Kind regards,
I am already going to the dentist! After 15 years I finally found the courage, and I also got an exceptionally kind dentist, and I can only say the following (even though a certain amount of fear is still there, but to a lesser degree!).
Go to the dentist. I am so sorry I did not go earlier. My biggest fear was really that the dentist would be disgusted by me... but I experienced exactly the opposite... They were very understanding and considerate. Of course, it still cannot work without my cooperation! I am trying, and I hope it will get easier with every visit. But the vast majority of people do not realize how important prevention is, rather than treatment after problems occur. There will be quite a few procedures... But I imagined everything would be bloodier, more painful and who knows what else :) which is funny, isn't it... And besides, nobody has died in a dentist's chair, at least not that I know of. Looking back today, I see it as the biggest mistake of my life, and I am glad that I still have almost all of my own teeth, which can be repaired!
So at this point, if anyone is reading this... go to the dentist. There really is nothing to be afraid of!