Hello, I am an A-level student conducting research into dental phobias. I do not understand what hypnotherapy is and how it can be used to treat dental phobia. How effective is this method of treatment? Thank you very much.

So I’ve had to have a small needle before when I’ve had fillings and I still cried at this as I was so nervous. Now my dentist says I need to have a tooth out because it’s pushing under another tooth. He says it will be very painful until I have it out. It hasn’t been painful for months but today I woke up and my gums around the tooth were inflamed and it hurts and throbs. I’m so nervous about getting it out, like I’m 15, and started crying before I ran out last time. Would I be able to be put to sleep? This is really scary for me and I want to cry when I think about it. Thanks.

Dear Dr Pinder, I have multiple teeth missing and rotten broken teeth still present. I can’t bring myself to attend a dentist, I haven’t been for over 20 years. The fear and embarrassment is overwhelming.What do you advise please?

I have pain that moves across different teeth on one side of my mouth, but it is not constant. I started using Sensodyne toothpaste not long ago and wondered whether it was connected. I also have a blocked ear on the same side and have read that it may be connected with sinus problems.

I can’t get into the dentist for another 2 weeks and am concerned it’s something more.