Dental anxiety affects an estimated 36% of the U.S. population — and for many people, especially those who have had negative past experiences, it becomes a barrier that prevents them from getting essential care. At Mi Smile Family Dental, we don't just acknowledge this fear — we have built our entire practice culture around overcoming it.
"When a patient tells me they're nervous, that's the most important thing they can say. It tells me exactly what kind of dentist I need to be in that moment — slower, more communicative, and completely focused on their comfort before their teeth."
— Dr. Soujanya Maddipati, DDS, MPH · Founder, Mi Smile Family Dental
How We Help Anxious Patients
You Control the Pace
Raise your hand at any time and we stop — no questions asked. You are always in control of when we proceed.
We Explain Everything First
Dr. Maddipati explains every step — what tool she's using, what it feels like, and how long it takes — before proceeding.
Longer Appointment Times
Anxious patients get longer appointments. We never rush. We believe unhurried care produces better outcomes.
Bilingual Care
Language barriers increase anxiety. Our team is fully bilingual — everything is communicated in English or Spanish, whichever makes you more comfortable.
Pre-Visit Phone Consultation
Nervous about your first visit? Call 832-779-5522 and speak with our team before booking. We'll answer every question and address every concern.
Zero Judgment
We have seen patients who haven't visited a dentist in 20 years. We never shame, lecture, or make you feel bad about where you're starting from.
What to Tell Us When You Call
When you call 832-779-5522, simply say: "I have dental anxiety." That's it. Our team will flag your appointment so Dr. Maddipati knows before you arrive. We schedule anxious patients with extra time and a specific approach.
Common Sources of Dental Anxiety We See
- Past negative dental experiences — A painful or traumatic past visit that created lasting fear
- Fear of pain or needles — We use topical numbing before any injection, and use the gentlest possible technique
- Loss of control — We give you full control of pace and stopping points
- Embarrassment about dental health — We are judgment-free. Our job is to help, not to evaluate how your teeth got to where they are
- Sensory sensitivity — Sounds, smells, or sensations that cause distress. Tell us and we adapt
- Financial anxiety — Worry about cost should never stop someone from coming in. We accept Medicaid, and offer CareCredit and Sunbit financing — both subject to lender credit approval so cost is never a barrier
For more information on understanding and managing dental anxiety, see the American Dental Association's guidance on dental anxiety .
Does Mi Smile Offer Sedation?
Yes. Dr. Maddipati offers two sedation options for patients who want them:
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
Inhaled through a soft nasal mask during your appointment. Works quickly, wears off within minutes, and most patients can drive themselves home afterward. A good fit for mild to moderate anxiety or routine procedures.
Oral conscious sedation
A prescribed pill taken before your appointment. You remain awake and responsive but deeply relaxed. You will need someone to drive you home. Well suited for deeper anxiety or longer procedures.
Dr. Maddipati discusses which option makes sense for you before the appointment — there is no obligation to use sedation. Many patients find that our approach (unhurried pace, full explanations, hand-signal stopping) is enough on its own.
Ready to Try? Start With a Phone Call
No commitment, no pressure. Call and tell us about your anxiety — we'll take it from there.
Request a Consultation 832-779-5522