CarolinasDentist Blog

Overcoming Dental Anxiety

Brown woman in a white tanktop closes her eyes and holds her hands in a zen pose as she relaxes against a pink background

Do you get anxious during your dental appointments or even just thinking about visiting the dentist’s office? Dental anxiety and fear can make it hard to want to get regular dental care. Skipping routine cleanings and checkups can lead to serious oral health problems like gum disease, tooth decay, mouth infections, tooth loss, and undiagnosed oral cancer. Here are some tips to help you manage your dental anxiety so you can get the oral healthcare you need!

Talk to Your Dentist

Before your appointment, let us know about your dental anxiety and if there’s anything specific that triggers it. We never judge people for having dental anxiety. It’s quite common! We can answer any questions you have about a procedure and work extra carefully.

Try Different Relaxation Techniques

Experiment with different relaxation techniques when your dental anxiety flares up. Deep breathing, meditation, positive visualization, and progressive muscle relaxation are just a few techniques you could try. Stress balls and fidget toys can also help.

Listen to Music

Do you find music relaxing? Let us know if you want to wear your headphones during your appointment so you can listen to your favorite music, a podcast, or audiobook. We’ll decide on a way to let you know we need to speak to you, like tapping your shoulder.

Consider Sedation Dentistry

Dental sedation is special medication that can help you feel calm when receiving dental care. Because there are various kinds and levels of sedation, it is appropriate for mild to severe dental anxiety, routine treatments, and complex procedures. So if you are having trouble getting the dental care you need, dental sedation is a safe and effective solution with no long-term side effects.

Gentle Dental Care at CarolinasDentist

We want every patient to feel relaxed and safe during their visit with us. Our friendly dentists do all we can to make your appointment be as stress-free as possible. If you want to book an appointment at one of our many office locations, please contact us today. In addition to dental sedation, you can request the calming company of our Facility Dog WAYNE at our Wilmington–The Pointe location!

Contact Us

Related Posts

woman with clasped hands reclining in dental chair
Dealing With Dental Anxiety

In this post, learn how sedation dentistry can ease dental anxiety and make your visits to CarolinasDentist stress-free and comfortable.

Back To Top

Andrew Callender

Andrew Callender

Regional Director of Operations

Andrew Callender was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and serves as one of our Regional Directors of Operations at CarolinasDentist, focusing on our Western NC and Charlotte regions. He joined the leadership team in 2025 and earned his degree from Western Colorado University. Andrew brings over 12 years of experience in dentistry, including more than 10 years of progressive leadership in healthcare operations and three years serving as a Regional Director of Operations. He relocated to North Carolina in 2023 and has quickly made an impact across the region.

Andrew is passionate about delivering outstanding patient care through operational excellence. He is committed to fostering an environment that aligns with CarolinasDentist’s values and culture while leveraging diverse perspectives and experiences to support team success and growth. His leadership style is rooted in collaboration, consistency, and continuous improvement.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife and their four children. He’s an avid golfer and also enjoys walking his lab, Harper—making the most of his time outdoors with family and fresh air.

Nate Bunyak

Nate Bunyak

Regional Director of Operations

Nate Bunyak brings a little bit of Pittsburgh grit and a whole lot of energy to everything he does. He is one of the Regional Director of Operations at CarolinasDentist focusing on our Triangle region, joining the team in 2026. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Nate graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) with a degree in Marketing and Management—and has been putting both to work ever since. Three years ago, he traded in steel city winters for North Carolina sunshine—and hasn’t looked back.

When he’s not working, Nate is all about family life with his wife, Melissa, and their three kids—Bryce, Molly, and Connor. Whether cheering on their activities, exploring the outdoors, or simply embracing the joyful chaos of a busy household, he makes the most of every moment with his family.

An avid hiker and nature enthusiast, Nate loves adventures that combine fresh air, beautiful views, and lasting memories. That same adventurous, positive spirit carries into his work—he’s driven, all-in, and always ready to take on what’s next.

Jenna Holland

Jenna Holland

Regional Hygiene Director

Jenna Holland is a Fayetteville native and serves as Regional Hygiene Director, joining the leadership team in 2026. She began her career with CarolinasDentist in June 2016 as a dental hygienist in the Fayetteville office after graduating from Fayetteville Technical Community College. Over the years, she has grown within the organization, building strong relationships with both patients and team members while staying rooted in her passion for patient care.

Jenna is deeply committed to promoting overall well-being through oral health and believes in the powerful connection between a healthy smile and a healthy body. In her leadership role, she especially loves mentoring and coaching hygienists, helping them grow in confidence, strengthen their clinical skills, and develop into exceptional providers. She takes pride in supporting her team and fostering an environment of continuous learning and encouragement.

Her best advice for patients is simple: stay consistent with routine check-ups and cleanings to maintain optimal health. Outside of the office, Jenna enjoys traveling—especially to warm, tropical destinations—and is engaged to her high school sweetheart, adding a personal touch to her passion for caring for others.

Choose your location:      

Select Office To Make Payment To