I can relate to all of this, I ran away once when I was a kid just because the dentist was "bloody primitive" just like Rick said.

My "cure" came when I was able to talk to a dentist and be reassured, over the telephone. What does it for me is that I'm still mortally afraid of anyone sticking needles into my gums (why do they seem to search around for the most sensitive bit?) so I have a very gentle shot in the arm (valium) which renders the whole thing not just tolerable, but quite pleasant!!

Try it and see.

Cheers, Terry