Sedation & Anxiety
Managing dental anxiety
Practical ways we help you feel calm and in control at the dentist.
Cause
Often past experiences
First step
Talk to us
Tools
Breaks, signals, sedation
Goal
Comfortable, regular care
Overview
Feeling nervous about dental visits is very common, and you are not alone. Anxiety can build up over time, and for some people it leads to putting off care.
We take this seriously and work at your pace. Together we can find ways to make appointments feel safer and more comfortable.
What to know
- Dental anxiety is common and nothing to feel embarrassed about
- Tell us how you feel so we can adjust our approach
- Simple steps like signals and breaks can help a lot
- Sedation is one option, but not the only one
- Avoiding care often makes problems harder to fix later
Common questions
Will you judge me for being scared?
No. Many people feel anxious, and we are here to help, not judge.
What can help during a visit?
Agreed stop signals, breaks, calm explanations and sometimes sedation.
Do I have to have sedation?
No. Sedation is one option, and many people manage well without it.
Can I bring someone with me?
Often yes. Let us know and we can usually arrange this.
What if I have put off care for years?
That is okay. We can start gently and rebuild your confidence over time.
Related topics
Dr Rick Iskandar · Reviewed June 2026