I'm back from the dentist. Ironically I had all green lights on the way there. Too bad.
I expected him to look in my mouth and say, "You need to contact the Extreme Makeover people!"
Instead, after having a bunch of x-rays and a good cleaning with a (new to me) instrument that vibrates and rinses while cleaning your teeth rather than the old pick and scrape method I'm used to. The dentist came in and checked everything out and said, "Well, no cavities and your teeth are in great shape." I had to make sure he was talking to ME.
I went ahead and scheduled another cleaning for August. I have plenty of time to build up that courage for the next appt.
Glad THAT'S over with!