Afraid of the Dentist?
Calm guidance, at your own pace
Looking for a dentist in Utrecht who understands dental anxiety? At Top Lach Dental Practice you get extra time, calm step-by-step explanation and a stop signal that keeps YOU in control. Many of our patients first came in anxious — and now attend their checkups relaxed.
Fear of the dentist is very common: a bad experience in the past, fear of the anaesthetic, embarrassment about postponed care, or simply the feeling of having no control. Whatever the reason — you never need to feel ashamed here, and you are certainly not alone.
Our approach is simple: time and honesty. We start with a calm introductory talk (no treatment), discuss exactly what makes you anxious, and build a plan together in steps you can handle. During treatment we explain everything beforehand and stop immediately when you raise your hand.
Do you prefer Arabic, Polish, Turkish, Spanish, Portuguese or English? Especially with anxiety, it helps enormously to discuss everything in your own language — our team speaks 7 languages.
How we approach it together
1 · Introduction without treatment
Your first appointment is a conversation. We only take a look if you want us to, and you describe in your own words what you dread.
2 · A plan in small steps
We divide the treatment into steps that are manageable for you. Nothing is mandatory — everything is discussed and at your pace.
3 · Explanation before every action
You always know what will happen before it happens. No surprises — that alone brings a lot of calm.
4 · Stop signal: you stay in control
Hand up = we stop immediately. You set the pace, even mid-treatment.
5 · Quiet moments
For anxious patients we like to schedule longer appointments at quiet times, for example during our evening hours on Wednesday or Thursday.
Honest about what we do (and don’t do)
We treat anxious patients with time, explanation and patience — and for the vast majority of people that is enough. We do not offer treatment under general anaesthesia or laughing gas. If your anxiety is severe enough to require that, we will say so honestly and help you find a centre for special dental care (referral via your GP or via us).
Frequently asked questions about dental anxiety
I feel embarrassed because I haven’t been for years. Can I still come?
Absolutely — and there is nothing to be ashamed of. Many of our patients had not been for years. We start with a calm conversation and a calm first look, without judgement, and only then build a plan together.
Does the anaesthetic hurt?
We numb as comfortably as possible: first a gel on the gums, then slow anaesthesia. Most patients find it much easier than expected — and we only start once the anaesthetic truly works.
Can I be treated under general anaesthesia?
No, we do not offer treatment under general anaesthesia or laughing gas. If that is what you need, we will honestly refer you to a centre for special dental care. For most anxious patients, however, our step-by-step approach with extra time proves sufficient.
Can I bring someone?
Yes, you are always welcome to bring someone you trust. For many patients that makes the first visit much easier.
Can we talk in my own language?
Yes — our team speaks Dutch, English, Arabic (and Darija), Polish, Turkish, Spanish and Portuguese. Especially with anxiety, it helps to understand everything precisely.
The first step is a conversation
Book a calm introduction — or send us a WhatsApp message first if calling already feels like a lot. We are happy to think along with you.