Dental care at your pace in Hornsby
If you are nervous about a dental visit, let us know when you book at Hornsby Dental. You can discuss your concerns, ask questions and talk through your options with the team. Call (02) 8090 1100 or book online.
Meet the team
Our three dentists and three oral health therapists provide general, preventive and cosmetic dentistry. The team includes Dr Mark Nieh, Dr Philip Song and Dr Richard Huang, alongside Lucia Doan, Isean Chew and Samira Gholamzadeh.
If you are nervous
Tell your dentist about any previous experiences or concerns. Happy gas is offered at Hornsby Dental, and your dentist can discuss whether it is suitable for you, the associated fee and what to expect before and after treatment.
Questions before your appointment
When you contact us, explain what you need help with and ask about the visit. If you have a health fund, bring your card so you can use HICAPS for on-the-spot claiming where applicable.
What a Gentle Dental Visit Looks Like
Feeling anxious about the dentist is common, and you don’t need to explain or apologise for it. At Hornsby Dental we try to make each visit predictable, so you know what’s happening and stay in control.
- Tell us when you book. Let reception know you’re nervous so your dentist knows before you sit down.
- Start with a conversation. Your first visit can simply be a check-up: we look, explain what we find and talk through your options and costs before any treatment is booked.
- Nothing happens without your OK. Your dentist will explain each step before starting, and you can ask to pause at any time.
- Comfort options. Local anaesthetic is used for most fillings and other procedures, and happy gas is available if it is suitable for you.
Happy Gas for Nervous Patients
Happy gas (nitrous oxide) is breathed in through a small mask over your nose. It helps many people feel more relaxed during treatment, you stay awake and able to talk with your dentist, and the effects usually wear off soon after the gas is stopped. Your dentist will check whether it is suitable for you, explain the fee and tell you what to expect before and after. Learn more about happy gas →
Tips if You Feel Anxious About the Dentist
- Book a time of day when you feel calmest, such as early in the morning or on a Saturday, so you’re not worrying about it all day.
- Start with a new patient check-up and clean ($219, or No Gap with eligible health fund extras) rather than jumping straight into treatment.
- Write down your questions beforehand so you don’t forget them in the chair.
- Let us know about anything specific that worries you, such as needles, the sound of the drill or gagging, so your dentist can plan around it.
- If it’s been years since your last visit, that’s fine. Many of our patients hadn’t seen a dentist for a long time before their first appointment here.
Gentle Dental Care FAQs
Will I be judged if I haven’t been to the dentist in years?
No. Many patients come to us after a long break. Your dentist’s job is to explain where things stand and what your options are, not to lecture you.
Can I just have a check-up first?
Yes. A check-up and clean is a good way to meet your dentist and see the clinic before deciding on any treatment.
Do you see nervous children?
Yes. Our children’s dentistry visits are kept relaxed and positive, and we take things at your child’s pace.
Is happy gas safe?
Happy gas is widely used in dentistry. It isn’t suitable for everyone, so your dentist will check your medical history and discuss whether it is right for you.
A Gentle Dentist near Hornsby Station
We’re at Suite 21, 14 Edgeworth David Avenue, three minutes’ walk from Hornsby Station, with free street parking nearby. We’re open six days a week, including Saturdays from 8:30am to 4pm, and see patients from Waitara, Asquith, Wahroonga, Normanhurst, Thornleigh and Mount Colah. Call (02) 8090 1100 and let us know you’d like a gentle approach.
Take the first step
New patients can book a check-up and clean for $219, or No Gap for eligible health fund members. Conditions apply. Find us at Suite 21, 14 Edgeworth David Avenue, Hornsby NSW 2077. Saturday appointments are available from 8:30am to 4pm. Call (02) 8090 1100 or book online.