Grand Prairie, TX – August 21, 2026 – Fear of dental treatment can influence more than how a patient feels during an appointment. For some adults, anxiety contributes to postponing examinations and treatment until discomfort or dental damage becomes harder to ignore. This has placed greater attention on identifying anxiety early, discussing what makes a patient uncomfortable, and determining whether additional measures may be appropriate to help that individual receive necessary dental care.
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research estimates that 10% to 20% of U.S. adults experience some level of trepidation about going to the dentist. NIDCR also reports that fear severe enough to cause patients to avoid dental visits is associated with increased tooth decay and a greater likelihood of poor oral health.
“Dental anxiety is different for every patient, so the first step is understanding what they are worried about,” said Dr. Behrooz Khademazad, DDS of Grand Prairie Family Dental. “Some patients are concerned about discomfort, some have had a difficult experience in the past, and others become anxious before they even arrive. We need to understand the patient before deciding how to make treatment more manageable.”
Delaying care because of fear can also affect the treatment choices available later. A problem that begins with manageable discomfort may eventually require a more involved evaluation, which is why understanding when dental symptoms require prompt attention can be particularly important for anxious patients. When a tooth has already sustained significant damage, dentists may also need to consider whether the tooth can still be saved as part of the treatment discussion.
Dr. Khademazad has served the Grand Prairie community continuously since opening his practice on August 28, 1988. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry before receiving his DDS degree and has continued his education across multiple areas of dentistry throughout his career. His approach emphasizes patient education, careful diagnosis, and treatment planning based on each patient’s clinical findings, health history, concerns, and long-term oral health. Dr. Khademazad holds Texas dental license number 15515.
When working with patients who experience dental anxiety, an evaluation may include:
Identifying specific fears, previous dental experiences, and anxiety triggers
Reviewing medical history, medications, and other factors relevant to treatment planning
Explaining the planned procedure and what the patient can expect before treatment begins
Determining whether additional anxiety-management measures or sedation may be appropriate
Developing a treatment plan based on the patient’s clinical needs, comfort concerns, and risk factors
Sedation is not automatically appropriate for every anxious patient or every dental procedure. Recommendations depend on the patient’s medical and dental history, examination findings, planned treatment, level of anxiety, and other individual risk factors. A dentist should evaluate these considerations before recommending a particular approach.
Patients can learn more about sedation dentistry in Grand Prairie TX and Grand Prairie Family Dental’s approach to patient-centered treatment planning.
Third-party source: National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Summary of NIDCR Workshop on Addressing Dental Fear and Anxiety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry refers to the use of appropriate medications or techniques to help manage anxiety and comfort during dental treatment. The type and level of sedation considered depends on the patient’s health history, anxiety level, and planned procedure.
Who might be evaluated for sedation dentistry?
Patients with significant dental anxiety, previous difficult dental experiences, trouble tolerating certain procedures, or other barriers to completing treatment may discuss sedation with their dentist. A medical and dental history should be reviewed before determining whether sedation is appropriate.
Does dental anxiety cause people to avoid the dentist?
It can. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research estimates that 10% to 20% of U.S. adults experience some trepidation about dental visits and reports that significant fear can contribute to avoiding care.
Can delaying dental treatment because of anxiety make a problem worse?
Some dental conditions progress when they are left untreated. Tooth decay can become more extensive, fractures can compromise additional tooth structure, and infections can require more urgent attention. The effect of a delay depends on the underlying condition.
Is sedation appropriate for every nervous dental patient?
No. Dental anxiety does not automatically mean a patient needs sedation. Dentists consider the patient’s level of anxiety, medical history, medications, planned procedure, and individual risk factors before recommending an approach.
About Grand Prairie Family Dental
Grand Prairie Family Dental is a comprehensive dental practice in Grand Prairie, Texas, founded by Dr. Behrooz Khademazad, DDS, in 1988. The practice provides preventive, restorative, cosmetic, implant, emergency, TMJ, sleep apnea, orthodontic, and sedation dentistry for patients in Grand Prairie and surrounding communities. Grand Prairie Family Dental’s mission is to provide comprehensive, patient-centered dental care built around education, careful treatment planning, and each patient’s individual needs. Dr. Khademazad has served the Grand Prairie community continuously since opening the practice on August 28, 1988.
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