_{Fear of the dentist is real and it is not just children who experience it}

_{At MI Dental in Kitchener, we regularly meet patients who have delayed their dental care for years, sometimes even decades due to dental anxiety or dental phobia. For some, it is the sound of the dental drill, for others, it is the idea of a needle going into the gum and often, just being inside a dental office is enough to trigger anxiety.}

_{The good news? Modern dentistry has come a long way and we are here to help you take the first step.}

_{What Is Dental Anxiety?}

_{Dental anxiety can range from mild uneasiness to severe fear that prevents people from going to the dentist altogether. This anxiety often manifests in ways like:}

• _{Avoiding dental cleanings and check-ups}
  
• _{Canceling or delaying appointments}
  
• _{Only seeking care when in pain}
  
• _{Not following through with recommended treatments}
  

_{And the triggers vary widely:}

• _{The sound of the dental drill}
  
• _{Fear of dental needles or injections in the gums}
  
• _{The sensation of dental instruments in the mouth}
  
• _{Unfavourable past experiences,  especially from childhood}
  

_{We have found that many patients have traumatic dental memories from their younger years, when they felt pain during a procedure and were not listened to. Others recall freezing (local anesthetic) not working effectively and instead of pausing to reassess, the dentist continued, leading to discomfort, mistrust and long-term avoidance.}

_{For others, it’s past experiences where local freezing wasn’t fully effective, and they felt intense cold or discomfort. These moments left lasting impressions — and those impressions became obstacles to seeking care.}

_{Dentistry Has Changed & So Have We}

_{If your negative experiences were decades ago, it is worth knowing that dentistry in Ontario and especially here at MI Dental in Kitchener has evolved dramatically. In the 70s and 80s, even the use of gloves was not standard. Today, the focus is on gentle, patient-centered care using state-of-the-art technology and compassionate techniques.}

_{How MI Dental Helps Patients with Dental Anxiety}

_{We take dental anxiety seriously and go above and beyond to ensure your comfort from the moment you walk in.}

_{Here is how we support our patients with dental fear:}

• _{We closely monitor facial expressions and body language, stopping before you need to ask.}
  
• _{We tell you to raise your hand if you need a break, putting you in control.}
  
• _{We ask multiple times during treatment if you are doing okay.}
  
• _{We explain procedures clearly so you know what to expect.}
  
• _{We take our time, especially when giving local anesthetic, by going very slowly thereby reducing the discomfort caused by tissue expansion.}
  
• _{We use a cartridge warmer to bring anesthetic to body temperature (38°C), no cold sting when it’s injected.}
  
• _{We offer Nitrous Oxide sedation (laughing gas), a safe, mild form of conscious sedation dentistry that helps you feel calm and relaxed.}
  
• _{We have TVs on the ceiling so you can enjoy Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ or YouTube during your treatment.}
  
• _{We provide a relaxing, judgment-free environment designed for people just like yourself.}
  

_{What You Can Do to Reduce Dental Anxiety at Home}

_{Overcoming dental phobia begins with small steps. Here is what we recommend:}

• _{Read up on your recommended treatment so you are not going in blind.}
  
• _{Ask us questions, we are happy to walk you through every step.}
  
• _{Try mental imagery: Picture yourself on a quiet beach or in a peaceful forest during treatment.}
  
• _{Remind yourself that you are in control, we stop whenever you ask.}
  

_{More knowledge = fewer surprises = reduced anxiety.}

_{You are Not Alone and There Is Hope}

_{One of our most memorable success stories was a woman who, during our very first meeting, had tears in her eyes the moment I walked into the room. She would not even open her mouth for a simple look. But over time, through gentle introductions, trust-building and clear communication,  she grew comfortable enough to complete all her treatments over several visits. Today, she is a confident, regular patient.}

_{We have helped countless patients overcome their dental anxiety over the years in Kitchener and we are here to help you too.}

_{Ready to experience compassionate, anxiety-free dental care in Kitchener? Contact us at MI Dental. Let’s start your journey to a healthier smile, one comfortable visit at a time.}