Originally published August 8, 2018. Updated September 27, 2026.
Putting off a dental visit because of nerves is very common, and it can become a cycle: the longer you wait, the more likely a small problem grows into a bigger one, which makes the next visit even more stressful. The American Dental Association (ADA) notes that regular visits actually reduce anxiety because they prevent the complications that make future appointments harder. The good news is that dental anxiety is well understood, and there are practical tools, from simple communication to sedation, that help. This guide covers what causes dental anxiety, techniques you can use, and the sedation options that are available.
Why do people feel anxious about the dentist?
The ADA names two common worries: fear of pain during a visit, and uncertainty about what the dentist might find after time away from care. Past experiences, sounds and smells, feeling out of control, and fear of needles can add to it. None of this is unusual, and none of it needs to be explained or apologized for at your appointment.
What can you do to feel calmer?
- Tell us you are nervous. Both the ADA and Cleveland Clinic advise telling the dental team when you book and again when you arrive, sharing any bad past experiences, and asking for coping suggestions.
- Ask for a play-by-play. Cleveland Clinic suggests asking your provider to explain each stage so nothing is a surprise.
- Agree on a stop signal, such as raising your hand, so you can pause to rinse or catch your breath.
- Use distraction. The ADA suggests headphones with music or an audiobook to soften drill sounds, and fidget objects or imagining a calming place.
- Practice relaxation. Count your breaths in and out evenly, or try progressive muscle relaxation, tensing and releasing one body part at a time, as the ADA describes.
- Keep regular visits. Short, routine checkups build trust and keep problems small.
What sedation options are available?
When relaxation techniques are not enough, sedation dentistry can help. Cleveland Clinic describes these levels:
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Breathed through a mask, it takes effect within a few minutes. Pure oxygen flushes it out afterward, so you can typically drive yourself home. The ADA calls nitrous oxide with oxygen a safe and effective means of managing pain and anxiety in dentistry when used appropriately.
- Oral conscious sedation. A prescription medication taken about an hour before treatment. You may become drowsy or fall asleep, and you will need a ride home.
- IV sedation. The deepest form of sedation available in a dental office, delivered through an IV line with your vital signs monitored. Many people do not remember the procedure.
- General anesthesia. Used in a hospital or surgical setting for complex cases, especially for young children or people with severe anxiety.
Sedation can also help people with a fear of needles, a sensitive gag reflex, difficulty relaxing, or long treatments. Learn more about our sedation dentistry options.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Sedation is generally safe when it is matched to your health and provided by trained professionals. Cleveland Clinic notes that some people have allergic reactions to sedatives, and that side effects such as drowsiness, headache, nausea, and bruising at an IV site are possible and usually resolve within 24 hours. Recovery from nitrous oxide takes about 15 to 30 minutes, while oral and IV sedation call for about 24 hours without driving. To prepare, tell your dentist about your medications and health conditions and arrange transportation for deeper sedation. Sedation is also useful for procedures people often fear, such as a root canal or implant surgery.
What should you do if you have been avoiding the dentist?
Start small. Call, say you have been away for a while and are nervous, and ask for a first visit that is only a conversation and a gentle exam. There is no judgment. Many patients return after years away, and our goal is to make the experience comfortable and set a plan that fits you. If you are in pain or have a broken tooth now, see our guide to dental emergencies.
Frequently asked questions about dental anxiety
Is dental anxiety common?
Yes. The American Dental Association says that if you get nervous just thinking about going to the dentist, you are not alone. Common concerns are fear of pain and not knowing what the dentist might find.
What can I do to feel calmer at the dentist?
Tell your dental team you are nervous, agree on a hand signal to pause, ask them to explain each step, bring headphones, and practice slow breathing or muscle relaxation. Many people find that regular visits reduce anxiety because problems stay small.
What is nitrous oxide?
Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is a gas you breathe through a mask along with oxygen. The American Dental Association calls it a safe and effective way to manage pain and anxiety in dentistry when used appropriately. Cleveland Clinic notes you feel relaxed within a few minutes, and afterward pure oxygen flushes it out so you can usually drive yourself home.
What are the types of sedation dentistry?
Options range from nitrous oxide to oral conscious sedation (a pill taken before your visit), IV sedation, and general anesthesia, which is used in hospital or surgical settings for complex cases. Your dentist will recommend one based on your needs and health history.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
It is considered safe when provided by trained professionals and matched to your health. Some people have allergic reactions to sedatives, and side effects like drowsiness, headache, or nausea are possible. Tell your dentist about your medications and health conditions, and arrange a ride home for deeper sedation.
Nervous about your visit? Tell us.
Our team is happy to slow down, explain each step, and discuss sedation options so you can get the care you need comfortably.
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- Brook Road: 9007 Brook Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23060, (804) 372-4420
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Quick takeaways
- Dental anxiety is common. Fear of pain and fear of the unknown are the usual causes.
- Tell the team you are nervous, set a stop signal, use distraction, and practice slow breathing.
- Regular short visits reduce anxiety over time by preventing bigger problems.
- Options include nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia for complex cases.
- Share your medications and health conditions, and arrange a ride home for deeper sedation.
- It is never too late to come back. Start with a simple conversation and a gentle exam.
Sources
- American Dental Association. Anxiety. MouthHealthy.org.
- Cleveland Clinic. Dental Anxiety: 4 Ways To Deal.
- Cleveland Clinic. Dread Going to the Dentist? Sedation Dentistry May Help.
- American Dental Association. Nitrous Oxide. ADA Oral Health Topics.
