Help for Dental Anxiety in North York

About help for dental anxiety

Dental anxiety is very common. For some people, it comes from a hard experience as a child. For others, it is the sounds, the smells, lying back, a strong gag reflex or feeling embarrassed about how long it has been. Whatever the reason, the feeling is real, and it can make people put off care until a small problem becomes a painful one.

The most helpful thing we can do is give you control. Before anything starts, we agree on a signal, like raising your left hand, that means stop. When you use it, we stop. We tell you what each step involves and how it may feel, so nothing is a surprise. You can bring headphones, ask for breaks or ask to just talk on your first visit without any treatment at all.

We also try not to rush. Some people prefer to start with a simple exam and build trust over a few short visits before taking on bigger work. Telling the front desk that you feel anxious when you book helps us give you a little extra time. There is no judgment here about how long it has been or the state of your teeth.

You might be living with dental anxiety if

• You feel tense or sick in the days before a dental visit
• You cancel or skip appointments because of fear
• Sounds like drilling make you want to leave the room
• You feel embarrassed about the condition of your teeth
• You have put off care even though a tooth hurts

Benefits

• You set the pace and can stop at any time
• Each step is explained before it happens
• Short visits help you build trust gradually
• No judgment about past dental care

What to expect

1. Tell us when you bookLet our front desk know you feel anxious so we can plan extra time and a quieter start.
2. Talk firstYour first visit can begin in a chair sitting upright, just talking with the dentist about your worries and goals.
3. Agree on a stop signalWe choose a hand signal together that means pause, and we honour it every time.
4. Start smallWe may begin with a simple exam or cleaning before moving on to any other treatment.
5. Plan the next stepWe talk about how the visit felt and plan future care at a pace that works for you.

Other options

If talking it through and going slowly is not enough, your dentist can discuss whether sedation might help for certain treatments. Some people also find that speaking with their doctor or a counsellor about anxiety makes dental visits easier.

Cost and coverage

There is usually no special fee for taking things slowly. You pay for the actual services provided, such as an exam, X-rays or a cleaning, and dentists in Ontario often use the ODA suggested fee guide as a reference. Insurance plans often cover part of this care, and if you have CDCP coverage you can ask us how it may apply. If treatment adds up, LendCare payment plans may help you plan for it.

Our promise: we confirm your coverage and explain the cost before treatment.

Your dental team

Treatment is provided by our dentists. Dr. Ardeshir Ranjbari is a registered specialist in periodontics; our other dentists are general dentists. Some complex cases may be referred to a specialist.

Trusted health information

• Oral health for adults (Government of Canada)
• Oral health (Government of Canada)
• Canadian Dental Care Plan (Government of Canada)

Related services

Help for Dental Anxiety near you

We see patients from across North York and nearby areas, including North York, Don Mills, Parkway Forest, Henry Farm, Willowdale, Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Markham.