I haven't seen a dentist in over 10 years because I have been terrified of dentists since I was a child. I can't even discuss the issue with my husband because I get panicky and tearful. He doesn't understand the extent of my anxiety, and he is concerned about my dental health. I know I should go to a dentist, and I worry that I will have another problem (my last visit was a root canal) that will one day make it unavoidable. I just can't face up to going for a checkup, and I don't know how to find a dentist who has experience dealing with my fear. It's not that I have experienced any bad pain in the past -- I just can't stand the lack of control or to have anyone touch my teeth. Is this a phobia, and what should I do? (My heart is racing just writing this note.)

Suz

I'm normally cautious in providing a possible diagnosis for someone whom I haven't met and personally evaluated. But yes, I must say that what you describe sounds like a phobia -- in your case, of dentists and/or dental procedures.

But in a way, that's good news, because phobias are treatable, and if you live in or near a city of any size you should be able to find a professional able to help you resolve the problem.

Phobias can be treated through systematic desensitization (a process involving alternating relaxation exercises with guided imagery of the feared situation), cognitive-behavioral therapy, hypnosis, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and what some call "psychological acupressure techniques" such as thought field therapy and emotional freedom techniques. Some dentists even learn procedures such as hypnosis expressly to deal with their patients' dental treatment phobias.

Your best bet is probably to seek out a licensed psychologist or other mental health professional experienced in treating phobias, and use the technique he or she recommends after evaluating you. You may be able to find such a professional through your physician -- or even your dentist! -- your health insurance company, or the psychology department of a local college or university. Good luck.