Sue:

If a person has a dental phobia, it doesn't matter if you are just going in to the office to make an appointment. Some people can't even do that. I go on the Dental Fear forums and you would be amazed at what people go through.
They haven't been to the dentist in 30 years because when they were younger, a dentist held them down bodily and scared them to death. Or a dentist did not use novocaine on them and their pain went through the roof.

In some cases, people do their OWN dental work. My friend's mother had to pull her husband's teeth because he would never go to the dentist or the doctor. And he was a chain smoker. Guess what happened to him?

The most original dental story I heard was from this guy in England who was so afraid of the dentist and his teeth were so bad he could not eat. So at dinner time, he would make a wax impression over his top teeth and his bottom teeth, keep the wax on, and then he would eat. Because he couldn't press down with the food. He only ate soft food anyway.

I hear such heart breaking stories. That's why I go there sometimes and I find phobia dentists for people who can't even make a phone call. I've even called up phobia dentists (In the United States because I have free long distance). I would speak to the staff, then I would post a message on the Dental Fear message board and let the phobia person know that it was safe for them to call. And sometimes, they couldn't even make the call.

It's that debilitating a phobia. I know, because I had it ALL my life.

But thankfully I get my cleanings and checkups with my phobia guy. And he's adorable. I'm very fortunate.

So you take care,
Melody
P.S. Go for that cleaning. You'll be glad you did.