Comfortable, Compassionate Dental Care with Dr. Maria Benefield in Atlanta, GA
If the thought of going to the dentist makes your heart race, you’re not alone. Dental anxiety typically starts in childhood and can have lasting effects into adulthood. Studies show that nearly 40–50% of adults experience dental anxiety, and up to 1 in 5 avoid dental care altogether due to fear.
At Cosmetic & General Dentistry with Dr. Maria Benefield in Atlanta, GA, we understand that dental fear is real. Our dental team is committed to creating a calm, judgment-free environment where patients feel heard, respected, and comfortable at every visit. Modern dentistry has come a long way, and today’s techniques are designed to minimize discomfort while maximizing peace of mind.
If dental anxiety has kept you from scheduling care, call our Atlanta dental office at (404) 255-7541 or schedule online today. We proudly serve patients from Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Roswell, and surrounding areas.
Why Dental Anxiety Is So Common
Dental anxiety can stem from many sources, and it affects patients of all ages. Common causes include:
- Past negative or painful dental experiences, including traumatic experiences, traumatic dental episodes, and past negative experiences
- Fear of needles, drills, or loss of control
- Sensitivity to sounds, smells, or sensations
- Embarrassment about oral health
- Fear of pain or bad news
- General anxiety disorders
For many patients, anxiety begins early in life and worsens with time—especially when dental visits are avoided. Unfortunately, avoidance often leads to more extensive treatment needs later, reinforcing the fear cycle.
Who Is Most Affected by Dental Anxiety
You may be more likely to experience dental anxiety if you:
- Haven’t seen a dentist in several years
- Had traumatic dental experiences as a child
- Have sensitive teeth or a strong gag reflex
- Experience generalized anxiety or panic attacks
- Feel embarrassed about your smile or oral health
- Have needed emergency dental care in the past
- Are female, as fear of the dentist is more common in females than in males
Even if your teeth don’t hurt, stress and anxiety can prevent you from getting the preventive care that keeps problems small and manageable.
How Avoiding the Dentist Can Impact Your Health
Skipping dental visits due to anxiety doesn’t just affect your smile—it can impact your overall health. Dental avoidance caused by dental anxiety often leads to more complex dental work and emergency visits to dental offices. Avoided care often leads to:
- Advanced tooth decay
- Gum disease and bone loss
- Dental infections or abscesses
- Tooth loss
- Higher treatment costs
- Increased stress and discomfort
Gradual exposure to simple dental procedures can help build confidence in patients with dental anxiety and reduce fear over time.
What a Comfortable Dental Visit Looks Like Today
Modern dentistry focuses on comfort, communication, and control. At Cosmetic & General Dentistry, Dr. Benefield and our team take extra steps to help anxious patients feel at ease, including:
- Clear explanations before any treatment begins
- A slow, patient-controlled pace
- Gentle techniques and modern instruments
- Comfort amenities and calming environments
- Numbing techniques that reduce sensitivity, including The Wand—a pen-like tool that applies local anesthesia virtually painlessly without visible needles
- Frequent check-ins during treatment
- The option to establish a stop signal with your dentist to indicate when you need a break
You’re always in control. We stop anytime you need a break—and we never rush your care.
Preventive Care Reduces Anxiety Long-Term
Ironically, one of the best ways to reduce dental anxiety is through routine preventive visits. Regular cleanings and exams help:
- Keep treatments simple and pain-free
- Prevent dental emergencies
- Reduce the need for invasive procedures
- Build trust with your dental team
- Increase confidence and comfort over time
Most anxious patients tell us their fear decreases significantly after just a few positive experiences.
Simple Steps to Manage Dental Anxiety
If dental fear has kept you away, these strategies can help:
- Schedule morning appointments to reduce anticipation
- Communicate your fears openly with your dentist
- Practice deep breathing before and during your visit
- Practice progressive muscle relaxation in the waiting room before your appointment
- Bring headphones or calming music
- Start with a consultation or cleaning only
- Focus on prevention instead of waiting for pain
- Use coping strategies, such as expressing and ventilating anxious feelings, to manage stress during your visit
- Gradually get exposed to dental procedures to build confidence and reduce anxiety
- Consider Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) as an effective tool for managing dental phobia
Our family dentist will meet you where you are—without judgment.
Compassionate Dental Care in Atlanta, GA
At Cosmetic & General Dentistry, we believe fear should never stand in the way of your health. Our dental team is trained to care for anxious patients with patience, empathy, and respect. Whether you need a routine cleaning or have avoided the dentist for years, we’re here to help you move forward comfortably.
We offer:
- Flexible financing options
- Acceptance of most dental insurance plans
- Personalized treatment plans
- A calm, welcoming environment
Take the First Step—We’re Here to Help
Dental anxiety is common—but it doesn’t have to control your health. With modern dentistry and a compassionate team, dental visits can be comfortable, manageable, and even positive.
Call our Atlanta dentist at (404) 255-7541 or schedule online to book your visit with Dr. Maria Benefield in Atlanta, GA. Serving Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Roswell, and nearby communities, we’re here to help you protect your smile—without fear.