My only problem is that I am so terrified of dentistry, way beyond the norm, that I *have* to have a hygienist who will CHAT, and take my mind off what s/he's doing and cover up that terrible noise. I actually had to change dentists when my old one got a new hygienist who couldn't chat and work at the same time...

Sounds like a horror story, though! But it was the right decision on your part to go, and get it done, good for you!