I had a very nasty experience with our second son/caesarean, and it wasn't something you ever 'get over'. As a result, I not only have a zero pain threshold, but I find it hard to trust the medical profession at all levels. That mistrust has been compounded by other mishaps, misdiagnosis and poor treatment given to both my Father and my husband, plus a poor experience myself with a GP in recent years.
Being able to get sedation for dental treatment was a huge relief once I'd tried it.
I may not go to the dentist on a regular basis, but I do at least know there is a very good way to deal with it.
Sedation is also available for other medical procedures, but again, needs to be asked for.
I chose to pay for BUPA rather than life insurance years ago, and still have it, although I never want to actually need to use it!
My husband didn't keep his company private health insurance when he retired, so I did pay for some private hospital treatment he needed early this year (after a 2 year misdiagnosis by our GP - he actually had B.C.C) and it was worth every penny! Instead of asking for yet another appointment, I made an appointment direct with the Nuffield and he had consultation/biopsy two evenings later, and was all done within 2 weeks. Would have been faster but Christmas got in the way!
Far better value than a new carpet!
I'm sure you'll find it worth the cost to get your teeth fixed properly!