A fear of the dentist is common

Millions of people suffer from dental phobia. Most people who find out that they are not alone are shocked to see how common this phobia really is.

The fear of the dentist is a strong fear but is actually quite harmless. Mature adults are often aware that there dental phobia is irrational, but this fear is often hard to overcome when just thinking about going to the dentist causes fear, anxiety, and panic attacks. Study show numbers as high as 25% of the population of North America suffers from fear of the dentist

"A fear, or phobia, traditionally defined as an irrational and exaggerated fear of dentists and dental procedures. Some controversy exists with regards to whether the fear is "irrational", as dentist phobia is most commonly caused by previous bad experiences. Furthermore, there appear to be several subtypes of dental phobia, which to date have not been adequately described and categorized, for example "fear of dentists" versus "fear of specific dental procedures", needle phobia, and dental phobia resulting from previous, perhaps unrelated, abuse. Not all of these fears can be deemed irrational. Dentist phobia may better be defined as an extreme and persistent fear which results in the individual's avoidance of attending a dentist at all costs, unless possibly when a physical problem becomes overwhelming. " Source: wikipedia

It is very common for people suffering from dental phobia to miss their dental appointments. They will come up with any reason to miss it, including mystery illnesses. The problem with this is that without proper dental treatment the problem with your teeth will only get worse. The fear of the dentist usually starts in childhood, often from a dentist who may have accidentally hurt the child, or from a visit to a dentist who is used to working with adults only.

It should not be forgotten that a fear of the dentist plays in your mental and emotional states; it can affect your business and your social life.

What you can do to minimize or eliminate a fear of the dentist

Look for dentists who specialize in treating people with anxiety disorders. These dentists often approach their practice from a physiological point of view. This may include relaxation or visualization exercises for the patient.

Many dentists also help reduce patient fears through the use of drugs. This is great for people who can not seem to get over their fears. You simply go in sit down, take a pill and fall asleep. When you wake up your dental work is done, and although you may feel a little sleepy, you are ready to go home without any stressful memories.

Talk to your dentist about your fears, they may not know that you have them, there is nothing to be ashamed of. If this does not help you are always free to shop around. I used to be afraid of the dentist, and then I moved to a new city and found a new dentist who I talked to about my fears. This dentist had worked with many patients who have a fear of the dentist and he helped me to fear safe and relaxed and actually enjoy my trip to the dentist.