Are you afraid of the dentist? You're not alone. It's one of the most common fears in the world—and in Romania, millions of people put off going to the dentist for years on end precisely because of this anxiety.
The problem is that fear doesn't go away on its own. On the contrary—the longer you put it off, the more your teeth suffer, and the treatment becomes more complex and more expensive. It's a vicious cycle we know all too well at SmileCity.
In this article, we'll explain Where does the fear of the dentist come from, what fuels it, and, most importantly, what concrete steps can you take? How to visit the dentist without anxiety—including what we do at our clinic in Ghencea, Sector 6, for patients who struggle with this fear.
How common is fear of the dentist?
Fear of the dentist is extremely common. International studies estimate that between 36% and 61% among adults experience some level of anxiety related to visits to the dentist. The severe form—dentophobia—affects between 9% and 20% of adults and causes them to completely avoid the dentist’s office, even when the pain becomes unbearable.
In Romania, the situation is even more striking: a 2025 MKOR National Study shows that more than half of Romanians go to the dentist only in emergencies, or not at all. Fear and cost are the main barriers. And the two feed into each other: the longer you put it off out of fear, the more expensive the treatment becomes by the time you finally seek it.
Where Does the Fear of the Dentist Come From? The Most Common Causes
Fear of the dentist doesn't come out of nowhere. It has concrete roots—and once you understand them, it becomes easier to manage.
This is the number one cause. A painful or traumatic visit during childhood—a rushed dentist, treatment without sufficient anesthesia, a sudden extraction—can leave a strong emotional imprint that persists for decades. The brain associates the dentist’s office with that unpleasant moment and automatically triggers a fear response whenever an appointment approaches.
Fear of Pain
„Going to the dentist hurts” — This belief has been passed down from generation to generation, often with no basis in the reality of modern dentistry. Today’s local anesthetics are so effective that the vast majority of dental procedures are completely painless. Patients feel pressure, vibration, and sometimes slight discomfort—but not pain. However, the memory or rumor that „it hurts” is enough to trigger anxiety.
Loss of Control
Lying there with your mouth open, instruments in hand, unable to speak or stop the procedure immediately—for many people, this feeling of powerlessness is more terrifying than the pain itself. You feel vulnerable, at the mercy of someone else’s decisions.
Sounds and Smells from the Office
For many people, the sound of a dental drill is an immediate trigger for anxiety—even if they hear that sound from another room or in a video. Similarly, the distinctive smell of a dentist’s office can unconsciously trigger unpleasant memories. This is called classical conditioning: the brain has associated those sensory stimuli with a negative experience and reacts automatically.
Embarrassment About the Condition of One's Teeth
Many people avoid going to the dentist because they feel ashamed—they know their teeth don’t look good and they’re afraid of being judged by the dentist. This barrier is perhaps the easiest to overcome: no serious dentist judges their patients. We’re there to help, not to judge.
Other People's Stories
If the people around you—friends, family, coworkers—talk about painful experiences at the dentist, your brain registers those stories as warnings. Even if your own experience wasn’t unpleasant, other people’s stories can create a fear before there’s any real reason for it.
Fear or phobia? The difference matters
Not every instance of discomfort at the dentist means you have dental phobia. It’s important to understand the difference:
Fear of the Dentist = a feeling of unease or anxiety before or during the visit, which can be managed. You can go to your appointment, even if you don't feel like it.
Dentophobia = a fear so intense that avoiding the dentist’s office becomes automatic and habitual, even when you’re in severe pain or losing teeth. It can cause panic attacks, insomnia before an appointment, nausea, or excessive sweating.
If you identify more with the second description, this article offers you the first step. The next step could be an open discussion with your doctor—or, in severe cases, with a psychotherapist who specializes in phobias.
What Happens If You Avoid the Dentist Out of Fear
Fear of the dentist comes at a real cost—not just an emotional one. Here’s what happens over time if you put it off:
- A small, untreated cavity turns into a deep cavity → root canal treatment → dental crown → cost 5–10 times higher
- Mild gingivitis progresses to periodontitis → risk of tooth loss
- Tartar that has built up over the years → chronic gum infections
- Dental abscess → a painful emergency; emergency treatment is more stressful than any routine checkup
- Missing teeth → need for implants or dentures → significant investment
The paradox of fear of the dentist: it is precisely those who avoid the dentist out of fear who end up needing the most complex and frightening treatments.
How to Overcome Your Fear of the Dentist: Practical Solutions
The good news is that fear of the dentist can be managed—and in the vast majority of cases, even completely overcome. Here’s what works:
Tell your doctor that you're afraid — before anything else
This is the simplest and most effective step. An experienced doctor knows how to adjust the pace of the consultation, explain each step before taking it, and give you the option to stop at any time. At SmileCity, patients who let us know they have anxiety are given more time for their appointment from the start, detailed explanations, and a slower pace.
Choose a clinic where you feel safe
The atmosphere matters a great deal. A quiet waiting room, calm and friendly staff, and a doctor who talks to you before starting the procedure—all of these significantly reduce anxiety. Stop by the clinic once without an appointment if you need to „get used to” the space.
Start with the simplest procedure possible
You don't have to do everything all at once. If you're afraid, your first visit can be just a checkup and a cleaning—completely painless procedures that let you get to know the dentist and see for yourself that there's nothing to be afraid of. Every successful visit reduces your anxiety about the next one.
Breathing and Relaxation Techniques in the Office
Controlled breathing is one of the most effective ways to calm acute anxiety. Breathe in slowly through your nose (4 seconds), hold your breath (4 seconds), and breathe out through your mouth (6 seconds). Repeat this 3–4 times before the procedure. Listening to music through headphones is another simple method: it brings a familiar and pleasant element to a space that makes you anxious.
Agree on a stop signal with your doctor
Raise your hand or use a code word—and the dentist will stop the procedure immediately. Knowing that you’re in control and that you can stop it at any time dramatically reduces the feeling of helplessness that fuels your fear. At SmileCity, this is standard practice for all patients, not just those who are anxious.
Bring someone with you
Having a trusted person—a partner, a friend—with you significantly reduces anxiety. If you’re allowed to hold someone’s hand in the treatment room, ask your doctor if that’s okay. Many doctors will allow it.
Avoid caffeine before your appointment
Coffee and energy drinks increase anxiety and raise your heart rate—exactly what you don't need before a dentist appointment. Choose water or chamomile tea on the morning of your appointment.
Find out about the procedure in advance
The fear of the unknown is often greater than the fear of the procedure itself. Ask your doctor or nurse to explain step by step what is going to happen. When you know what to expect, your anxiety decreases.
What We Do at SmileCity for Anxious Patients
At our clinic in Ghencea, Sector 6, we understand that fear of the dentist is real and that it doesn’t just go away because „you have to go.” That’s why we have a few firm principles when it comes to working with anxious patients:
- A Consultation Without Rushing — We'll explain everything we're going to do before we get started
- Modern Local Anesthesia — We first apply a topical anesthetic gel so you won't feel the needle prick
- The Right to Stop — Raise your hand, and we'll stop right away, no pressure
- Constant Communication — We'll keep you informed at every step of the process
- Friendly atmosphere — Our clinic is designed not to resemble a scary „traditional” doctor’s office
- Appointments Without Crowds — You won't have to sit in the waiting room surrounded by noise and other anxious patients
If you're experiencing severe anxiety, talk to us during your appointment. Together, we'll find the best pace for you.
Fear of the Dentist in Children: How to Prevent It
Fear of the dentist often develops during childhood. As a parent, you can prevent or significantly reduce this fear:
- Schedule the first visit around the age of 3–4, before any problems arise—just to get to know the doctor and the environment
- Talk positively about the dentist in front of your child—avoid phrases like „it won’t hurt” or „don’t be afraid,” which suggest there’s a reason to be afraid
- Don't use the dentist as a threat — „If you don't brush your teeth, the dentist will come to you” creates negative associations
- Choose a pediatric dental office or a dentist who is experienced with children
- Praise your child after every successful visit, no matter how small it was
At SmileCity, we have experience with pediatric patients and know how to make their first visit a positive experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fear of the Dentist
Are there any pills for fear of the dentist?
Yes, there are mild sedatives (anxiolytics) that a doctor can prescribe before a more extensive procedure. These should not be taken on your own—the doctor will assess whether they are necessary and determine the appropriate type. This is not a solution for routine checkups, but rather for more complex procedures in patients with severe anxiety.
What should I do if I have a panic attack at the dentist?
Notify the doctor immediately. The procedure will be paused; sit up and breathe steadily. The doctor and nurse are prepared to handle these situations. You will not be judged, and you will not be forced to continue if you are not ready.
Does a tooth extraction really hurt?
With modern local anesthesia—no. You may feel pressure and movement, but no pain. If you feel any discomfort during the procedure, let the doctor know, and they’ll administer additional anesthetic. Pain sometimes occurs a few hours after the procedure, once the anesthesia wears off—and it can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers (ibuprofen).
How often should I go to the dentist if I'm afraid?
Precisely because of this fear, we recommend more frequent, shorter visits—not less frequent ones. Every 6 months for a checkup and cleaning—simple, painless procedures. Each successful visit reduces anxiety about the next one.
Can dentophobia be treated?
Yes. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective treatment for severe dentophobia—a psychotherapist helps you identify and change irrational thoughts related to the dentist. Graduated exposure techniques (first visiting the dentist’s office without any procedures, then with minor procedures) are very effective.