Dental Anxiety and Dental Phobia

Last Updated: June 19, 2026
dental anxiety and dental phobia

Dental anxiety is a common problem for many Americans, and it’s important to understand that you’re not alone. Thousands of people feel nervous, scared, or even have a phobia of visiting the dentist. However, at New Image Dental, we understand this and work to make our patients feel as comfortable as possible during any exam or procedure.

Dental procedures are not as painful as you may think. With modern technology and techniques, most dental procedures are performed with minimal discomfort. Our team at New Image Dental is dedicated to ensuring that our patients feel at ease during their visit and are well-informed about the procedures they will undergo. We take the time to explain every step of the process and answer any questions you may have.

Fear of the dentist is so common that it has a name – odontophobia. We understand that this is a real concern for many people, and that’s why we strive to provide a relaxed, comfortable, and welcoming environment. Our team is highly trained and experienced and will work with you to overcome your dental anxiety.

Don’t let your fear of the dentist prevent you from receiving the care you need. Contact New Image Dental in Inglewood and let us help you overcome your dental anxiety. We are here to provide you with the best dental care and make sure you feel comfortable and at ease every step of the way.

How to Feel more comfortable

If you have a fear of the dental office or procedures, it’s important to understand that there are steps you can take to make yourself feel more at ease and relaxed. Here are a few tips that we recommend:

  1. Communicate your concerns: Talk to your dentist and dental team at New Image Dental in Inglewood about your fears and concerns. They can help you understand the procedures, answer any questions you may have, and work with you to develop a plan that addresses your specific needs and concerns.
  2. Distraction techniques: Bring headphones and listen to music, or use a noise-canceling device, during the procedure to help you relax and take your mind off the procedure.
  3. Relaxation techniques: Practice deep breathing or visualization techniques before your appointment to help calm your nerves.
  4. Sedation: Depending on the procedure and your level of anxiety, your dentist may recommend oral or inhaled sedation, which can help you relax and feel more comfortable during the procedure.
  5. Open communication: Don’t hesitate to let your dental team know if you’re experiencing any discomfort or anxiety during the procedure. They will work with you to make adjustments and ensure that you’re as comfortable as possible.
  6. Positive reinforcement: Reward yourself after your appointment, it could be something simple like a treat or a movie.

It’s important to remember that dental anxiety is a common problem and that there are steps you can take to make yourself feel more at ease. The team at New Image Dental in Inglewood is dedicated to helping you overcome your fears and providing you with the best dental care possible.


affordable dentist in Inglewood Dr. Marina Adams with African American dental patient in Inglewood
dr Marina Adams an affordable dentist in Inglewood
dr Marina Adams with a 5 star review patient. A dentist near Los Angeles New Image Dental
dr Marina Adams a dentist in Inglewood with a dental hygenist

Early Morning Appointment

Scheduling a dental appointment early in the morning can be beneficial for several reasons. Firstly, it can help you avoid spending the entire day worrying about the appointment. When you have an appointment later in the day, it can be easy to let thoughts of the upcoming visit consume your thoughts and cause anxiety. By getting it out of the way early on, you can go about your day without the added stress.

Additionally, an early morning appointment can help you avoid missing work or other important obligations. If you schedule your appointment for later in the day, there is always the risk of traffic or other unforeseen circumstances causing you to be late. By scheduling an early morning appointment, you can ensure that you will have plenty of time to get to your appointment and make it back to work or other responsibilities on time.

Bring a Friend

Having a friend or relative accompany you to your dental appointment can provide much-needed moral support. While they may not be able to be with you during the actual procedure, simply knowing that they are nearby can help ease your anxiety. Many dental practices, like ours, understand that visiting the dentist can be a daunting experience for some people, and that’s why our motto is “Cater to Cowards.” We want to make sure that our patients feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible during their visit.

Bringing a friend or relative with you can also be a great way to have someone to talk to before and after your appointment. They can help distract you from any nerves you may be feeling and provide a comforting presence. They can also help you understand any instructions given by the dentist or hygienist and assist you with any questions you may have.

Furthermore, if you are afraid of visiting a dentist or have a dental phobia, it’s important to communicate this to your dental practice. They may be able to offer you options such as sedation dentistry or other relaxation techniques to help make your visit more comfortable. Our practice is dedicated to helping patients overcome their fears and we will work with you to ensure that you feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible during your visit.

Inglewood Dentist

Staff in our office are trained in how to make children and adults feel more relaxed and comfortable in a dental environment. Let us know if you feel anxious about dental procedures, and we will do our best make you feel comfortable.

Visit your Cosmetic Dentist in Inglewood regularly for check-ups at least every six months.

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