Overcoming Dental Anxiety in Durham, NC

Dental anxiety can stem from various sources, including the sounds and smells of a dental office, the proximity of dental staff during procedures, and a fear of experiencing pain. At Smile Design Modern Dentistry, we prioritize understanding the specific fears of each patient to help alleviate anxiety effectively:

• Noise Sensitivity: We offer noise-canceling headphones or soothing background music to help mask the sounds of dental tools.
• Smell Sensitivity: Our office uses scent diffusers with calming aromas to neutralize the clinical smells that can trigger anxiety.
• Fear of Pain: Dr. Imeni explains all procedures in detail beforehand and ensures that you are completely numb before starting any treatment.

Dental anxiety is extremely common — it affects people of every age, and it is nothing to feel embarrassed about. Avoiding the dentist, however, usually turns small, inexpensive problems into larger and more painful ones. If fear has kept you away from the dental office for years, you will not be judged here: the first visit can be as simple as a conversation.

We tailor our approach to each patient's needs, ensuring that you feel heard, respected, and comfortably in control throughout your visit:

• Pre-Appointment Consultations: Discuss your fears with Dr. Imeni before your appointment so we can tailor the experience to your needs.
• Calm and Comforting Environment: Our office is designed to evoke a sense of calm, with comfortable seating, private treatment areas, and amenities like Netflix and massage chairs.

You stay in control at every step. Agree on a simple stop signal with Dr. Imeni — raising your hand pauses treatment right away — and take breaks whenever you need them. Many anxious patients find that knowing they can stop at any moment is what finally makes treatment feel manageable.

For those who need a little extra help relaxing, we offer several sedation options to suit different levels of anxiety:

• Oral Sedation: Taken as a pill before the appointment, oral sedation allows you to feel relaxed and calm but fully conscious throughout the procedure.
• Nitrous Oxide Sedation: Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a mild sedative that helps you relax during your treatment, with quick recovery times.
• Sedation Dentistry Overview: Learn more about how sedation dentistry can make your dental visits anxiety-free.

Sedation care at Smile Design is provided by Dr. Erfan Imeni, who holds a moderate sedation permit (No. 1431) issued by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners. Every sedation patient is monitored throughout the appointment, and the option recommended for you is based on your anxiety level, your health history, and the treatment planned. For a plain-English overview of how each option works, read our guide to sedation dentistry for anxious patients.

Choosing Smile Design means opting for a dental practice that understands and addresses dental anxiety with the utmost care. Dr. Imeni’s extensive experience and our team’s gentle approach ensure that your dental health is maintained without stress:

• Expert Care: Dr. Imeni's expertise in sedation dentistry and anxiety management helps tailor treatments to minimize anxiety.
• Patient Testimonials: Hear from other patients who have overcome their dental fears with our help and now enjoy regular, stress-free dental visits.

Dr. Imeni has practiced dentistry in North Carolina since 2016, and Smile Design holds a 4.9-star average rating from more than 800 Google reviews.