Sam’s story
I’ve hardly got any top front teeth remaining, a loose front tooth and abscesses, so I have lots of trouble eating and regularly feel pain. It gives me real issues with my confidence and self-esteem, makes it hard going out and meeting people. I’ve been spending a long time trying to find a dentist but it’s been a real struggle, couldn’t get one anywhere in Winchester. It’s been at least 10 years since I last saw one.
When I was a teenager, I had a filling done but wasn’t given anaesthetic, which was a traumatic event and it put me off seeing a dentist from a young age.
I lost my best mate at a young age, I got into drugs and became homeless for six years, I was a drug addict for 15 years. I’ve now been clean for 11 months but it’s definitely had an effect.
I’ve changed so much, this is really the final stage in my recovery. I would like to feel that I’m not just being judged because of my appearance, It’s probably more in my head rather than people actually doing it but it’s just that paranoia of being judged.
Just to be in a dentists’ chair for the first time in more than a decade is a big step for me, to be able to sit in there and explain what’s wrong. I suffer from anxiety and PTSD so it’s a bit nerve-wracking.
I had four of my top teeth removed by Dentaid and that’s the beginning of my process. I’ll be back next month for further treatment.
I’m feeling really good, confident as well. It’s massive for me to sit in the chair, prove that I can have it done. The staff were welcoming and caring – thank you.