Skip to content 
Reviewed by Dr. Sepi Dashti, DMD, DDS · Sigma Dental Clinic, Chicago · Updated October 2026
Fear of the dentist is common and manageable. Dental anxiety is a real, recognized fear that leads many people to delay checkups, cleanings, and needed treatment. The most effective first steps are simple: tell your dentist you are nervous, ask what will happen before treatment starts, and agree on a signal to pause. At Sigma Dental Clinic in Chicago, Dr. Sepi Dashti and our team work with anxious patients every week and go at your pace.
Is it normal to be scared of the dentist?
Yes. Dental anxiety is one of the most common health-related fears, and it affects people of every age. Some people feel mildly uneasy before a visit, while others avoid the dentist for years. Feeling nervous doesn’t mean something is wrong with you, and it doesn’t mean you have to go without care.
Why are some people scared of the dentist?
Most dental fear comes from past experiences, fear of pain, or not knowing what to expect. Common causes include:
- A painful or unpleasant dental visit in the past
- Fear of needles, injections, or dental instruments
- Worry that treatment will hurt
- Discomfort with someone working inside your mouth
- Fear of being judged about the condition of your teeth
- Worry about being told you need unexpected or expensive treatment
- Feeling a loss of control while lying in the dental chair
- Embarrassment about not seeing a dentist for a long time
For some people, even calling to book an appointment causes stress. If embarrassment is your main worry, read our guide: Are You Embarrassed to Go to the Dentist?
What is dental anxiety?
Dental anxiety is nervousness or fear connected to dental visits or treatment. It ranges from mild worry before an appointment to fear strong enough that a person avoids dental care completely, which is often called dental phobia.
What are the levels of dental anxiety?
- Mild anxiety: you feel tense or have butterflies before an appointment, but you still go.
- Moderate anxiety: you need extra reassurance or breaks during treatment, and you may put off visits even when something hurts.
- Severe anxiety or dental phobia: you avoid the dentist completely and feel panic at the thought of booking a visit.
Knowing your level helps your dental team plan the right amount of support for you.
What are the symptoms of dental anxiety?
- Feeling nervous for days before an appointment
- Trouble sleeping the night before
- Sweating, shaking, or tense muscles
- A racing heartbeat
- Feeling sick to your stomach
- Trouble sitting still in the chair
- Canceling or repeatedly postponing appointments
If anxiety is keeping you from the care you need, talking openly with your dentist is the most important first step. Meet Dr. Sepi Dashti, who is known for her gentle, step-by-step approach.
How do I tell my dentist I am nervous?
Say it when you book and again when you arrive. A simple sentence works: “I get very nervous at the dentist.” This gives the team a chance to slow down, explain each step, and check in with you more often.
It helps to be specific. Mention exactly what bothers you, such as needles, the sound of the drill, sensitive teeth, or a bad past experience. The more your dental team knows, the more they can do to make you comfortable.
What questions should I ask before dental treatment?
Not knowing what will happen often makes anxiety worse. Before any procedure, ask:
- What treatment do I need, and why?
- Are there other options?
- How long will the appointment take?
- What will I feel during the procedure?
- How will I feel afterward?
- What will it cost, and what does insurance cover?
At Sigma Dental Clinic, Dr. Sepi uses intraoral cameras and low-radiation digital X-rays to show your teeth live on the treatment-room screen. You see exactly what she sees before she recommends any treatment, so there are no surprises.
Can I ask the dentist to stop during treatment?
Yes, always. Before treatment begins, agree on a simple signal with your dentist, such as raising your hand, that means “please pause.” Your dentist will stop, check in with you, and continue only when you are ready.
Knowing you can stop at any moment gives you back a sense of control, and many patients find that alone makes treatment much easier.
Can I start with just a checkup if I’m nervous?
Yes. If you have avoided the dentist for a long time, you do not have to agree to a lot of treatment on your first visit. You can start with an exam, X-rays, and a conversation about your concerns.
That first visit lets your dentist understand your oral health and explain your options. From there, you decide on a treatment plan together, one step at a time, at a pace that feels manageable.
How can I calm down before a dental appointment?
Simple relaxation techniques can noticeably lower tension before and during a visit:
- Breathe slowly: in for four counts, hold for four, out for six.
- Listen to calming music on the way, and ask to wear headphones during treatment.
- Arrive a few minutes early so you don’t rush.
- Book a morning appointment so you have less time to worry during the day.
- Avoid caffeine beforehand, since it can make anxiety feel stronger.
- Focus on one step at a time instead of the whole appointment.
If you start to feel anxious in the chair, tell your dental team. You never have to sit through it silently.
How does modern dentistry make visits more comfortable?
Dentistry today is very different from what many people remember. At Sigma Dental Clinic, Dr. Sepi Dashti combines gentle techniques with modern technology to reduce discomfort and fear.
- Effective numbing: the area is fully numbed before treatment, so most procedures feel like pressure, not pain.
- Seeing your own teeth on screen: intraoral cameras and digital X-rays show your teeth live, so you always know what is happening and why.
- Another option: a TV on the ceiling above the chair helps take your mind off treatment.
- A patient, supportive team: our team is trained to notice signs of anxiety and respond calmly. Many patients tell us they feel calmer as soon as they walk in.
How do I choose a dentist for dental anxiety?
Look for a dentist who listens, explains before acting, and never rushes you. Good signs include:
- They ask about your concerns before starting.
- They clearly explain treatment options and costs.
- They are happy to answer questions and take breaks.
- Other patients mention feeling calm and not judged.
Many reviews from Sigma Dental Clinic patients say Dr. Sepi explains every step and puts nervous patients at ease.
What happens if I avoid the dentist because of fear?
Avoiding the dentist brings short-term relief, but dental problems usually get worse and more expensive over time. A small cavity can become a root canal, and early gum inflammation can develop into gum disease.
Regular checkups catch problems early, while treatment is simpler and more comfortable. You don’t have to fix everything at once. Start by booking one appointment and sharing your concerns.
What if I haven’t seen a dentist in years?
You are not alone, and you will not be judged. Many patients come to Sigma Dental Clinic after years away. Your dentist’s job is to assess your oral health today and help you plan next steps, not criticize the past.
Being honest about how long it’s been helps your dental team provide the right care.
When should you see a dentist?
Don’t wait for pain. Book an appointment if you notice:
- Tooth pain that doesn’t go away
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweets
- A chipped, cracked, or broken tooth
- Pain when chewing
- A loose tooth
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away
- Swelling in your face, gums, or jaw
Even without symptoms, a checkup every six months helps keep small problems from becoming big ones.
Dental care for anxious patients in Chicago
Sigma Dental Clinic, at 1954 W Foster Ave in Chicago, welcomes nervous and anxious patients from Andersonville, Lincoln Square, Ravenswood, Edgewater, and across the North Side.
Dr. Sepi Dashti and our team will listen to your concerns, show you what is happening with your teeth, explain every option, and go at your pace. We are open Monday to Friday, 10 am to 7 pm, and Saturday, 9 am to 2 pm.
Frequently asked questions
How can I stop being scared of the dentist?
Start by naming what scares you and telling your dentist. Knowing what to expect, agreeing on a stop signal, and using slow breathing before and during your visit help most people feel much calmer over time.
Is a dental cleaning painful if I’m anxious?
A routine cleaning usually isn’t painful. You may feel scraping and pressure. If your gums are sensitive, your hygienist can use a numbing gel and work more slowly.
Can I listen to music during treatment?
Yes. Many anxious patients bring headphones. Music can block out dental sounds and help you relax. At Sigma Dental Clinic, you can also watch the TV above the chair.
What should I say when I call to book?
Just say, “I get nervous at the dentist.” Our team will note it so Dr. Sepi can plan extra time and explain each step during your visit.
Is dental anxiety a reason to delay treatment?
No. Delaying usually makes dental problems harder and more expensive to treat. Instead, tell your dentist about your anxiety so they can plan a slower, more comfortable visit.
Take the first step toward comfortable dental care
Being scared of the dentist doesn’t mean you have to go without care. The first step is simple: tell us how you feel.
Call (773) 506-2033 or book online to schedule a relaxed first visit with Dr. Sepi Dashti. A comfortable dental experience starts with an honest conversation.
