If going to the dentist makes you feel nervous, panicked, or overwhelmed—you’re not alone. Dental anxiety affects people of all ages and backgrounds, and it’s one of the most common reasons patients avoid dental care altogether.
At Dental Design of Brentwood, we understand how real that fear can be. Whether your anxiety stems from past trauma, fear of pain, or a diagnosed condition like panic disorder or OCD, our team is here to help. Dr. Maurice K. Masliah and Dr. Eva Hogan provide calm, compassionate care with personalized support and sedation options that make your comfort our top priority.
What Causes Dental Anxiety?
Dental anxiety can come from many sources, and often it’s a combination of emotional and physical triggers. You might be dealing with:
- A painful or traumatic past dental experience
- A fear of needles, drills, or loss of control
- Sensitivity to smells, sounds, or bright lights
- Shame or embarrassment about your teeth
- A diagnosed condition like generalized anxiety disorder, OCD, or PTSD
Some patients even develop dental phobia, a more intense form of anxiety that may trigger panic attacks or total avoidance of dental care.
You Don’t Have to Tough It Out
If you’ve ever thought, “I should just push through” or “It’s silly to be scared of the dentist,” please know this:
Your anxiety is valid.
And there’s nothing “silly” about wanting to feel safe and in control of your health.
At Dental Design of Brentwood, we meet you exactly where you are—with zero judgment and 100% support.
What Does Anxiety-Friendly Dental Care Look Like?
We take a whole-patient approach to helping you manage dental anxiety in our Brentwood office. That includes:
- Honest, Respectful Conversations – We talk through your concerns in a private, pressure-free way. You set the pace.
- Predictable, Step-by-Step Visits – We explain each part of your visit so there are no surprises, and you always have the option to pause or stop.
- Breaks and Flexibility – Need a moment to breathe or ask questions? Just let us know. You’re always in control.
- A Calm, Supportive Environment – From the moment you arrive, we do our best to create a space that feels relaxed, respectful, and pressure-free.
Sedation Can Be Part of the Plan
When anxiety is more severe—or when surgical treatment is needed—sedation dentistry may be recommended. At our Brentwood location, we offer:
- Oral sedation: A calming pill taken before treatment
- IV sedation: A deeper form of conscious sedation for longer or more complex procedures
We’ll walk you through all the options and help you choose what feels safest and most supportive for you.
Special Support for Teens and Anxious Patients
Our care extends beyond sedation. We’re also trained and experienced in helping patients who:
- Struggle with panic attacks, OCD, or PTSD
- Have fibromyalgia or chronic pain conditions
- Are teenagers with a fear of dental care
- Experience sensory overload or have neurodivergent needs
We adapt our environment, language, and scheduling to give you the most peaceful experience possible.
Haven’t Been to the Dentist in Years?
It’s okay. Many of our patients come to us after years—or even decades—of avoiding the dentist due to fear. There’s no shame here.
We’ll work together to gently get you back on track with your health goals, in a way that feels manageable and empowering.
When You’re Ready, We’ll Be Here
There’s no perfect timeline for overcoming dental anxiety. If all you can do today is think about making that first appointment, that’s a step forward. When you’re ready to take the next one, we’ll be here to guide you through it—at your pace.
Want to learn more about how we can help?
Give us a call at 310.820.5703 or book your appointment online to take the next step toward stress-free dental care. We’re here to make your dental care feel calm, respectful, and entirely centered around you.
