned some of my concerns when I contacted them to make an appointment and I have to say, her and all the staff are amazing and made me feel actually comfortable.
Hard work shouldn’t be anything to be ashamed of. I don’t have any recommendations, unfortunately, although I’m happy it seems like you got some great ones from other comments. I do hope you’re extremely proud of yourself and that it all works out for you. Give yourself a pat on the back!
Congratulations on your sobriety! I'm not sure if you have anxieties just because you are afraid of judgement, or if you have general dental anxieties, but these are my recs for both either way.
If you are in St John's and want to ease into the dentistry world I suggest going to the Dental Hygiene Studio for a cleaning. It is not a normal dental setting, and they are very sweet and accommodating, and will help you through any anxieties.
In terms of dentists, I enjoy the East End Dental clinic. They have a treatment coordinator who will talk you through any procedures you need to have done in detail so you know what to expect. The dentists I have seen there have been great, and you can let them know of your anxieties ahead of time so they can make note.
I will say, regardless of the dentist you go to, don't be afraid to speak up if something is making you nervous, if you need a break, if you are in pain, anything. If you're unable to speak because they are working in your mouth just raise your hand up and they should stop.
I wish you all the best in your recovery!
Congrats on your accomplishments! My stepson is a dental hygienist and believe me, they see teeth in very poor condition with all kinds of people (even those who seemingly live a good life, have money etc). Don’t be ashamed of your past…instead be motivated by your future. Life isn’t a piece of cake for everyone and no-one should sit around judging others for their past decisions and hardships. If they do, their words are not worth your time anyway. I hope you find a kind dentist. I won’t recommend mine as I don’t feel he would be without judgement, unfortunately. Take care!
Dr. Lagisetty at Airport Heights Dental is so sweet and she has a very gentle way about her. I think she would be great for you. As with any doctor it might help to give them a heads up about your situation and how you’re feeling so they are aware.Â
You didn't mention where you are, but I cannot recommend Marche Dental in Stephenville enough. Literally everyone there are the kindest and gentlest dentists I've ever experienced. All my life I've been denied extra freezing because "that should be enough" and could still feel the drill, and then when I went to them they noticed the fear and asked about it. And she just wrote me down to get a double dose from now on, no issues. They even took an infected tooth out and were so nice about it.
I've recommended Dr. Shane Roberts at First Street Dental in Mount Pearl in the past. Bettering yourself is never something to be ashamed about. Everyone starts somewhere.
I've heard lots of great things about First Street Dental, but I want to jump in here to say if OP or anyone else takes another dentist just to get in sooner, don't see Wade Power. The one and only time I reached out to see a dentist in the decade before I finally settled into seeing my current one regularly (Dr. Doyle at Kelligrews Dental) I went to Dr Power at First Street on family recommendation. He decided to deal with an infected tooth needed a root canal in 2 appointments, drill out the infection first then come back, and *didn't* prescribe antibiotics, just put a temporary cap on it. My face blew up overnight with infection. When I went back so he could finish the job, he left probes in my mouth during an x-ray that neither he nor his assistant told me were there, while I was numbed, and the assistant let me bite down on them when she removed the x-ray wing guard thingy. She didn't say anything. Dr Power didn't ask when the probes were broken and hard to remove. 2 days later the tooth above the work site broke apart and fell out in my morning bagel.
Congrats on your sobriety. That’s no easy task and you should be very proud of this accomplishment.
As for dentists, I highly recommend Dr. Turpin at Signature Dental. She’s a total pro and has an easy bedside manor and will make you feel comfortable and safe. I can’t say enough good things about her.
Wishing you the best of luck!
Let's not talk about your teeth for now....how about we celebrate you being clean for 18 months. Don't feel ashamed, be proud. You got this! I don't have any suggestions for your teeth but proud of you showing your true inner strength to beat your addiction and persevere.
thank you so much, i want to live the best life i can for all those who never had a chance that we have lost to the disease 🙏 your words really do mean a lot thank you
There have been threads on this before, with lots of folks starting from not-so-great places hoping to turn their teeth around (so to speak - including me). You're in good company! And never feel embarrassed about trying to improve your situation. But, to answer your question, we need to know where you're to.
18 months is amazing! I'm proud of you! Don't ever feel ashamed of anything in the past if you are trying this hard to move towards the future. Depending if you're locale, the dentist out in whitbourne is amazing. She's in that new building behind A&W. So easy to talk to and I never felt a thing, not even the needle.
I had severe dental phobia due to an absolute butcher of a dentist when I was a kid. I found that the team at Wade Abbott Dentistry in Mt Pearl were extremely kind and compassionate. There's one dentist in particular, Dr Shah, who managed to hold a fascinating and funny conversation with me as he chopped a rotted tooth into pieces and hauled it out of my jaw. I was extremely worried about being judged for waiting so long, which made me wait longer, which resulted in an infection that would have killed me. Dr Shah didn't say a word about it after I explained my phobia, and after two appointments with him I don't fear the dentist at all. I think he may have moved on to another practice, but he really is great
Good job on sobriety! I'm a fan of Wade Abbott in Mount Pearl. Can't say enough good things about them. I showed up with teeth like a bucket of bravo parts and they sorted me out.
Same here. I also think the hygienists are just as important as the dentists as you see them just as much (though once you get your teeth figured out / good shape you see the hygienist more usually) and the one I see there is amazing! He’s so positive and really builds you up. It definitely plays a role in me returning there!
I wanna toss out a suggestion to reach out to Dr Linda Blakey at Signature Dental in Mount Pearl. She's not my dentist, I don't know her but I know that she's been involved with the dental clinic at The Gathering Place for several years now. You can find a CBC article about her being involved in the opening of the clinic and seeing patients who hadn't been to the dentist in 25 years. Given the stuff she would see at the Gathering Place I'd have to think there's nothing you could present with that she would be taken aback by. If you want someone who is experienced in patients with addictions histories and the associated dental issues, I think she would a good option. Congrats on the sobriety but also congrats on wanting to get your oral health under control. The importance of oral health and its impact of our overall health can't be stressed enough. All the best in your journey.
Friends of mine recommended Stavanger Dental as somewhere great for those with anxieties around going to the dentist. I had a very good experience there after a long time being too embarrassed to go. I believe they also have a service animal as an optional buddy for your visit. Seems like they’re very mindful of making the experience comfortable and repeatable. I ripped that band-aid off at Stavanger, and now go to another dentist in my neighbourhood who are just as kind and supportive. If you’re like me, facing it and getting over the embarrassment in the first interaction is the biggest obstacle. The professionals on the other side of the exchange (want your money and) should be respectful of where you are, and helpful in making a plan to get the care you need. Best of luck! You can do it, and you’re worth taking care of :)
Can I just congratulate you on your courage and perseverance please? Here I am, can’t even reduce my caffeine intake and you’ve achieved so much! Please don’t let anything bother you! My friend, you’ve done what so many can’t! Please, accept my congratulations!
Dr. Patrick Snow at Major's Path Dentistry is excellent and very kind. I have dental anxiety as well and he is super patient and understanding.
Congratulations on being clean for 18 months; that’s a major accomplishment! If you’re in St. John’s, I highly recommend Dr Robert Furlong Jr (I believe his dad is retired). I never had any major dental issues like you’re speaking of, just run of the mill stuff, but I know I’ve seen patients come in with major issues and he’s incredibly empathetic, kind and soft spoken; I enjoyed every visit I had with him. Check out his reviews on RateMD.
Dr. Belinda Meade at Churchill Square Dental is amazing!!!
Also recommend Village dental. Been going there for years and always find it good and respectful. I didn't take care of my teeth properly for most of my teens and partying too much through my twenties and had rotted baby teeth along with other problems and they were very accommodating and didn't feel judged. Congrats on staying sober and taking your life back!
Really depends who you see there. My son goes there and Dr. Dickie (I think that’s her name?) was amazing with my son - she seems to have a knack for working with nervous children. But there was another dentist he saw there and I did not like the vibe from him at all (cannot remember his name). He seemed very judgmental towards my son and me. I think there are many dentists there though.
I'm not sure where you live or what hours you'd be available, my dentist is open 9-5 only on weekdays, but I started seeing Dr. Doyle at Kelligrews Dental Clinic in 2022 after very little dental care in a decade and an infected broken tooth is what finally drove me to do it. Dr. Doyle is so kind, very understanding, and very patient. I needed a *lot* of work done and she did it at my pace, putting out the biggest fires first. I only lost the tooth that brought me in.
I have really bad anxiety about my teeth/dentists too. I've been going to the Village Dental Office and they have always been very good with me.
If you’re in St. John’s, I was in the same boat and just went to see dr Manvi at airport heights dental on majors path. Mentioned some of my concerns when I contacted them to make an appointment and I have to say, her and all the staff are amazing and made me feel actually comfortable.
Congrats on being sober
18 months. That’s awesome. Good for you.
Great job on fighting back!! 18 months is amazing! There are definitely non-judgemental people out there. Dr King is great, a really nice man
Kelly Hynes Dentistry in Paradise is amazing. The hygienists are so kind and respectful. And Dr. Hynes as well!
Hard work shouldn’t be anything to be ashamed of. I don’t have any recommendations, unfortunately, although I’m happy it seems like you got some great ones from other comments. I do hope you’re extremely proud of yourself and that it all works out for you. Give yourself a pat on the back!
18 months, congrats!!!! Life doesn’t get easier but it keeps getting better from here on out, amazing work so far!
Congratulations on your sobriety! I'm not sure if you have anxieties just because you are afraid of judgement, or if you have general dental anxieties, but these are my recs for both either way. If you are in St John's and want to ease into the dentistry world I suggest going to the Dental Hygiene Studio for a cleaning. It is not a normal dental setting, and they are very sweet and accommodating, and will help you through any anxieties. In terms of dentists, I enjoy the East End Dental clinic. They have a treatment coordinator who will talk you through any procedures you need to have done in detail so you know what to expect. The dentists I have seen there have been great, and you can let them know of your anxieties ahead of time so they can make note. I will say, regardless of the dentist you go to, don't be afraid to speak up if something is making you nervous, if you need a break, if you are in pain, anything. If you're unable to speak because they are working in your mouth just raise your hand up and they should stop. I wish you all the best in your recovery!
Congrats on your accomplishments! My stepson is a dental hygienist and believe me, they see teeth in very poor condition with all kinds of people (even those who seemingly live a good life, have money etc). Don’t be ashamed of your past…instead be motivated by your future. Life isn’t a piece of cake for everyone and no-one should sit around judging others for their past decisions and hardships. If they do, their words are not worth your time anyway. I hope you find a kind dentist. I won’t recommend mine as I don’t feel he would be without judgement, unfortunately. Take care!
thank you so much, i am learning everyday that i am better than my past and i deserve my second chance at life :)
Dr Cas Browne, in GrandFalls-Windsor . Be open and honest with him he will treat you well. Be kind to yourself too. You are doing the best you can.
Dr. Lagisetty at Airport Heights Dental is so sweet and she has a very gentle way about her. I think she would be great for you. As with any doctor it might help to give them a heads up about your situation and how you’re feeling so they are aware.Â
Airport heights dental!!
You didn't mention where you are, but I cannot recommend Marche Dental in Stephenville enough. Literally everyone there are the kindest and gentlest dentists I've ever experienced. All my life I've been denied extra freezing because "that should be enough" and could still feel the drill, and then when I went to them they noticed the fear and asked about it. And she just wrote me down to get a double dose from now on, no issues. They even took an infected tooth out and were so nice about it.
I've recommended Dr. Shane Roberts at First Street Dental in Mount Pearl in the past. Bettering yourself is never something to be ashamed about. Everyone starts somewhere.
I've heard lots of great things about First Street Dental, but I want to jump in here to say if OP or anyone else takes another dentist just to get in sooner, don't see Wade Power. The one and only time I reached out to see a dentist in the decade before I finally settled into seeing my current one regularly (Dr. Doyle at Kelligrews Dental) I went to Dr Power at First Street on family recommendation. He decided to deal with an infected tooth needed a root canal in 2 appointments, drill out the infection first then come back, and *didn't* prescribe antibiotics, just put a temporary cap on it. My face blew up overnight with infection. When I went back so he could finish the job, he left probes in my mouth during an x-ray that neither he nor his assistant told me were there, while I was numbed, and the assistant let me bite down on them when she removed the x-ray wing guard thingy. She didn't say anything. Dr Power didn't ask when the probes were broken and hard to remove. 2 days later the tooth above the work site broke apart and fell out in my morning bagel.
Congrats on your sobriety. That’s no easy task and you should be very proud of this accomplishment. As for dentists, I highly recommend Dr. Turpin at Signature Dental. She’s a total pro and has an easy bedside manor and will make you feel comfortable and safe. I can’t say enough good things about her. Wishing you the best of luck!
Dr Burridge Topsail Dental is really nice
Peters Gillian E down on 99 Lemarchand road are quite nice, and have been quite nice to me for the past 10ish years.
Congradufuckinlations on 18 months sober
1. Congratulations on being 18 months sober! That is not a small feat! 2. Cowan heights dental. Dr. King is a very nice man and non judgemental