I had a bad experience with a dentist when I was in my late teens ............ didn't go back until a really bad toothache forced me to...... many years later.....

I'm lucky I have a good dentist now who understands that "I don't like dentists".... doesn't think I'm a wimp for using nitrous (great stuff)... even for something as simple as a polish........ nowadays they usually use a spray to numb the gum if they give you a needle so you don't feel the needle going in.....

some dentists now use "twilight sedation"... that means.. they put you to sleep without giving you a full anaesthetic and wake you up when its all over (my type of dentist)... but it is not as risky as a general anaesthetic.....

keep shopping around and ask otherpeople to recommend a good dentist.. there are still some pretty old fashioned ones out there... avoid them!!!

slainte

alison