Dental anxiety is one of the most common reasons people put off care — and unfortunately, avoidance usually makes small problems bigger. The good news is that fear of the dentist is something we treat every day, with patience and a range of comfort options designed to help you relax.
You’re not alone — and it’s not “silly”
Millions of adults feel real anxiety about dental visits, often rooted in a past experience. We get it, and we never judge. The first step is simply telling us how you feel so we can tailor your visit around your comfort.
Comfort starts before any sedation
- A slower pace and clear explanations of every step
- Breaks whenever you need them and a signal to pause
- A calm, welcoming environment built around your comfort
- Honest, pressure-free conversations about your options
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for extra comfort
For patients who want more than the calm-and-communicate approach, we offer nitrous oxide — “laughing gas” — a mild, inhaled form of sedation that helps you relax during treatment and then wears off within minutes, so you can usually drive yourself home. Combined with gentle, thorough local anesthesia so the work itself is painless, it is enough for the great majority of nervous patients.
To be clear about what we do and don’t offer: we do not provide IV sedation or general anesthesia (being fully put to sleep). If your treatment genuinely calls for deeper sedation, we’ll tell you honestly and refer you to a trusted specialist rather than stretch beyond what we do.
Getting back on track
If it's been a while, there's no shame in it — let's just start where you are. Many of our most anxious patients become our most loyal ones once they realize dental care doesn't have to be stressful.
Highmark Dental welcomes nervous patients from Jonesboro, Riverdale, Morrow, Forest Park, Stockbridge, and Lovejoy. Call (770) 478-1001 and let’s find a comfortable way forward.
Serving families across the area
Highmark Dental welcomes patients from Jonesboro and nearby communities: