Dental anxiety care in North York
If dental visits make your heart race, we plan your care around your comfort, one step at a time.
Lilac Family Dentistry in North York helps nervous patients with calm, unhurried visits: we explain each step before we start, agree on a signal to pause and go at your pace. Sedation, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), and general anaesthesia aren't offered at our office. Very anxious children are referred to a specialist.
- Typical time
- Depends on the visit; we can book extra time
- Who it's for
- Children, teens and adults who feel nervous about dental visits
- Coverage
- Your visit is billed like any other check-up or treatment
- Recovery
- None beyond the treatment itself
How we care for nervous patients
Dental anxiety is common, and it's nothing to be embarrassed about. Some people had a painful visit years ago; others find the sounds, smells or the feeling of lying back in the chair hard to handle. Whatever the reason, telling us is the first step, because it lets us plan a visit that feels manageable.
At Lilac Family Dentistry we don't offer sedation, so we focus on the things that make a visit predictable. We explain what will happen before we start, tell you before anything cold, loud or sharp, agree on a hand signal to pause, and book extra time so nothing feels rushed. Local freezing numbs the area for treatment, and a numbing gel goes on first so the freezing itself is more comfortable.
For children who are very anxious, or who need more treatment than they can manage in the chair, we refer to a specialist who can offer other options. For adults, we're happy to talk through what would help you, including whether treatment elsewhere with sedation makes sense.
This kind of care may help if you
- Have put off dental care for years because of fear
- Feel panic at the sound of the drill or the smell of the office
- Have a strong gag reflex that makes X-rays or impressions hard
- Need a longer appointment, such as several fillings at once
- Had a painful or upsetting dental visit in the past
- Find it hard to sit still in the chair for long periods
Benefits
- Each step explained in plain language before it happens
- Breaks whenever you raise your hand
- Extra time booked so nothing feels rushed
- The same small team at every visit
- A plan that starts with what matters most to you
What to expect
- Tell us when you bookLet the front desk know you feel nervous, so we can book extra time and a quieter part of the day.
- Get to know usYour first visit can simply be a conversation and a look, with no treatment unless you want it.
- Agree on a signalWe agree on a hand signal to pause, and we stop whenever you use it.
- Step by stepWe explain each step before we do it, use numbing gel before freezing, and check in with you as we go.
- Plan the next visitWe break bigger treatment into shorter visits at a pace you choose.
Ways we help nervous patients without medicine
Small changes can make a big difference. You can bring headphones and listen to music, ask for a blanket, or take a break at any point by raising your hand. We tell you before anything cold, loud or sharp happens, so there are no surprises.
If you've been away from the dentist for a long time, you don't need to apologise or explain. We start with what matters most to you, whether that's a sore tooth or simply knowing where things stand, and build a plan from there at a pace you choose.
Aftercare
- Write down any questions that come up after the visit and bring them next time
- Book your next visit before you leave, while it feels manageable
- Call us at 416-638-1374 if anything worries you after treatment
Other options
Sedation, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), and general anaesthesia aren't offered at our office. Very anxious children are referred to a specialist. If you're an adult and feel you need sedation, ask us and we'll talk through your options.
Cost and coverage
There's no extra charge for taking things slowly. Your visit is billed like any other check-up or treatment, following the Ontario Dental Association suggested fee guide. We check your insurance or CDCP coverage and explain the cost before treatment.
Our promise: we check your coverage and explain the cost before treatment.
Dental Anxiety Care FAQ
Do you offer sedation, laughing gas or general anaesthesia?
No. Sedation, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), and general anaesthesia aren't offered at our office. We help nervous patients with a calm pace, clear explanations, breaks and local freezing.
What happens if my child is very anxious?
We start gently and go at your child's pace. If a child is very anxious or needs more treatment than they can manage, we refer you to a specialist.
Can I just come in to meet the team first?
Yes. Your first visit can be a conversation and a look, with no treatment unless you're ready.
Will it hurt?
We numb the area with local freezing, and put a numbing gel on first so the freezing itself is more comfortable. Tell us right away if you feel anything sharp.
I haven't been to a dentist in years. Will you judge me?
No. You don't need to apologise or explain. We start with what matters most to you and build a plan from there.
Related services
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Trusted health information
Dental Anxiety Care near you
We're at Bathurst and Sheppard in North York. Patients visit from Clanton Park, Lansing-Westgate, Bathurst Manor, Willowdale West, Wilson Heights and Armour Heights, and from across North York and York Region.
This page is general information and is not a substitute for an exam. Your dentist will recommend what's right for you. Reviewed by Dr. Sayeh Maralani, DDS, general dentist. Last updated 2026-11-04.
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