Key idea: anxiety doesn’t mean “being weak.” It’s your body’s natural response to situations it perceives as threatening. With a clear plan, you can regain control and take care of your mouth without suffering.
Important notice: if you take anxiolytics, make sure it’s under your doctor’s or psychiatrist’s supervision and let your dentist know before your appointment.
1. Before your appointment: prepare body and mind (20 minutes)
Anxiety often appears before the appointment. That’s why what you do in the morning makes all the difference.
Your express routine (step by step):
- Eat a good breakfast. Don’t go on an empty stomach; it helps prevent sugar spikes and dizziness. A light breakfast with protein and some carbs works well.
- Prescribed medication (if applicable). Take it at the time indicated by your doctor so it has time to take effect.
- 4-4-6 breathing (x3). Inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 6. Lengthen the exhale — it’s a signal of calm for your nervous system.
- Arrive with time to spare. Leave yourself a buffer to park, use the restroom, and sit for a few minutes. Rushing only feeds the stress.
- Keep your questions handy. Write them down on your phone. Seeing your questions answered helps stop overthinking.
In my practice, I say it like this: “arriving after breakfast and with your prescribed medication already taken drops your anxiety by two levels.”
If you’d like to meet the person who’ll take care of you and learn how we work, visit About Us. If you’d rather see the treatment overview, check out our Services.
2. During the appointment: you’re in control (for real)
The goal isn’t to just “tough it out,” but to feel in control. Here are our basics in the clinic:
Pause signal
Before starting, we agree on a simple signal (raising your hand). If you do it, we stop. That way, you avoid feeling trapped.
Phrase I use often: “if you need a break, take it — you’re in charge.”
Distractions that work
- Music in your headphones.
- Visual focus (looking at a point, or a screen with calming landscapes).
- Segmented conversation: I explain only what’s necessary, without overwhelming you.
- Tapping (gentle finger taps) to “ground” yourself in your body.
How we minimize discomfort
- Slow, topical anesthesia first to reduce the sting.
- “Inactive instruments”: I show them to you first so you can touch them before they’re turned on.
- Step-by-step treatment: we divide it into short appointments if it helps you.
By the end, you realize you were able to decide, pause, ask questions, and continue. That positive memory “re-trains” your brain for your next visit.
3. If your anxiety is high: clinical options and psychological support
Each person is different. In some cases, it’s best to include clinical and therapeutic tools.
Conscious sedation (explained simply)
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas): it relaxes you, but you stay conscious and cooperative, and the effect wears off as soon as it ends. Ideal for deep cleanings, fillings, or minor surgeries.
- IV sedation (intravenous): for long treatments or marked dental phobia. Always performed with monitoring and trained personnel.
Before any sedation, we review your medical history, current medications, and check for any contraindications. Safety comes first.
Therapy and medication
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy: helps reduce fear through gradual exposure and coping techniques.
- Anxiolytics: only if prescribed by your doctor. If you’re already taking them, let us know when and how much.
Signs that a mental health referral is recommended
- Repeated panic attacks.
- Complete avoidance for years.
- Anxiety that interferes with daily life.
Derivar no es fracasar: es sumar especialistas para que tu tratamiento sea posible y cómodo.
We share a simple guide about conscious sedation and frequently asked questions (how it feels, how long it lasts, safety). Conscious sedation: questions and answers.
4. First familiarization visit: how it works (and what we WON’T do)
The first visit doesn’t have to include treatment. In fact, with intense anxiety, the best way to start is through a familiarization visit.
What we’ll do:
- A short talk to identify your triggers (sounds, needles, smell, feeling of choking).
- A tour of the clinic and a cold introduction to the instruments.
- Photos and, if you feel comfortable, a gentle cleaning or just treatment planning.
- A step-by-step plan with realistic priorities and timelines.
What we WON’T do:
- Long procedures if you arrive too anxious.
- Surprises. I’ll explain the “what” and “why” before every step.
Result: you’ll leave with a positive experience, clear next steps, and the feeling of “I can do this.”
5. Quick checklist (save it or print it)
- Have breakfast.
- If you have prescribed medication, take it on time.
- Arrive with plenty of time.
- Breathe 4-4-6 (x3) before coming in.
- Tell us what scares you (sounds, needles, pain, choking sensation).
- Pause signal: agree on your gesture.
- Use music or a visual focus.
- Schedule morning appointments if that time helps you stay calm.
- Break treatments into stages.
- Schedule your next appointment before you leave (to prevent anxiety from building up again).
When you’re ready, contact us through Contact/Appointment and get ready for your calm first visit.
6. Stains or discoloration? Start with the simple stuff
Sometimes fear comes from thinking “they’re going to do something intense.” The truth is, many cases improve greatly with gentle treatments:
- Professional cleaning to improve color without complex procedures.
- Polishing and additive composites for small edges or gaps.
- Guided hygiene to restore shine and a clean feeling.
7. Real mini-cases (short summary)
Case 1: “My hands start shaking as soon as I walk in”
Plan: first visit without treatment, 4-4-6 breathing, pause signal, music. Second visit: cleaning with nitrous oxide. Result: positive experience and return to checkups every 6 months.
Case 2: “I want to get treated, but I hate needles”
Plan: anesthetic gel, slow technique, step-by-step explanations, two short appointments. Result: pain-free fillings and a patient surprised at how “manageable” it was.
Case 3: “Years without going; I panic”
Plan: familiarization, photos, 3-stage schedule (hygiene → small restorations → follow-up). Support from their physician for medication. Result: regained control and boosted self-esteem.
8. Quick chart: symptom → action
| If this happens… | Try this first And | if it continues… |
|---|---|---|
| Tight knot in your stomach before leaving | Light breakfast + 4-4-6 breathing | Arrive 15–20 minutes early |
| Heart racing when you sit down | Music + visual focus | Pause signal and break the procedure into steps |
| Fear of “losing control” | Agree on a pause signal | Familiarization visit without treatment |
| Panic about needles | Topical anesthesia + slow technique | Consider nitrous oxide |
| Total avoidance for years | Talking and planning appointment | Refer to therapy and consider sedation |
9. Frequently asked questions
Is it normal to take an anxiolytic before the dentist? Yes, if your doctor prescribed it. Let us know the dose and time so we can plan your visit safely.
What does conscious sedation (nitrous oxide) feel like? A mild sense of calm and “disconnection” from worry. You remain awake and able to talk. Once it’s over, the effect fades quickly.
Does anesthesia hurt? We use topical anesthesia and a slow technique to make it as comfortable as possible. And remember: you can always ask for a pause.
What if I panic in the middle of the appointment? We stop, breathe with you, and continue in shorter steps — or reschedule. The goal is for you to leave with a positive experience.
What if I haven’t been to the dentist in years? Start with a familiarization visit. Nothing invasive during the first appointment. We’ll create a step-by-step plan.
Can I improve my smile without “major work”?
Often yes: whitening, polishing, and minimal composites. If you’re interested, check out the options in Services.
This is what an appointment with us looks like 😉👇
Book your calm consultation
Si la odontofobia te frenó hasta hoy, damos el primer paso juntos. Agenda tu visita de familiarización: haremos el plan a tu ritmo, con señal de pausa, distractores y, si hace falta, sedación consciente.
👉 Pedir Cita / Contacto
Conclusion
Controlling dental anxiety is possible when you regain control: breakfast, breathing, pause signal, distractions, and a step-by-step plan. If needed, add conscious sedation and therapeutic support. The goal isn’t to “tough it out,” but to take care of yourself—at your own pace. We provide the patience and the tools; you set the pace.
