Seems to me that the problem is the fear, not the dental procedures.

Like Rick I learned to fear dental work in the 50's when I assure you it was very unpleasant.

What I did, (about four years ago). I wouldn't advise this policy.

I let the pain get worse, when it became unbearable I found a dentist. Believe me after 72 hours without sleep and in complete agony, you find a dentist. I now know about dental pain.
When it was over I realised:
a) The treatment didn't actually hurt much.
b) How nice it is when your teeth don't hurt.
c) I wasn't actually afraid any more.

I can now sit it the chair, (I was in it yesterday evening in fact, having a left-over root extracted), with relative equanimity, and joke with the dentist.

AndyG