DEAR ABBY: I know you can help me. I have a son who's 14 years old, and he is terribly afraid of the dentist. I started taking him to the dentist when he was 3 years old, but each time it was a terrible experience.
He has not been to a dentist for a checkup for more than three years because he is terrified of shots. (He even complains about how painful it is to have his teeth cleaned.)
My question is: Are there any dentists in Michigan who treat patients who have a phobia about dentists? My son needs to have a couple of teeth extracted. -- LIVONIA MAMA
DEAR MAMA: If your family dentist cannot (or will not) refer you to a dentist who specializes in phobic patients, get in touch with your county dental association and ask for some referrals.
Please don't cave in on this very important issue, Mama. Proper dental care is essential to your son's general physical health.