I hadn’t been to the dentist for nearly 10 years and was in desperate need of treatment.  It wasn’t really a problem for the first 4 or 5 years however, the last few years this fear had been really getting me down and it was starting to affect my life, especially over the past year. 

About 3 years ago one of my pre-molars had broken and I just assured myself that I would make an appointment to see the dentist ‘soon’ but at the same time knew I just couldn’t bring myself to do this. 

Looking back now it was like I was trapped in this fear and was embarrassed about my teeth and couldn’t possibly let a dentist look in my mouth but knew I needed treatment and it was inevitable that one day I would have to. However, taking that first step to even make an appointment just seemed impossible to me and there was no way I could do it without help.  

I began searching websites for information about dental phobias and found a wealth of information, however, a number of the websites just gave helpful tips on how to make an appointment and deal with any fear but I felt I really needed something more than this.  I then came across a website called WhatFear.Com by Mike Gow, a Dentist who practices hypnotherapy for patients with dental phobias who had helped a number of people.  I then decided that I had to contact Mike and that he would be able to help me overcome my fear. It took me a while to pluck up the courage to do this but eventually I did. I contacted Mike and just talking to him initially on the phone was so much easier than I had first anticipated. He arranged for me to meet him and just have a chat about my fears and what he could do to help. There was no pressure at all to look at my teeth and he made me feel at ease straightaway and I found him very approachable.  I couldn’t believe I was so calm talking to a dentist!  Before this even the mention of the word ‘dentist’ would send me into a panic.

At my second visit I had hypnotherapy which was unbelievable and helped enormously.  The session was recorded and I then listened to the CD the night before each appointment.  I was also taught techniques which helped me to relax when I felt over-anxious.   By the 3rd visit I felt ready to have treatment and throughout this Mike assured me that if at any time I felt uneasy or scared to let him know and he would stop immediately, but I’m glad to say this never happened and after this each time became easier. I still get anxious before an appointment but probably no more than the average person now.

I have now had all the treatment in the original treatment plan and have even booked an appointment for my 6 months check-up! I still can’t believe I’ve done it and this time last year if I thought by now I’d have been to the dentist and had all the necessary treatment I just wouldn’t have believed it at all. 

I can honestly say it’s been so much easier than I thought it would be and it really is all down to Mike with his sympathetic, understanding and friendly approach.  He has been more supportive than I could have ever imagined in helping me overcome this phobia.