Adult With Severe Fear Of Dentists?

My son, who will be 40 years old tomorrow, has an intense phobia with dentists. He was abused as a child by an idiot dentist. He cannot overcome the fear. Although I sympathize, it is embarrassing to have to accompany him, when he has a dental appointment. I would like to know if anyone has overcome this fear without the expense of a therapist.

Also, he has gone to one, who did nothing to help. The new dentist he has seems very qualified, but doesn't like to use nitrous oxide, although she can. He almost fainted during his last appointment, but she did manage to check his teeth after having given him oxygen, which I thought was the most intelligent thing to do. I know that she is the most qualified dentist around here, but I want him to be able to go to appointments without me. Thanks for any help!

Kentucky-lass from Rome City, IN

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By Ima (Guest Post)

April 18, 20080 found this helpful

There are dentists in our area that routinly
sedate their patients with this phobia.
Call around, ask questions, get a referral.

Alleen

April 18, 20080 found this helpful

Thanks, Ima, for your feedback. His problem has been that when he finds a dentist who sedates they don't seem very qualified. The woman dentist he has found in Auburn is a terrific dentist, and NEVER does work that isn't necessary. I think she is going to be able to work with him.

I sure pray that she will. She can use nitrous oxide, but prefers to deal with the fear, and not have patients depend on the nitrous oxide. I think that's a good idea, but I think she will use it until he gets used to the new dentist.