How do you feel about dentists?

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I'm seeing the dentist tomorrow. I'm dreading it. My stepdaughter made the appointment. I wouldn't have done. I've had a degree of antipathy/phobia about them since my first visit to one at 5 when several people had to hold me down.
They hurt you because they never give enough anaesthetic to numb you.
Last time I went was over a decade ago. I had a long rooted tooth out, and got dry socket which was excruciatingly painful.

Due to medication,dental phobia,poor oral hygiene and teeth grinding my teeth are like those of a medieval crone.

I don't like going to the dentist. I find it uncomfortable, especially having the toothpaste sprayed in your mouth. Now, what I really hate is having a tooth pulled. The little prick that they give you on the side of your mouth to put the novocaine or whatever in? I find that really painful.

Yup, I commiserate - ex-alcoholics never have great teeth either. I just went to the dentist and got about 10 fillings done. Was there for two hours, two hours last week, and have to go back for another two hours next week.
Interestingly, there was a question on their medical history paperwork that asked Do you suffer from dental anxiety?
I don't, but I'm assuming if you do, they take that into consideration with how they treat you. They may include more anesthetic than they would someone who was not anxious, or perhaps may offer you the option of a mild "twilight" sedation if you are prone to severe anxiety at the dentist.
If it helps reassure, the experience was generally a good one. Both the dentist and the nurse were very kind, explained everything to me, made sure I was ok (I wasn't doing well verbally that day, so they kept checking) and it has improved the state of my teeth. I hadn't been to the dentist in years prior to this either, because I don't take care of myself well I suppose. It's worth going in my opinion. I hope it turns out well for you!

Another issue-difficulty opening my mouth wide. Just had a go and after a few seconds I want to gag.

I like going to the dentist better than going to the doctor, probably because doctors did worse things to me when I was little and they're also more likely to do things that remind me of abuse. Plus my teeth are pretty good -- I've gone over a decade without seeing a dentist (including a pregnancy, which is supposedly bad on your teeth), and all I had was one little cavity. Not having to deal with root canals and the like certainly helps.

I do have a terrible gag reflex. I dread getting dental x-rays, in particular. And it's hard to keep my mouth open for them. But for whatever reason I can deal with these issues far more rationally than I can my doctor issues. It does help that I have a dentist who listens to me and views himself as someone who gives recommendations, not someone who tells you what you're going to do, although my doctor's almost as good on that front and it doesn't make the difference it ought to.

I hate going to the dentist. The only dental work I've ever had done besides a routine cleaning is having a broken tooth repaired, but I'm always terrified that they'll find something wrong, and I'm so nervous I'm shaking the whole time. I hate the feel of the toothbrush thing they use vibrating against my teeth, and they always nick my gums in a few places with the sharp thing they use to remove plaque, which hurts.

When I had orthodontics, I had something I wore to move my jaw into the position it should be, and to separate the two parts of it, I had to open my mouth very wide. The orthodontist told me that people would sometimes accidentally separate it by yawning. Well, I couldn't do it even if I tried - I just couldn't get my jaw open wide enough on my own. They always got frustrated with me for that.

I love going to the dentist. I really don't like having yellow teeth, and I'm willing to bear through the treatment. I don't want to have the teeth of some meth addict.

I'm not fond of going to the dentist, but they make pain go away. I like that.

I have to be well sedated with anxiety med even before getting there and then given anesthesia before anything starts.

I don't mind going to any doctors. Or any dentists. Even as a child, I'm one of those who don't fear the needle.

At worst, it's just a brief of annoyance, a wasted time and professional fee. I could care less if I walk out with anything that may or may not help.

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For me its being stuck in that tilted chair with a light in my face and someone's fingers in my mouth. My fight or flight instinct goes into overdrive and I totally flip out.

F!cking sadistic bastards.