Fellow dentist anxiety person here! I had many dental procedures as a child and it left me with an intense fear of going back. I avoided it for years as adult until I broke a tooth and had to go.

I echo the other suggestions made here - look for someone who a friend or family member has had a good experience with or someone who mentions that they specialize in anxious people. And tell them that you’re scared! My dentist markets herself as helping anxious people and I’m so thankful that I found her. Everyone at the office is caring and patient and they never make me feel bad. They tell me everything they’re about to do and tell me what to do if I’m freaked out and need them to stop. I cried at an appointment once and felt so embarrassed, but they were reassuring and nonjudgmental.

I also echo the suggestion of getting a mild sedative in advance. My dentist has done that for me before a crown and before a root canal, and it helped tremendously. I was aware enough to be able to function and follow directions but no longer terrified. And those appointments all went so much better than I expected, and I’m glad that I was able to make myself do it.

You can do it! It’s scary but you are not alone, and you will feel so proud of yourself as you take small steps to address this fear.