Dental Anxiety Relief Options – Encino Gentle Dental

The Real Reason I Became a Dentist? I Have Dental Anxiety Too.

If you’ve avoided the dentist because of fear, shame, trauma, or just overwhelm… I understand. I know what it’s like to sit in that chair and feel like you might fall apart.

It still happens to me when I am in the dental chair.

That’s why I built this dental practice. FOR PEOPLE LIKE US!!!

There’s a Reason You’re Afraid of the Dentist And It’s Definitely Not Your Fault.

Dental anxiety is real. It’s not a weakness. It’s often the result of pain, trauma, or fear that’s been ignored or dismissed.

I know, because I’ve lived it myself.

Here are just some of the reasons people
stay away from the dentist for years:

Fear of Pain
especially if numbing hasn’t worked

Loss of Control
lying back, unable to speak, unsure what’s happening

Past Trauma
medical or personal experiences that left you feeling unsafe (and yes, that can include past abuse by dental or medical providers.)

Shame
about how long it’s been or how things “look”

Sensory Overload the sound of drills, the lights, the smells

Lack of Trust
you’ve been dismissed, rushed, or judged before

For some people, even making the appointment feels impossible.

That’s not weakness. That’s a nervous system doing its job and trying to protect you. You’re not broken. You’ve been protecting yourself.

Maybe it’s time to let someone who truly gets where your coming from help protect you from all that anxiety

I Built This Practice for the Anxiety-Ridden Patient I Used to Be

You don’t have to explain yourself here. We already understand.

I know what it feels like to cancel appointments, brace for pain, or panic in the chair. (and feel overwhelmed or embarrassed about it.)

Our dental office is a place where nervous systems are respected, not rushed.

I’ve spent years refining a calm, personalized approach to dental care. It’s rooted in empathy, not pressure.

Here’s how we help you feel safe:

1

Quiet, private treatment rooms

2

Noise-canceling headphones (you choose the music or podcast)

3

Green-tinted calming glasses

4

Optional sedation: laughing gas, oral medication, or IV

5

Step-by-step explanations, only if you want them

6

A doctor who listens first, always

7

No judgment. No pressure. Ever.

You’re Not the First Person Who’s Been Afraid. And Like So Many We’ve Helped, You Can Feel Safe (and Protected) in the Dental Chair.

Let us help you take the first step toward that feeling.

Meet Dr. Elizabeth Wolfe

Dental Anxiety Patient.

Dentist. Listener.

I became a dentist because I wanted to help people but I discovered my true path when I realized I was one of the people I was trying to help.

“Even now, I sometimes sit in the dental chair and feel the old spiral begin: the fear of pain, the overthinking, the loss of control. It’s not just something I’ve overcome. It’s something I live with, and have learned how to meet with compassion.”

That’s why I built this practice: to offer others the kind of understanding and safety I once couldn’t find. I believe in providing emotional safety, nervous system respect, and radical empathy from the front desk to the operatory.

Licensed DDS in California

Advanced training in care for medically and emotionally complex patients

Certified in Oral Conscious Sedation

You Don’t Have to Be Ready for a Cleaning.
You Just Have to Be Ready for a Conversation.

Whether it’s been 1 year or 20, you are welcome here. You don’t need to be brave, just honest. We’ll meet you exactly where you are.

Fill out the form below and our team will contact you soon.

You’ve taken the hardest step already by looking for help.

There is no shame here. No pressure. No timeline. When you’re ready, we’re ready. Everything you share with us is confidential.

Prefer to talk it through first? Call us now.
You’ll speak with someone who truly understands..

Call Now

Phone

818-698-2775

Phone

Tues-Thurs: 8:30AM–5:30PM
Fri: 8:30-1:30PM
Sat: by Appointment
Sun-Mon: Closed