If you feel anxious about visiting the dentist, you are far from alone. Studies suggest that between 30% and 40% of Canadians experience some level of dental anxiety. For some, it's mild nervousness. For others, it's a genuine phobia that has kept them out of a dental chair for years. I want you to know: we understand, we don't judge, and we have strategies that help.
Why Dental Anxiety Is So Common
Dental anxiety usually comes from one of three places: a bad experience in the past (often in childhood), fear of pain, or a feeling of being out of control while lying back in the chair. All of these are completely valid. The good news is that modern dentistry — especially at a practice like ours that prioritizes patient comfort — is dramatically different from what you may have experienced years ago.
Practical Strategies That Help
1. Tell Us
This is the single most important thing you can do. When you book your appointment, let our front desk know that you're nervous. When you sit down in the chair, tell me. We adjust everything — our pace, our communication, our approach — based on your comfort level. There's no shame in saying "I'm scared." We hear it regularly and we appreciate the honesty.
2. Agree on a Signal
Before we start any procedure, I always tell patients: raise your left hand if you need me to stop. No questions asked. Having that control — knowing you can pause the procedure at any time — makes a huge difference for anxious patients. You're never trapped.
3. Bring Headphones
Many patients find that listening to their own music or a podcast during treatment helps enormously. It drowns out the sounds that can trigger anxiety (the drill, the suction) and gives your brain something else to focus on. Noise-cancelling earbuds work particularly well.
4. Practice Breathing
Before your appointment, try a simple 4-7-8 breathing technique: breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, breathe out through your mouth for 8 seconds. Doing this in the waiting room and in the chair activates your body's relaxation response. It sounds simple because it is — and it genuinely works.
5. Schedule Wisely
If you're an anxious patient, book the first appointment of the day. You won't spend hours dreading it, and the office is at its calmest. Avoid scheduling on days when you have other stressful commitments.
What We Do on Our End
At Dr. Muller Dentistry, we take anxiety seriously as part of the treatment plan. We use topical numbing gel before any injection so you barely feel the needle. We explain every step before we do it — no surprises. We check in with you regularly during the procedure. And we never rush. If you need a break mid-procedure, we take a break.
You Deserve Care
The worst thing dental anxiety can do is keep you from getting treatment you need. An infected tooth doesn't get better on its own — it gets worse. Please don't let fear prevent you from taking care of yourself. Call us at (709) 400-7474, tell us you're nervous, and let us show you that it can be different this time.
Need Root Canal Therapy?
Dr. Muller and the team are here to help. Book an appointment at our St. John's office.
