Some patients become extremely anxious about the prospect of visiting a dentist for a variety of reasons. They may be afraid of the unknown or worry about pain and injury, as dentists are often stereotypically portrayed with power drills and cold metal instruments.

The patient may also be reluctant because of past unpleasant or traumatic experiences, may become physically ill or panicked by odors, sights, and sounds associated with a dental office, may be uncomfortable with the dentist or the idea of being touched, embarrassed by their teeth, or worried about how they're going to pay the bill.

Many people who have been scared of dentists for years aren't aware how far ...