Q. Hi After years of suffering a severe irrational fear of dentist, I have finally worked up the courage to go for an appointment. After an initial consultation and x-rays, I have returned today to be told that all of my top teeth need to be removed and I will need a denture. I am only 28 years old and openyl admit to having neglected my teeth in an apalling way. This is my own fault but my dentist didn’t really explain things well as I think she could tell I was excessively nervous. She mentioned that my teeth around the roots and in the upper gum are inflamed, infected and decayed. Doe this mean I have gum disease and that extracting the teeth is the best possible option? I am at a point where I am more embarassed about my inability to smile in front of people than I am concerned about my fear of the dentist. Please can you offer any advice? I have considered cosmetic dentistry or implants but read that implants can only sometimes be fitted at the same time as the rod that goes into the gumline and finaning this would be an issue fo rme. Thank you so much in advance for taking the time to reply