You certainly must go to the Dentist asap Joan an infection can develop very quickly and can be incredibly painful. In the meantime if you feel any discomfort use warm salt water as a mouthwash it is very effective.

Be brave and I am sure you will find the experience is no where near as bad as you imagined it to be. Oh and mention to the dentist that you feel uncomfortable laying back in the chair and he will leave you more upright, we had a few patients who couldn't lay down for one reason or another.

Chrissy