Dental Anxiety: How to Feel More in Control at Your Next Visit

“I have dental anxiety” is enough to open the conversation. If you can be more specific, that can help too. Is it a needle, a sound, a sensitive tooth, an earlier experience, the cost of care or the feeling that you might lose control?

Dr. Hassan’s starting question is direct: “What is it that you’re most anxious about?” You do not need to describe every detail. A sentence such as “I get nervous when I do not know what is coming next” gives the team useful information. If several things worry you, start with the one that makes booking hardest.

The Ontario Dental Association’s guidance on stress and dental anxiety encourages patients to work with their dental team on managing these concerns. Speaking up is a practical part of preparing for care.

For help putting a particular fear into words, visit our fear-of-the-dentist page.

Some people feel calmer when they understand each step. Others prefer a simple overview and fewer details during treatment. Neither preference needs a lengthy explanation. Let the dentist know which approach you find helpful.

Dr. Aveen Hassan describes her dentistry as “modern with a gentle touch,” with care customized because people have different needs. In discussing her approach, she explains that some patients want to be walked through the details, while others want less information.

You might say, “Please explain before you begin,” or “Give me the main points, and I will ask if I need more.” If your preference changes during the visit, say so. The aim is a conversation you can follow.

She explained in our October conversation: “Some people want to know every single detail of what’s happening right now. Some people don’t want to know.” That is why describing your preference matters.

When you contact Hayden Charles Dental Care, mention that you are nervous. This gives the team a chance to understand your concern while discussing the appointment. You can ask what is usually included and what information to bring.

A simple way to begin is: “I would like to book a first visit, but I feel anxious about dental appointments. Can you tell me what to expect?” You do not have to sound confident to make that call.

Our new-patient information covers forms, medication lists, previous X-rays and insurance details. Having those practical questions answered can remove one source of uncertainty.

Before an examination or treatment, ask how you can let the team know that you want to pause or have a question. A clear plan is easier to use than trying to work it out when you already feel tense.

Tell the dentist about anything that makes communication difficult, such as feeling overwhelmed when reclining or finding it hard to speak during care. Ask about a hand signal and how to request a break. These are useful topics to discuss at the start of the visit.

You can also ask what you may feel, rather than concentrating on the appearance of an instrument. Focus the conversation on the information that helps you understand the next step.

That care is reflected in patient feedback. Sarah R. describes her experience as “gentle and professional care.” Read the clinic’s Google reviews.

Learn more about gentle dental care at HCDC and the approach behind that patient feedback.

Needles, drilling sounds and a sensitive gag reflex are different concerns. Instead of trying to solve them yourself, write down what happens and when it bothers you. Bring that description to the dentist.

For example: “The sound makes me tense,” or “I worry that I will gag during the examination.” Ask what can be discussed for your appointment. If music helps you, ask whether headphones would work for the visit while still allowing you to hear instructions.

The American Dental Association’s patient guidance on anxiety also describes speaking up and discussing coping approaches with the dental team. Choose a small number of questions that matter to you.

Feeling embarrassed to go to the dentist can make it harder to call, especially if you have put off care for a long time. You do not need to arrive with answers about your teeth. The purpose of the appointment is to understand your current needs.

At HCDC, a first visit usually includes an examination and a discussion of your dental needs. Tell us about the gap and what made returning difficult. Ask how the dentist will explain priorities, options and costs. Understanding the next step is more useful than trying to predict an entire treatment plan before your visit.

If you feel embarrassed about returning to the dentist, you can start by saying so. Our dental-cleaning page also answers questions about sensitivity and returning after a break.

When everything about a dental visit feels overwhelming, a long explanation can become one more thing to manage. Dr. Hassan describes a different approach: break the visit down and bring your attention back to the next small step.

“So I’ll break it down to small steps. I explain it in a simple way.”

Dr. Aveen Hassan

In her example, she describes beginning with a mirror check and explaining what comes next. The purpose is to make the immediate step clear, rather than asking you to think about the whole appointment at once.

Write three things on a note: what worries you, how much explanation you prefer and the question you most want answered. Bring your medication list and insurance information if applicable. Then focus on arranging the first visit.

Hayden Charles Dental Care is at 25 Hayden Street, Units 4 and 5, Toronto, near Bloor-Yonge. We welcome new patients who live or work nearby, and Saturday appointments are offered. Read about our approach to anxious patients, or contact the team and tell us how you feel.