Please help, I'm absolutely terrified of dentists and I don't know if my teeth are just stained or have cavities

[anonandafraid]

Hello there,

I haven't had any fillings yet, I'm 39 and it was a good few years ago since my last visit to the dentist.

I really struggle to go because of panic attacks and I can barely type this message without going into one too, anything to do with teeth just scares me so much.

Yesterday I looked at my teeth closely in the mirror and all the crevasses look like this and I'm so so so scared that it's cavities everywhere. I drink a lot of coffee so some might be staining but I just can't handle a checkup, I really can't. I don't know what to do, my mind is going to the darkest places over this. Please, please help.

https://imgur.com/a/A646G3Q

 

[Dr M]

Could be staining, but you need a clinical examination by a dentist. They need to probe these fissures in order to see if the dental probe "hooks" anywhere or if any of those brown spots, are soft, which might be indicative of active caries.

 

[anonandafraid]

Thank you for getting back to me. I'm trying to build up the courage to go and get it checked. Do you think if I have no sensitivity issues with them that there is any need for something bad like a root canal?

 

[Dr M]

Yes. I would not jump to any conclusions yet. But go see your dentist and make sure.

 

[anonandafraid]

Yes. I would not jump to any conclusions yet. But go see your dentist and make sure.

Sorry, was that "yes" as in it no sensitivity indicates a need for root canal or "yes" typically not a need but go and make sure? Sorry and thanks for your responses.

 

[Dr M]

Sensitivity is not an indication for a root canal. You would need more severe symptoms.

 

[anonandafraid]

Sensitivity is not an indication for a root canal. You would need more severe symptoms.

Thank you so much for clarifying, that has helped settle me enough to build up the courage to go get a check up. Thanks again!