I was very lucky in that my parents took me and my brother, since before I can even remember, to a very kind and gentle pediatric dentist. He wore Hawaiian print smocks and his voice sounded like the actor who did the voice for Winnie the Pooh, Sterling Holloway. I was also very lucky to have great teeth, and we got regular flouride treatments, so I’ve only ever had one filling. My current dentist is also very caring and gentle. She tells you exactly what she is going to do and there are no surprises.
If you are afraid to go to the dentist, you should ask for refferals from friends, family and co-workers for dentists that they really like. And before you make an appt. to get your teeth worked on, you should have an informal interview with any prospective dentist to let them know that you have a huge fear and what steps do they take to ensure that you can successfully get through the treatment (soothing music, twilight sleep). Also, see if you can tour the facility, some dentists treatment areas are set up so that there are several chairs in one room and people are getting treated in a communal area. I would NOT go in for that at all. Also, pick a dentist who does most of the work him or herself and does not rely on the hygenist to do all of the work. The hygenist should work in tandem with the dentist, but some of the get ‘em in and out quick types don’t operate like that. So do a little bit of investigation before you pick one. If you get a good one, everything should work out just fine.
Because I haven’t had any trouble with my teeth, and I brush and floss regularly, I only have to go in twice a year for X-rays and cleaning. Eventually I will have to have my filling replaced, but I have had that done before with my current dentist and it was just fine. You just have to be up front and honest with them, to let them know if you have any concerns or anxiety and a good dentist will work with you.