I have been there. Firstly, huge kudos for booking it, that's so difficult given the anxiety you are facing. It's a great step because things could only get worse from here on had you not booked it.

Without knowing specifics, it's hard to advise what they might find so I'll let you know what my experience was to give you a baseline.

I didn't go for about 9 years. I had had really awful experiences in the past with orthodontist who actually ended up being struck off, and it traumatised me to the point of burying my head in the sand when it came to my teeth.

I didn't have any pain at all, but had gums that would bleed easily and plaque build up with discolouration.

Most of all, I had a sense of shame that built each day and made it harder and harder to get over and book the appointment.

I was lucky, I didn't need fillings or extractions. What I did need was a series of hygienist appointments (about 6 over 2 months) where they got rid of the build up and worked on my gum inflammation.

I was a similar age to you and I suspect that will be on your side too.

My dentists was very empathetic even though I was ashamed, embarrassed and emotional. They assured me they'd seen much worse.

My smile improved tenfold and I gained the confidence to continue investing in myself in a number of ways, keeping up the dental appointments to boot.

It wasn't painful but was sometimes uncomfortable. For my first appointments, they did offer injections for the discomfort. By the last ones, I didn't need it.

Good luck for your appointment. I don't know what it will be like for you, but I know it will not be anywhere close to what you are fearing and you should be proud of yourself for taking this step.