I avoided the dentist for 15 years, all because when I was young (prior to elementary school) I had an abcessed tooth. Our local dentist removed it, and I would wake up with blood all over my pillow and face at night because the wound kept opening up. Then I got sores inside my mouth because he had used unsanitary dental tools. When my mom complained (this was back in the 70s) about the persistent bleeding, he told her not to give me anything to eat or drink for a few days to give it a chance to heal.

Of course she didn't follow that advice, and brought me to an oral surgeon who took one look at my mouth and fixed me up for free (needed 3 stitches in the empty socket and a spacer to leave room for the adult tooth to come years later, as it was a molar).

Anyway . . . .fast forward to my 20s. Needed to go to a dentist and was terrified. At that time, I called 1800 Dentist and asked for the name of a dentist who specializes in fearful patients. They sent me to my current one, and she has been absolutely FABULOUS. Adore her.

I imagine these days you can probably just google a dentist who knows how to deal with fearful patients. Many in this area offer sedation dentistry. Good luck to you, and you can get through it! Maybe bring an ipod, so you can listen to music during the procedure.

And you're older than 6? That strikes me as incredibly immature. But then I'm a big meanie.

If you end up needing a root canal, I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Olga Fonseca in Dupont Circle -- very nice, good bedside manner. I kid you not, but during the procedure, I stuck my headphones in and was actually able to get some much needed relaxation.

My regular dentist is Harvey Levin in Farragut West. Before seeing him, I hadn't been to the dentist in an embarrassingly long time (bad experiences with rough dentists...I used to freak out just seeing an upcoming appointment on my calendar.) He calmed my fears and gave me no judgement. It's still not my favorite activity, but I don't mind going to the dentist anymore.

And I agree with the pp who said the bill is the worst part. The longer you wait, the worse it will be!

I hadn't gone to the dentist in over 15 years and was TERRIFIED. I warned them when I made the appointment, and the dentist and hygenist (sp?) were both great. Explained what each instrument was, what they were going to do and what it would feel like.

The dentist offered me a valium.

Maybe it's just me but going to the dentist is one of my favorite things to do. I get some weird enjoyable sensation from having my teeth cleaned and even filled. As long as I don't feel a thing, it's almost like a good deep tissue massage.

Don't be embarrassed OP. This was me a couple of years ago. I'm a very successful, bright, high functioning adult! And hadn't gone for several years. I finally just jumped in and made an appt for me and the kids. We went to Tawann Jackson on Capitol Hill. She's right at Eastern Market at 650 Pennsyvlania Ave. She's incredibly patient, professional and kind. There was not a word or hint of judgement. She is great with the kids.

It turns out my teeth were fine. No cavities or problems. Of course, I'm not relying on that and have had the regular 6-month check ups since. Having kids helps with this.

Make it your goal just for today to look-up 3 names of dentists either here or on DCUM. Call just one. You can do this.

OP go now, with each day your teeth will get worse and you will find yourself using dentures at 45( If you're not already 45). Which is really not a bad thing if you are into that sort of thing.

But please go now.

LOL. pp made my day!

I fear the dentist bill

I recommend finding a dentist who will use nitrous oxide with you - this shouldn't be too hard. I have dental anxiety and it was a total game changer for me.

Something abscesses badly enough, it can go into your brain and kill you. So which is scarier -- that, or a dentist?

I don't have a great rec because my dentist just retired and I'm not afraid of them, so I don't look for the "sedation dentists" or "painless practices". Those do exist, though.

If you don't want to pass your fears on you may want to go to a pediatric dentist for your kids -- those practices have balloons, tvs and all kinds of other things to deal with kids, so it will feel very different to you and shouldn't frighten them.

It is nearly 2014. Any common dental procedure should be uncomfortable at worst. I didn't have my first cavity until my 20s and I was TERRIFIED - because a needle to the gum sounds unpleasant, no? I didn't feel a thing. I was so anxious over nothing. Honestly, I think if you choose a patient and careful dentist, you are unlikely to experience pain. The big thing is picking a dentist with a good bedside manner who will calmly explain everything to you and treat you gently.

I see Peter Michhael in Chevy Chase. He has been great so far but I have not had work done with him (aside from cleanings).

I had a cavity filled for the first time ever (I've never had any dental issues) so the only thing they did was a little shot to numb half my mouth. I felt absolutely nothing except the needle, which was nothing in the greater scheme of things. I literally just sat there and kind of zoned out while they worked.

If you tell them your fears in advance, they'll work with you. They really will! Where do you live? We're in Kingstowne and I like my dentist a lot. Hayfield Dentist.

You have to go because whatever it is will get worse. And the procedure to fix it will be more intense. Go now.

Flame me, but I haven't been to the dentist in 4+ years. I have such a fear stemming out of a bad procedure more than 15 years ago... Current state in dental office is crying, panic attacks, etc. My kids still go regularly, and we do the proper brush/floss/everything routine with them.

I fear I have a root canal brewing based on some massive pain I have right now.

Can anyone: 1) Talk me off the "dentists are not panic worthy" bridge; 2) recommend a good dentist; 3) Reinforce how to not pass this fear along to the kids?

I live in DC.