Let me start by saying that the only thing that scares me more then the dentist is death. So needless to say it had been many years since I had gone to one. Knowing I had several cavities that needed fillings, but when I developed pain in one of my molars, I knew I had to get to a dentist, because pain in my teeth is something I just can't deal with. So I made an appointment for the first time at a dental clinic in West Haven, CT. and knew nothing about the doctors there. So I explained to the receptionist how scared I am of the dentist, and the receptionist assured me that I was going to be in good hands. Feeling extremely nervous about going to a place that I knew nothing about, I procrastinated, and arrived 15 minutes late for my appointment. The staff didn't say a word about my being late, but I was still extremely nervous. The hygienist called my name, and that's where my fear exploded. I was literally shaking. She was extremely patient, and understanding, and proceeded to take x-rays that needed to be done. Then in came Dr. Anthony Salvato, an older man that looked very stern. My fear tripled, and he saw how nervous I was, and immediately started explaining what needed to be done, by showing me my x-rays and assuring me that I wouldn't feel any pain. I didn't believe a word he was saying. He then started working on my teeth, explaining every step of the way, right down to the pinch I would feel from the Novocaine needle, which I hardly felt, because he had numbed my gums before administering the needle. Three hours later, he had done six fillings, filed down a broken tooth, and surgery from another tooth that was broken, and the roots of the tooth were still inside my gums. He had to do surgery to get them out, and give me stitches too. Mind you, he did this with just using Novocaine, and it was literally painless. It was a miracle in itself that he was able to keep me in a dentist chair for three hours, and not have me fly out of the office. I still have to go back to him for more work, but now I am not afraid, and he will be the ONLY dentist I will go to from now on. I would highly recommend him to anyone that is deathly afraid of the dentist. He is truly a miracle worker.