Why Dental Anxiety is More Common Than You Think (and What to Do About It)

If the thought of going to the dentist makes you anxious, you are in good company. Research suggests that somewhere between 36% and 50% of adults experience some level of dental anxiety. For about 12% of the population, it is severe enough to be classified as dental phobia.

At Crestline, we see anxious patients every day. Not occasionally — every day. It is one of the most common things patients tell us at their first visit: 'I am nervous.' Or: 'I have not been to a dentist in years because of anxiety.' Or simply: 'I am scared.'

Here is what we want you to know: we are not surprised. We are not disappointed. We are not going to lecture you about how long it has been. We are going to start where you are and work forward.

Specific things we do for anxious patients: We start with a conversation, not a procedure. We explain everything before it happens — no surprises. We establish a stop signal (raise your hand, and we stop immediately). We go at your pace. If you need breaks, we take breaks. If you need headphones and music, bring them.

For patients with severe anxiety, we discuss sedation options before your appointment. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is available for most procedures. For more extensive work, we can discuss oral sedation. The goal is not to eliminate all sensation — it is to make the experience manageable.

The most important thing to understand about dental anxiety is that avoidance makes it worse in two ways: first, the anxiety itself tends to grow when it is not confronted. Second, dental problems that go untreated become more complex over time, which means the eventual treatment is more involved than it would have been earlier.

If you have been avoiding the dentist because of anxiety, here is what we suggest: call us and tell us. That is the hardest part. Once we know, we can plan your visit accordingly. Your first appointment does not have to include treatment. It can be a conversation and an exam. Nothing more.

It does not matter how long it has been. We are glad you are here.