Afraid of the Dentist? How Dental-Anxious Adults in West LA Finally Get Care
The short answer: If fear has kept you away from the dentist, the easiest way back is a practice that lets you set the pace. At Concierge Dentistry in Brentwood, an anxious patient's first visit can be nothing more than a conversation. Treatment starts only when you are ready, and sedation is available if you need it.
Dental anxiety is not a character flaw. For most of our patients it traces back to one bad experience: a rushed appointment, a procedure that hurt, or a lecture that left them embarrassed. Staying away makes sense after that. The trouble is that dental problems keep growing quietly while you wait.
Why do so many adults avoid the dentist?
Adults who avoid dental care usually name the same handful of reasons:
A painful past experience that the body still remembers
Embarrassment about how long it has been or how their teeth look
Loss of control from lying back, mouth open, unable to speak
Specific triggers like needles, the drill sound, or gagging on impression trays
Fear of the bill and not knowing what treatment will cost
Every one of these has a practical fix. None of them should cost you your teeth.
What makes a dentist good for anxious patients?
A good dentist for anxious patients explains before acting, never judges, and hands you control of the appointment. Dr. Jay Grossman has practiced in the same Brentwood office since 1991, and patients returning after years away are a big part of who he treats.
Here is what that looks like in practice:
You set the pace. Agree on a stop signal before anything starts, and it will be honored.
No surprises. Each step is explained in plain language before it happens.
No lectures. How long it has been matters less than where you go from here.
One familiar team. General, cosmetic, restorative, gum care, root canals and implants are all handled under one roof, so you are not passed between strangers.
Costs before treatment. You see the plan and the price before you agree to anything.
What sedation options are available in Brentwood?
Concierge Dentistry offers sedation dentistry for patients whose anxiety makes treatment hard to get through. The right level depends on your health history, the procedure and how you feel that day. Dr. Grossman reviews your medical history first and walks you through what to expect.
Not everyone needs sedation. Simple comfort requests help many patients:
Numbing gel before any injection
Breaks whenever you ask for them
Headphones or your own music
Sitting upright to talk before the chair reclines
How does modern technology make visits easier?
Newer dental technology removes several of the most common anxiety triggers:
Digital scanners replace the goopy impression trays that make many people gag.
3D CBCT imaging lets the doctor plan precisely, so there are fewer surprises mid-procedure.
CEREC same-day crowns finish in one visit instead of two, so you face one appointment, not two.
Waterlase laser gum treatment can reduce the need for a scalpel and sutures in some gum procedures.
What happens at your first visit?
Call or book online, and say you are nervous. That one sentence helps the team plan your visit around you.
Talk first. Share what worries you and what happened before, sitting upright.
Exam and X-rays only with your OK. Digital X-rays are quick and low-dose.
A plain-language plan. You see what is urgent, what can wait, and what it costs.
You decide the next step. Nothing is scheduled until you are comfortable.
Why waiting usually makes it harder
Dental problems rarely stay small. A cavity that needs a simple filling today can need a root canal or an extraction later. Bleeding gums can progress to gum disease that loosens teeth. Coming in sooner usually means shorter, simpler and less expensive visits, which is the best anxiety fix there is.
Helping anxious patients across West Los Angeles
Concierge Dentistry is at 11980 San Vicente Blvd, Suite 507, in Brentwood (Los Angeles, CA 90049). Patients come from Santa Monica, Westwood, Pacific Palisades, Beverly Hills and Culver City. The office is open Monday through Thursday 8am to 5pm and Friday 7:30am to 3:30pm.
Frequently asked questions
Can I come in just to talk before any treatment? Yes. A first visit can be a conversation and a look, with no treatment unless you agree to it.
Will the dentist judge me for not coming in for years? No. Dr. Grossman sees patients returning after long gaps every week. The focus is on what you need now.
Is sedation dentistry safe? Sedation is widely used and considered safe when patients are properly screened and monitored. Your health history and medications are reviewed before any sedation is recommended.
Does insurance cover sedation? Coverage varies by plan. Concierge Dentistry accepts most major PPOs, will check your benefits, and offers payment plans.
What if I have a dental emergency but I am scared to come in? Call (310) 820-0123. Emergency patients are seen as quickly as possible, and the same comfort options apply.
Ready when you are
Call (310) 820-0123 or request an appointment online. Tell us you are nervous. It helps us make your first visit an easy one.
About the author: Dr. Jay Grossman graduated from NYU College of Dentistry in 1988, served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy (1989 to 1991), and has practiced in Brentwood since 1991. He holds professorships at UCLA School of Dentistry and NYU College of Dentistry and founded the nonprofit Homeless Not Toothless.
This article is for educational purposes and does not replace an individual exam or professional advice.