Dental Anxiety
Do you support patients who feel nervous about dental visits?
Dental anxiety is more common than most people realise and we have no judgement about it. We take a patient, unhurried approach and will explain every step before we proceed. If you have had a difficult experience before, please let us know when you book and we will set aside extra time.
You are not alone
Dental anxiety affects a large proportion of the adult population. For some people it is mild unease before an appointment; for others it is a barrier that has kept them away from dental care for years. Both are valid.
We have worked with many patients who had difficult past experiences: rushed appointments, unexpected pain, or feeling like their concerns were dismissed. We understand why those experiences leave a mark, and we do not make assumptions about why you feel the way you do.
How we support anxious patients
- Step-by-step explanation
We describe what we are doing before we do it. There are no surprises. If something is going to feel like pressure or a pinch, we will tell you first.
- Pacing and breaks
You can raise your hand at any time to signal that you need a moment. We will pause and continue only when you are ready.
- Extra time at appointments
When you let us know about your anxiety in advance, we schedule longer appointments so nothing feels rushed.
- Clear communication throughout
We avoid using words or phrases that tend to increase anxiety. If something was uncomfortable, we want to know so we can adjust.
What helps before your visit
- Let us know in advance. When you book, mention that you feel nervous. This is the single most helpful thing you can do; it lets us prepare the right way.
- Plan a shorter first visit. Your first appointment can be just a check-up and a conversation, with no treatment if you prefer. Getting comfortable with the environment first can make subsequent visits much easier.
- Bring headphones. Listening to music or a podcast during treatment is completely fine and can help you focus on something other than the appointment.
- Arrive a few minutes early. Rushing into the chair straight from the car park adds to anxiety. A few minutes in the waiting room to settle in can help.
What we cannot offer
We want to be upfront: we do not offer sedation dentistry: IV sedation or inhalation (laughing gas) sedation, at this clinic.
If you need sedation to undergo complex dental work, we will refer you to an appropriate specialist who can provide it safely. We believe it is better to be honest about this than to have you arrive expecting something we cannot deliver.
Common questions about dental anxiety
A first visit can just be a check-up and a conversation.
Book when you're ready, or call us first at 905-737-0600; we're happy to answer questions before you decide.