Hello NatalieChapman. It appears that, although you're a one-year member, this may be your first posted thread. So... welcome to active participation here on the forums.

Personally, I don't fear the dentist. Over the years I've had some very good dentists. But it wasn't always that way. Growing up my parents didn't encourage me to brush my teeth nor did they take me to the dentist. As a result, as I entered my late teens and early twenties, I began having a lot of tooth-related problems which, in turn, caused me to lose several of them. However, as I got a bit older I wised-up so to speak, with regard to oral hygiene and (as I wrote above) I've had the good fortune to find some excellent dentists. But yes I think taking care of one's teeth, including getting dental implants if that's what's needed (& one can afford them), is important. In my own case, I've become close to obsessive with daily brushing, flossing, etc. And I go in to my dentist's office twice a year for cleanings & check-ups.