Sorry to hear of dental nightmares....my dad was my dentist growing up, so never had fear or a bad experience. Still practices, and my sister is a hygienist. But the office is just far enough away that it takes up a whole day to visit, so i go local now. It's like my dad's office, a bit old school (but with modern tools) and full of decorum that was popular in the 1970's......
Been lucky that, even though I've needed work, it was done pain-free, even without novocaine. First time I had it was for a shallow filling and I asked my dad to give me some because I was having my wisdom teeth out in a couple weeks (did local for that). I might be one of the few screwballs who actually enjoyed his wisdom teeth experience!
Jacob, that is kind of cool info, re: hard teeth and not harboring the bacteria....