Readers Respond: Why Are You Afraid of the Dentist and Dental Treatment?

Responses: 9

An estimated 80% of adult Americans have a fear of the dentist. In some cases, this fear prevents many people from obtaining the regular dental care necessary to maintain healthy teeth and gums. When a dentist is aware of your specific fears or phobias, steps can be taken to help alleviate the stress and anxiety associated with dental treatment.

What do you fear about the dentist and dental treatment? Share your stories of dental fear here and realize that you are not alone.

Scared to death

My fear comes from when I was a child and the dentist wanted to pull four teeth for braces. Unfortunately my parents gave me the choice no braces no pain or pull four teeth wear headgear at school and the pain of braces. Now what child would choice the later. My children did not get the choice the just grew up knowing they would be getting braces. Also, I dislike the instruments and seeing them when you go in. The thought of them taking a small sharp wire and sticking it in my tooth going all they way down to the root scares the dickens out of me. They poke you in your gums with the instruments causing pain and bleeding. I am 56 and facing scaling and planing that is to be so painful they have to numb the gum. WOW I just thrilled to get that done. NOT!! Plus in addition to the pain they are also raping my wallet by the expensive. Only rich people get beautiful smiles.

—Guest Alice

bad experience =(

I was bout 7 n the electric drill backed, up n they hacked away by hand. Now I'm terrified n my wisdom teeth are coming through I'm scared to go bk!!!

—Guest nelsdon

nightmare teeth

My teeth have extra long roots and hook and a ball on the end of root. The dentist had problem getting tooth out. I was in dental chair for over 2 hours to remove 2 teeth. Even dentist classed it as unbelievable. Even years ago I had to have a doctor stop and send me to a surgeon next day to finish procedure. I could not go through another dentist appointment if I had to today.I have gone through this 3 times in past week having six teeth removed and my nerves are shock. I cannot blame my dentist. I told my dentist (Other dentist retired) I know he didn't know it was going to be so rough. Thank god my top teeth are all gone now. I am at the stage I couldn't go through this again. He referred to lst tooth with problem as a kane tooth. couldn't believe what it looked like. Didn't expect have problem with two in front small teeth but was same situation.

—Guest charl

Not afraid, exactly

When I was about 12 I had a ton of cavities. It took four visits to fill them all, which was very unpleasant. I also had a dead tooth that had to be pulled, and couple of years later I had to have my molars pulled to make room for braces. It's not that I'm afraid of the dentist; it's just such an incredibly unpleasant experience - the poking and prodding, the sound of drills in my head, the teeth being torn out by the roots (although I did like the laughing gas), the saliva everywhere, ugh. I hate it, I just hate everything that goes along with it.

—french

Past Experiences

I don't like to go to the dentist because of past experiences. I have very sensitive teeth and it is usually painful no matter how careful the dentist is. But, having had experiences with dentists for over 20 years, I do know that modern procedures are much less painful than they used to be in the "olden days."

—Guest Connie G.

Dental phobia

After bad experiences I had dental phobia for 20 years, but pain from abscesses forced me back. My current dentist has now completed a year-long makeover of my mouth, with root canals, crowns, veneers, fillings and two implants - all without the slightest twinge of pain. I could not believe it could be possible, so it is obviously the skill of the dentist which is the governing factor in this problem. I am in the UK, but there must be such skilled practitioners in the US also.

—Guest hwemjones@hotmail.com

Bad Experience

When I was a child, I had a dentist who wasn't too patient with children. During a filling procedure, he began drilling before I was completely numb. When I told him I could feel the drilling and it hurt, he dismissed me and ordered me to sit still. I did, but the entire procedure was painful and left me with a horrible fear. I was so terrified in fact that I went years without seeing a dentist. Now, though, I have a fabulous dentist who is extremely patient, kind, and professional. I'm so pleased with her office that I'm actually getting orthodontic work done as well! I should have had braces as a teen, but I was too frightened. Better late than never!

—Guest A.P.

dental fears

I am not afraid I like going to the dentist and I am 11.

—Guest Tori

Previous experiences

My fear is extended from my childhood. Our family dentist was very rough and didn't associate with kids very well. My own children were excited to go to the dentist because of his care his staff and their ability to relate to children.

—Guest Mark Watson