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Maven said:
My teeth are very bad, because my parents didn't teach me to or make me take care of my teeth when I was young. I brush them regularly now, but it took me to get into my 20's before I developed that habit.

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Maven, it's not you or your parents' fault; I was taught to care for my teeth and taken to the dentist every 6 months from the age of 5 for cleaning/check-up. My brother had no cavities (and I'm sure didn't brush his teeth as often as I did as I'm sure our stepmom didn't bug him as much since he was older and a guy) and I had a zillion; your mouth/teeth/genetics pretty much determine a lot of all that.

When I have root canals I try to remember that it is not the pain (there isn't much) but the fear that is the worst and "fear" is not real. So I keep focusing on what is "really" happening and if it hurts or not right that minute and how much. Staying in the present moment is the only way I can keep my mind from going off on me :-) Too, I have survived dentist appointments before so there's no reason I won't survive this one and I keep track of the time. A root canal takes maybe an hour so I think about what I'll do afterwards (how I'll treat myself for getting through it) and I keep the time in perspective so it doesn't get too "big". I also compare the dentist to other things I'm afraid of (giving speeches, starting a new job, meeting new, "important" people, quitting a job; for example) and remind myself it's just one of "those" things and that I've successfully gotten through them well over the years.