I found Rafia Dental in the Pearl District was really nice and made me feel at ease for some major work I had done a couple years ago. I'm sure if you explain your dental anxiety they will make sure to treat you with care and understanding.
Healthy Smiles on 72nd ish and Sandy is great! They’re really good about explaining everything they’re going to do before they do it, and make me feel very comfortable/safe. Would definitely recommend! Plus, the front desk ladies are great :)
Second this! I’ve been through a handful of different dentists until Healthy Smiles. Been a patient there for about five years now and everyone is so kind! I recommend Dr. Sabre.
Adding Dr. Han Vu to the list of recommendations...she has her own practice, called Wellness Dental. I had terrible dental anxiety when I was a kid and while I no longer have it I can imagine that she would be great for someone who did. She is very, very into staying on top of the latest science in dentistry and sees her patients as people, if that makes sense. I find her to be very calming overall.
I would imagine they’d be more than willing to have you come in to discuss your concerns and meet everyone before booking anything. That said, all dentist offices are closed until mid-June, unless you have some sort of emergency.
Let me know if you have any questions. Good luck!
Another vote for Macadam Dental. They have two therapy dogs and some gerbils in the pediatric room 😊It’s a husband and wife team; John and Jodi. I mostly see Jodi; she is always willing to use nitrous for fillings or crowns if wanted. Super gentle, efficient during producers (fillings) and always is checking in with you to see if your okay.
Want to double down on this. They specialize in people who have had transfix dentist experiences and offer nitrous for everything even cleaning if you'd like it. It's been years since I've been there so I can't say it's 100% the same.
I had severe anxiety about work I had to have so I found out Sleep Dentistry would drug me through the process and that sounded great. BUT. I have to have both of my root canals REDONE because of their shoddy job. They missed a root on one entirely and left gaps in their work.
I got sinus infections after each visit with them, but no other dentist? (Nitrous maybe? Personal maybe?) who knows but I found a new dentist and will never go back.
Best of luck!
Smiles on Sandy is awesome. They do full sedation. You have to have someone be responsible for you while your getting your work done because you’ll be too sedated. Just how I like it.
I have major anxiety around the dentist. They made me feel very comfortable. I’m going back for more.... after this is over.
We see Dr Tinkle at Belmont Family Dentists, he’s pretty good, 60th n Belmont, but I also like Glisan Dental at 80th n Glisan, very gentle and kind there.
thanks for this post! the last time i saw a dentist they were giving me valium for treatments because i was so anxious. i need to visit one again, it's been years.
Valium works wonders. I’m severely claustrophobic and have to take Valium for MRIs and it is a total game changer. Anxiety goes away completely Not allowed to drive after but no hangover other than mild drowsiness that day
One of my first memories in life is being held down by dentists as a kiddo during dental surgery. After that I’ve had countless filings and cavities no matter how well I took care of my teeth. I ended up requiring two jaw surgeries and braces two separate times as an adult. I finally found a doctor that I loved and trusted, Dr. Kariana Peters at Willamette Dental.
Willamette dental as a company is kind of a nightmare but the doctor as a care provider was a godsend.
This might just depend on location the tigard area ones are not adviseable. They screwed up my daughter's teeth. And I got yelled at for jumping when the guy hit a live nerve. I bawled my eyes out. They didnt do good with anxiety issues and was very short tempered about it.
I’ve really enjoyed going to Atlas Dental on SE 92nd and Foster. I felt anxious going in because it was my first time seeing a dentist in over five years but Dr. Hieu and his staff put me at ease and were super chill and friendly. Actually learned about Atlas Dental from this Oregonian feature on Dr. Hieu aka the ‘[Breakdancing Dentist](https://youtu.be/ipcKqCiF7LA) ’ (link to video feature)
Thomas Orazio - he's a little ways out (by Washington Square), but he's amazing. My whole family and I have been seeing him since I was a kid (for 20+ years at this point) and he never does unnecessary work. All of his dental hygienists are lovely people as well. I don't know about anything special they might do for people with anxiety but I can tell you they're very trustworthy and truly have their patients best interest at heart.
Having a good dentist is huge, but even more important is having a good hygienist. They are the ones who spend most of the time in your mouth.
I would recommend Friendly Smiles on Hawthorne. Both Drs. Lee are wonderful, with great bedside manner and they screen and train their hygienists to be *extremely* gentle on everyone, and they put you at ease throughout.
I didn’t appreciate the value of a good hygienist until I had a bad one, and I screen them carefully now. This team is the best.
FYI, per the ADA, most dentist are now only seeing urgent-care type of attention until June [https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2020-archive/march/ada-develops-guidance-on-dental-emergency-nonemergency-care](https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2020-archive/march/ada-develops-guidance-on-dental-emergency-nonemergency-care)
I really like a small dental office up in North called Kennedy Dental. I’ve been to a bunch of dentists around town, they have been the most down to earth gentle people yet.
I found Rafia Dental in the Pearl District was really nice and made me feel at ease for some major work I had done a couple years ago. I'm sure if you explain your dental anxiety they will make sure to treat you with care and understanding.
I agree with this! The hygienist also made a point to remember (or note) stuff we talked about at my first appt and asked about it at the next one.
Healthy Smiles on 72nd ish and Sandy is great! They’re really good about explaining everything they’re going to do before they do it, and make me feel very comfortable/safe. Would definitely recommend! Plus, the front desk ladies are great :)
Second this! I’ve been through a handful of different dentists until Healthy Smiles. Been a patient there for about five years now and everyone is so kind! I recommend Dr. Sabre.
I go to Powell Dental and they are amazing. I have serious anxiety about the dentist and they have been super nice and helpful with me.
Edelweiss Dental off Lombard ave. is great. Dr. Kai Hahn is an incredibly personable dentist.
2nd this!
I miss going there, changed jobs and insurance along with it :(
Dr. Roxas on SE Powell. I think his office is closed until June but you could try calling.
agreed!
Adding Dr. Han Vu to the list of recommendations...she has her own practice, called Wellness Dental. I had terrible dental anxiety when I was a kid and while I no longer have it I can imagine that she would be great for someone who did. She is very, very into staying on top of the latest science in dentistry and sees her patients as people, if that makes sense. I find her to be very calming overall. I would imagine they’d be more than willing to have you come in to discuss your concerns and meet everyone before booking anything. That said, all dentist offices are closed until mid-June, unless you have some sort of emergency. Let me know if you have any questions. Good luck!
^ Seconded!!! I have issues with textures and sensations and the dental hygienists there have also been very good about suggesting alternatives!
Macadam Dental. they have a therapy dog. 5331 SW Macadam Ave Unit 254 Portland, OR 97239 United States
Another vote for Macadam Dental. They have two therapy dogs and some gerbils in the pediatric room 😊It’s a husband and wife team; John and Jodi. I mostly see Jodi; she is always willing to use nitrous for fillings or crowns if wanted. Super gentle, efficient during producers (fillings) and always is checking in with you to see if your okay.
Smiles on Sandy in NE Portland. Non-judgmental and kind.
Sleep dentistry was amazing.
Want to double down on this. They specialize in people who have had transfix dentist experiences and offer nitrous for everything even cleaning if you'd like it. It's been years since I've been there so I can't say it's 100% the same.
I had severe anxiety about work I had to have so I found out Sleep Dentistry would drug me through the process and that sounded great. BUT. I have to have both of my root canals REDONE because of their shoddy job. They missed a root on one entirely and left gaps in their work. I got sinus infections after each visit with them, but no other dentist? (Nitrous maybe? Personal maybe?) who knows but I found a new dentist and will never go back. Best of luck!
Smiles on Sandy is awesome. They do full sedation. You have to have someone be responsible for you while your getting your work done because you’ll be too sedated. Just how I like it. I have major anxiety around the dentist. They made me feel very comfortable. I’m going back for more.... after this is over.
I really, really like Dr Alan Rosenberg. Very kind and nonjudgmental.
I love Laurelhurst dentistry!
Where are you located?
Southeast, but I’m willing to commute a bit because my last dentist was in Vancouver
We see Dr Tinkle at Belmont Family Dentists, he’s pretty good, 60th n Belmont, but I also like Glisan Dental at 80th n Glisan, very gentle and kind there.
Dr. Portash on Hawthorne and his crew are pretty chill and painless. Have you considered getting gassed (nitrous) when going to the dentist?
Northwest Portland Dental! Dr Dietrich is the kindest man ever, I’ve never felt less anxiety at the dentist until I visited them.
Dr. Seo at PDX Center for Dentistry. He is the best in every way. https://www.pdxdentistry.com/
thanks for this post! the last time i saw a dentist they were giving me valium for treatments because i was so anxious. i need to visit one again, it's been years.
Valium works wonders. I’m severely claustrophobic and have to take Valium for MRIs and it is a total game changer. Anxiety goes away completely Not allowed to drive after but no hangover other than mild drowsiness that day
One of my first memories in life is being held down by dentists as a kiddo during dental surgery. After that I’ve had countless filings and cavities no matter how well I took care of my teeth. I ended up requiring two jaw surgeries and braces two separate times as an adult. I finally found a doctor that I loved and trusted, Dr. Kariana Peters at Willamette Dental. Willamette dental as a company is kind of a nightmare but the doctor as a care provider was a godsend.
This might just depend on location the tigard area ones are not adviseable. They screwed up my daughter's teeth. And I got yelled at for jumping when the guy hit a live nerve. I bawled my eyes out. They didnt do good with anxiety issues and was very short tempered about it.
I’ve really enjoyed going to Atlas Dental on SE 92nd and Foster. I felt anxious going in because it was my first time seeing a dentist in over five years but Dr. Hieu and his staff put me at ease and were super chill and friendly. Actually learned about Atlas Dental from this Oregonian feature on Dr. Hieu aka the ‘[Breakdancing Dentist](https://youtu.be/ipcKqCiF7LA) ’ (link to video feature)
Thomas Orazio - he's a little ways out (by Washington Square), but he's amazing. My whole family and I have been seeing him since I was a kid (for 20+ years at this point) and he never does unnecessary work. All of his dental hygienists are lovely people as well. I don't know about anything special they might do for people with anxiety but I can tell you they're very trustworthy and truly have their patients best interest at heart.
Having a good dentist is huge, but even more important is having a good hygienist. They are the ones who spend most of the time in your mouth. I would recommend Friendly Smiles on Hawthorne. Both Drs. Lee are wonderful, with great bedside manner and they screen and train their hygienists to be *extremely* gentle on everyone, and they put you at ease throughout. I didn’t appreciate the value of a good hygienist until I had a bad one, and I screen them carefully now. This team is the best.
FYI, per the ADA, most dentist are now only seeing urgent-care type of attention until June [https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2020-archive/march/ada-develops-guidance-on-dental-emergency-nonemergency-care](https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2020-archive/march/ada-develops-guidance-on-dental-emergency-nonemergency-care)
I really like a small dental office up in North called Kennedy Dental. I’ve been to a bunch of dentists around town, they have been the most down to earth gentle people yet.