Everything You Wanted to Know About Dental Anxiety—and Were Too Embarrassed to Ask

by | Apr 10, 2025 | Preventive, Sekhon Dental, Smile | 0 comments

Let’s be real for a second: dental anxiety is very common—and you’re definitely not the only one feeling it. Whether it’s been a few years since your last visit or you just get that nervous pit in your stomach before an appointment, dental anxiety is nothing to be ashamed of.

Hi, I’m Dr. Navjot Sekhon, DDS, and at Sekhon Dental – Dentist Agoura Hills, helping patients feel calm, safe, and supported is one of the most important parts of what we do. If going to the dentist makes you anxious, keep reading. This post is for you.

What Exactly Is Dental Anxiety?

Dental anxiety can show up in different ways: maybe you’re avoiding dental care due to dental anxiety, maybe your heart races in the waiting room, or maybe you’ve canceled appointments simply because the idea of sitting in the chair feels overwhelming. Some people even lose sleep the night before a visit.

For many, this fear stems from:

  • A previous bad experience

  • Fear of pain or needles

  • Embarrassment about dental health

  • Feeling out of control during treatment

The good news? There are real, effective ways to work through it—and we help patients do that every single day.

You’re Not Alone—And You’re Not “Overreacting”

At Sekhon Dental – Dentist Agoura Hills, we never judge anyone for feeling nervous. In fact, some of my most loyal patients were once terrified to walk through the front door. But we took our time, had honest conversations, and made sure they felt heard. Over time, their anxiety decreased—and their confidence grew.

I’ve always believed that the key to overcoming dental anxiety is building trust first, then treatment second.

How We Help Patients Feel Comfortable

Here’s what we do a little differently at Sekhon Dental – Dentist Agoura Hills:

🗣️ Open, Judgment-Free Communication
We believe that trust begins with honest conversation. Whether you want to share past experiences, ask a hundred questions, or just need someone to listen—we’re here for it. You’ll always be heard, never rushed.

🪥 A Conversation Before Anything Else
We start with a relaxed, no-pressure consultation. If you just want to talk and not sit in the chair yet—that’s totally fine. We’ll go at your pace.

👩‍⚕️ Truly Personalized Care Plans
Your dental care should fit you, not the other way around. We work with you to create a plan that addresses both your oral health needs and your emotional comfort. Whether that means shorter visits, extra breaks, or a specific routine that helps you feel grounded—we’re here to make it work for you.

🎧 Comforting Music
Bring your headphones so you can listen to your favorite music to help you feel more at ease. A little comfort can go a long way!

😌 Gentle Techniques + Sedation Options
We’re experts in gentle dentistry. For those with more intense anxiety, we also offer nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) to help you feel completely relaxed.

🧠 Mindfulness & Breathing Techniques
Sometimes, just learning how to breathe deeply and focus your thoughts can shift the entire experience. We’ll guide you through calming techniques that really work.

Why It Matters

Avoiding the dentist due to fear can lead to more serious problems down the road—pain, infections, and expensive treatments that could have been prevented. My goal is to break that cycle and create a space where you feel safe, empowered, and even a little proud of yourself for showing up.

A Message From Dr. Sekhon

“I see you. I hear you. And I promise—we’re going to take this one step at a time. No judgment. No pressure. Just compassionate care that meets you exactly where you are.”

Let’s Take the First Step—Together

If you’ve been putting off your dental visit because of fear, know that help is here. Sekhon Dental – Dentist Agoura Hills is a place where kindness meets clinical excellence—and where your comfort is never an afterthought.

📞 Call us today or 📅 book an appointment online. We’ll talk, laugh a little (probably), and begin building the trust you need to feel good about your dental care.

Schedule Your Appointment?