I had avoided the dentist for years. The consultation with Dr Alefia Boxwala was the first time I left an appointment feeling genuinely informed rather than anxious. She explained every finding without rushing, and gave me time to ask questions before discussing any next steps.
Dentalvisitsdon'thavetofeelthisway.
Dental anxiety is one of the most common reasons people put off care. At Sienna Smiles, we work with nervous patients every day — and we understand that the first step is often the hardest.
Sedation suitability is assessed at consultation based on your medical history and treatment needs.
Dental visits don't have to feel this way.
Dental anxiety is one of the most common reasons people put off care. At Sienna Smiles, we work with nervous patients every day — and we understand that the first step is often the hardest.
Sedation suitability is assessed at consultation based on your medical history and treatment needs.
01 / You're Not Alone
Up to 1 in 6 Australians experience significant dental fear.
Australians experience significant dental anxiety
Source: HealthDirect Australia / Australian Dental Association, 2024
Dental anxiety affects people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you need a routine [check-up and clean](/general-dentistry/check-up-and-clean) or a more involved procedure such as [dental implants](/dental-implants), sedation options can be tailored to your needs. The AIHW National Oral Health Survey found that approximately 30% of Australian adults report moderate to extreme dental anxiety, with avoidance of dental visits being the most common behavioural consequence. For many, avoidance becomes a cycle: anxiety leads to delayed care, delayed care leads to more complex problems, and more complex problems increase anxiety further.
There is no judgement here about how long it has been since your last visit. Many of our patients arrive after years away from dental care. The most important step is telling us — so we can adapt every part of your experience to help you feel as comfortable as possible.
You don't have to manage this alone. The first step is a conversation.
02 / Our Approach
A method, not a motto. How we support nervous patients.
We don't just say we're gentle — we have a specific way of working with patients who experience dental anxiety. Here is how it works in practice.
Tell us when you book
When you mention anxiety at the time of booking, a note is added to your file before you arrive. The entire team — from reception to your dentist — knows your preferences before you walk in.
A conversation first
We begin in the consultation room, not the treatment chair. Before any clinical work is discussed, your dentist takes time to understand your concerns, your history, and what has been difficult for you in the past.
You control the pace
We agree on a hand signal before any treatment begins. Raise your hand, and everything stops — no questions asked, no pressure to continue. You decide when you are ready.
We explain each step
Nothing happens without your understanding. Your dentist describes each step before doing it, including what you may feel and roughly how long it will take. There are no surprises.
03 / Sedation Options
Understanding your options. From calm support to deeper relaxation.
There is no single approach to managing dental anxiety — what works best depends on your individual level of anxiety, your medical history, and the treatment involved. Suitability for any sedation option is assessed at consultation.
For mild anxiety
Supportive Care
For patients who feel some nervousness but do not require medication, supportive care focuses on communication, pacing, and environment. This includes tell-show-do technique (explaining and demonstrating before any instrument is used), agreed hand signals to pause treatment, flexible appointment pacing, and a welcoming, unhurried environment.
No sedation medication. Included as part of every appointment at no additional cost.
Appropriate for patients with mild anxiety. Discussed at your initial consultation.
Happy gas — for moderate anxiety
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide (commonly called happy gas) is breathed through a small, comfortable nose mask during treatment. Many patients describe a relaxed, calm feeling — individual responses vary. The gas takes effect within a few minutes and wears off quickly once removed.
Most patients are able to drive after the gas has fully cleared, once your dentist confirms it is safe to do so. Quoted separately at your consultation.
Suitability assessed at consultation based on your medical history and treatment needs. Not suitable for all patients.
For significant anxiety
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation involves taking a sedation medication before your appointment. You remain awake and able to respond, but many patients describe feeling deeply relaxed and less aware of the procedure. Some patients have limited memory of the appointment afterwards — individual responses vary.
You are not able to drive on the day of your appointment. A responsible adult must accompany you to and from the practice. Quoted separately at your consultation.
Suitability assessed at consultation based on a thorough review of your medical history. Not suitable for all patients.
For patients who require deep sedation or general anaesthesia, Sienna Smiles can provide a referral to a specialist. In-chair general anaesthesia and IV sedation are not performed at this practice.
04 / What to Expect
Making the unknown, known.
Anxiety often grows in the gap between what we expect and what we experience. Here is exactly what happens when you choose Sienna Smiles for your care.
1
Book and mention you're nervous
Call us on 08 9455 1234 or book online. Let us know you experience dental anxiety when you book — a note is added to your file immediately.
2
We confirm your appointment
You receive a confirmation with details of what to bring and what to expect at your first visit. No surprises.
3
Arrive and be welcomed
Your reception team already knows you prefer a gentle approach. There is no need to explain it again at the desk.
4
Brief intake
A short form helps us understand your specific anxiety triggers, any past experiences that were difficult, and what would help you feel most comfortable. This information is kept confidential.
5
Consultation first — not the chair
Your appointment begins in the consultation room. You discuss your concerns with your dentist before any clinical work is considered. Nothing happens without your consent.
6
Clinical work only when you are ready
If you choose to proceed to clinical work at this visit, your dentist explains each step before doing it. You can pause at any time using the agreed hand signal.
7
Sedation, if agreed
If sedation has been assessed as suitable and you have chosen to proceed, it is administered before clinical work begins. Your dentist remains with you throughout.
8
Post-visit check-in
We call the following day if oral sedation was used, or if it was your first visit after a long gap. We want to know how you are feeling and answer any questions.
05 / Patient Stories
Words from patients who almost didn't come.
I told them at the time of booking that I was nervous and honestly expected it to be ignored. It wasn't. The whole appointment felt different — slower, calmer, and no one made me feel foolish for being scared. I actually came back.
The hand signal thing sounds small but it made such a difference. Knowing I could stop at any moment meant I never actually needed to. I went in expecting to feel trapped and came out feeling like I had been in control the whole time.
06 / Common Questions
Questions nervous patients often want to ask.
Answers reviewed by Dr Singh, AHPRA DEN0001639626.
The hardest part is making the call.
We'll take it from there.
Our team works with nervous patients every day. Nothing happens at your first visit without your consent, nothing proceeds without your understanding, and there is no judgement about how long it has been. Start with a conversation.