Q. Hi Rob, This is about my girlfriend. She is 22 1/2 and has no adult teeth although she understands they are in there waiting to erupt. Her baby teeth are gradually eroding and cause her regular pain. She is terrified of all things medical, doctors and dentists especially needles, and has steadfastly refused to allow me to take her for treatment. However, during the last couple of days she has suffered from what we think is an abcess on her lower right jaw which is about 3 teeth long and as high as the tooth. The pain from this appears to be persuading her to consider doing something about it. She is a really attractive girl apart from her teeth and as a result she never smiles with her mouth showing her teeth. This fear is a long standing fear and is genuine. I seem to have now convinced her (with the aid of the pain) to at least have a consultation to establish the options. She tells me that in the past dentists have expressed interest in her condition since it is so rare. If you feel up to a challenge I will give it my best shot to support you and her. .,