Why Nest?
No judgement, everOutcomes, not quotasDecades of experienceScience-based careExperienced clinical teamFull-service dentistryTransparent pricingNo judgement, everOutcomes, not quotasDecades of experienceScience-based careExperienced clinical teamFull-service dentistryTransparent pricing
Nest Dental
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Dental conditions

Nervous about the dentist

Plenty of people feel anxious about the dentist, and many put off booking for years because of it. You won't be judged for how long it's been. We'll go at your pace.

Also called: dental anxiety, dental phobia

Book an appointment Call 02 9436 1874
Smiling patient in the dental chair while her dentist talks through her treatment plan on a tablet

Sound familiar?

  • You've put off booking for a long time
  • Your heart races in the waiting room
  • A past experience still stays with you
  • You're worried about what we'll find, or what it will cost
  • The sounds or smells make you tense
  • A strong gag reflex

What's usually behind it

Dental anxiety usually comes from a past experience, feeling out of control in the chair, the sounds and smells of a clinic, or embarrassment about how long it's been. Not knowing what something will cost adds to it. All of these are common, and all of them can be made easier.

What you can do

  • Tell us you're nervous when you book, so we can plan for it
  • Bring someone with you if that helps
  • Ask for your first visit to be a conversation, with nothing done unless you're ready
  • Agree on a hand signal to stop at any time
  • Ask us to explain each step before we do it

When to come in

There's no bad time to start. It's worth knowing that problems left for a long time usually need more treatment later, so a first visit, even just to talk, is a good step.

How we help at Nest

We'll talk before we do anything, explain what we see, and give you costs before any treatment starts. You're in control of the pace, and you can stop at any time. In the chair, we have noise-cancelling headphones, something to watch, weighted blankets and a drink if you'd like one. Dr Sandra Pedram is known for her gentle approach with nervous patients, and our whole team will make sure you know what's happening.

Dental hygienist cleaning a relaxed patient's teeth in the treatment room

Common questions

No. Many of our patients come to us after a long break. We focus on where things are now and what will help.

Yes. You can come in to meet us and talk it through, with nothing done unless you're ready.

Yes. Bring whoever helps you feel more comfortable.

We'll agree on a signal before we start, and we'll stop whenever you use it.

Just mention it when you book online or call us on 02 9436 1874. We'll make a note and plan your visit around it.

Related

Toothache

Also called: dental pain, pulpitis

What your kind of pain can mean, how to ease it, and when to come in.

Learn more

Bleeding gums

Also called: gingivitis, gum disease, periodontitis

Pink in the sink is often the first sign of gum disease. Here's what helps.

Learn more

Yellow teeth

Also called: tooth discolouration, stained teeth

Why teeth change colour, what actually works, and what to check before whitening.

Learn more

Talk it through with us

We'll look at what's going on, explain your options and costs before anything starts.

Book an appointment Call 02 9436 1874

Reviewed by Dr Viki Karassellos, Dentist, Nest Dental. Last reviewed September 2026. This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Please see a dentist about your own situation.