If you have an irrational fear about visiting the dentist, then you may have dental anxiety. Most individuals with dental anxiety practice avoidance methods and simply do not visit the dentist. As a result, these individuals will usually only visit the dentist as a result of being in extreme pain.
Other signs of possible dental anxiety include: sleeping difficulties the night before a dental appointment, crying or becoming physically ill at the thought of going to the dentist, feeling uneasy when dental instruments are placed in your mouth, having difficulty breathing when being evaluated, or feeling extremely nervous, terrified, or panicked while in the waiting or examining room.