I had a very similar experience to robroy , it was in the days when they used gas and I was still awake 
. by the time I was in my early thirtys what teeth I had left were a disgrace . anyway I was earning good money so plucked up courage and went to a different dentist . what a difference to the old one , music in the background and dolly bird assistants 
I felt much more relaxed about the whole experience . after having a chat regarding my options he persuaded me to get a bridge fitted .cant remember the cost but it was expensive . 30 years later its still there and still looking good .