nervous-patients-dentist-finchley

Calm, unhurried, judgement-free

Nervous patient dentist Finchley — care entirely at your pace

Dental anxiety is one of the most common barriers to good oral health. At 110 Total Dentistry on Ballards Lane, we give anxious patients longer appointments, clear explanations, agreed stop signals and as much time as they need. You are in control at every step.

You are not alone

Dental anxiety is common — and we can work around it together

110 Total Dentistry is a private dental practice at 110–112 Ballards Lane, Finchley, London N3 2DN, a short walk from Finchley Central station on the Northern line. We provide comprehensive dental care for adults and children, bringing together preventive, restorative, cosmetic, orthodontic and surgical treatments under one roof so that patients can receive consistent, joined-up care from clinicians who know them.

The practice has been established and developed over several years by a team committed to comprehensive private dental care in Finchley. From the beginning, our focus has been on delivering treatment of a consistently high standard in an environment where patients feel listened to and properly informed.

Our philosophy is straightforward: before recommending any treatment, we make sure we understand what matters to you. We explain our findings honestly, present options clearly — including the option of doing nothing — and provide a written treatment plan before proceeding. We measure our success by how informed and comfortable our patients feel, not by the volume of treatment we deliver.

Who this approach may suit

Patients who have avoided the dentist for months or years due to anxiety

Anyone who has had an upsetting or painful experience at a previous practice

People who feel out of control or overwhelmed in a clinical setting

Patients who struggle to communicate concerns during treatment

Those who feel embarrassed about their current dental condition

Patients who would benefit from being seen by a clinician who speaks their language

What we offer nervous patients

  • Longer appointment slots to remove time pressure
  • Step-by-step explanations before and during every procedure
  • An agreed hand-raise “stop” signal — raise your hand and we pause immediately
  • Breaks whenever you need them, for as long as you need
  • Staged care — beginning with the least demanding elements so trust can build gradually
  • A purely introductory first appointment: meet the team, see the surgery, ask questions — no instruments, no treatment
  • Calm, non-judgemental care regardless of dental history or current condition

Pain management and comfort during treatment

Local anaesthetic is used routinely before any treatment that could cause discomfort. If you have had difficulties with numbing in the past — or if you feel any sensation during a procedure — tell us or use the stop signal and we will address it before continuing. We take numbing seriously and will take whatever time is needed to ensure you are comfortable.

Multilingual team

Our team speaks English, Arabic, French and Armenian, with some Polish also spoken. Being able to communicate in your own language can significantly reduce anxiety — particularly when discussing concerns or understanding treatment options.

Why addressing anxiety matters

The problems that anxiety creates — and the benefits of working through it

What avoidance can lead to

What avoidance can lead to

How it works

Your first appointment — step by step
01
Let us know in advance
When booking, mention that you are an anxious patient. This allows us to schedule a longer slot and note your concerns before you arrive.
02
Introductory or full first visit — your choice
If you prefer, your first visit can be purely introductory: meet Dr Assaker and the team, see the surgery, and ask anything you would like to know. No examination, no treatment — simply a conversation in a relaxed setting. Alternatively, if you are ready, a full new-patient examination can be completed at the same appointment.
03
Examination and honest assessment
When you are ready for an examination, we explain each instrument and each step before it happens. X-rays are taken only where clinically indicated. You receive an honest picture of your dental health — not a list designed to alarm you.
04
Staged, agreed treatment plan
If treatment is needed, we propose a staged plan — prioritising what is most urgent and spacing appointments to suit your comfort. You choose the pace. Nothing is rushed.
05
Ongoing care at your own rhythm
Once treatment is complete, routine check-ups and hygiene visits help maintain your oral health. Many patients who started as highly anxious find that regular attendance becomes much easier over time.
Honest considerations
A patient-centred approach addresses many forms of dental anxiety effectively, but it is not a clinical intervention for severe phobia. Some patients may benefit from support from their GP or a psychological service alongside dental care. If anxiety means that even attending a first appointment feels impossible, please call us and we can discuss what might make the initial step manageable. Longer and staged appointments may mean a treatment plan takes more calendar time to complete than a standard approach. This is a deliberate and considered trade-off in favour of your comfort and long-term relationship with dental care.
What patients say
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

““After visiting a number of dentists over the years, I have finally found one who I trust, without a doubt the most caring and professional staff is working at ProDent. ””

Vanessa Gilmore
Vanessa Gilmore, 22 years
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

““I just wanted to write to thank each and every member of ProDental Clinic I came into contact with for making my visit so smooth and comfortable today .””

Amanda Smith
Amanda Smith, 31 years
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“"The work you carried out on my teeth was excellent. I am absolutely delighted with the finished result and would not hesitate to recommend you to everyone."”

Ketrin Jenkins
Ketrin Jenkins, 28 years
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“"The friendly atmosphere and state of the art interior makes you relax. I have had a dental phobia most of my life, but it's gone after just one visit here!"”

Ashlie Wilson
Ashlie Wilson, 23 years

Transparent fees

What to expect to pay
The fees below apply to the examination and any treatment agreed following your assessment. Nervous patient appointments use the same fee structure — the longer appointment time is part of our standard care for anxious patients and is not charged as a supplement.
New patient examination
£75
Routine Examination
£45
Dental X-ray
£10
Hygiene Appointment
£75
Diamond Clean (advanced hygiene)
£95
Child examination (under 16)
Free

Your dentist

Meet Dr Kozhaya Assaker

Dr Assaker holds a DDS (2002) and a postgraduate qualification in Oral Biology (2003), followed by a Diploma in Oral Surgery and Implantology (2007). He has completed further training in implantology and bone grafting in Switzerland, the USA and France.

He is a member of the British Dental Association (BDA) and holds active membership with the European Association for Osseointegration (EAO) and the International Team for Implantology (ITI). GDC registration number: 176427.

Dr Assaker consults in English, Arabic, French, Armenian and some Polish.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions — nervous patients

Not at all. We see patients in all stages of dental health, including those who have avoided care for a very long time. Our role is to give you an honest, supportive assessment and a clear path forward — not to make you feel guilty. Please do not let concern about your current dental condition stop you from getting in touch.

Yes. If it would help, your first visit can be purely introductory — a chance to meet the team, see the surgery and ask any questions you have. No instruments, no clinical examination, no treatment of any kind. Some patients find this removes enough of the unknown to make a second appointment with an examination feel manageable. Simply mention this when you book.

Before treatment begins, we agree a clear stop signal — typically raising your hand. If you use it, we stop immediately and give you as much time as you need. There is no pressure to continue until you say you are ready. This signal is taken seriously throughout the appointment.

We use topical numbing gel on the gum before giving a local anaesthetic injection, and we deliver the injection slowly to minimise any sensation. If you have had trouble with numbing in the past — or if the anaesthetic does not feel complete — tell us and we will take whatever additional steps are needed before proceeding. We will not continue treatment until you are satisfied that you cannot feel anything.

For many patients, yes — significantly. Being able to ask questions, describe symptoms or express concerns in your first language removes a layer of stress that can compound dental anxiety. Our team speaks English, Arabic, French and Armenian, with some Polish. Please mention your language preference when you book.

Take the first step — at your own pace

You do not need to have your concerns fully formed before you call. A brief message or phone call explaining that you are anxious is enough — we will take it from there and arrange your appointment with care. There is no pressure and no obligation.
110–112 Ballards Lane, Finchley, London N3 2DN · info@110totaldentistry.co.uk · Call for current opening hours