Thanks for your comments, everyone.

For the first time in over 10 years I went to the dentist today.

She was wonderful, talked me through everything, kept checking with me in case anything hurt, and best of all didn't start lecturing about my past dental neglect.

I'll have to make a few more visits to get everything sorted, but I've got over the biggest hurdle.

Just wanted to say thanks for all your replies, they certainly helped me to take the plunge.

Thank you all.