Dentist for Anxious Patients in Petaling Jaya

An Invitation if you have Fear of Dentist

When any of my patients tell me, “Doctor, I am scared of dentists and I have anxiety,” I take it very seriously. Dental fear or dental anxiety is a serious issue and needs special attention.

If you are one of the many people out there with anxiety or fear of dental procedures, I understand your situation and I have a simple invitation. Let me try and see if I can do something to help you. No promises. Just an option to consider — to see if we can get past the fear that keeps you from getting dental treatment, or if you do need to go through certain procedures, at least reduce the anxiety for you. Your fear and anxiety are real and serious, and it will take time and effort for me to help you overcome them.

I say this because I know the real issue is trust.

After studying and applying many techniques to help patients overcome dental fear, I realised there is one key factor that is needed — building trust. And that is not easy, especially when fear comes from unpleasant past experiences or trauma. I understand that, and that is where I will start.

Many people who come to see me have avoided dentists for a long time, so this is not unusual. I get that. We need to start slow and build a journey of trust and comfort for you.

Often, you may already be in pain or need urgent treatment and have been postponing seeing a dentist. Don’t fret — this too is normal. Pain itself is an issue, but it should not add more stress. I like to think that, as a dental psychologist, I can help.

For many of my patients in Petaling Jaya and surrounding areas, who feel anxious, fearful, or unsure about dental care, this approach is meant to offer a gentler and more respectful starting point.

How I Respond Is Different

To start with, I usually suggest that you do not immediately make an appointment with my front office, but speak with me first. I will make the time. My staff are trained to facilitate this.

Why? Because if trust is the issue, then you need to engage with me — the dentist — directly and get a sense for yourself whether you feel comfortable taking the first step. You need to decide if I am truly the person this website claims, and if you are okay to take a chance with me as your dentist.

The focus is not on commitment. The focus is on whether you are willing to give yourself a chance. There are no obligations.

I know I am good with many patients, but not necessarily with all. And we must consider and accept the humbling conclusion that I may not be that dentist for you. An audio call will be a good first step, rather than an intimidating physical first visit to a totally foreign setting like a dental clinic. Don’t you agree?

We will keep the conversation simple and easy, allowing us to reach a mutual understanding and take small steps in building trust. I will listen to you and see how I can approach your situation in a personalised way. At the very least, we can explore possibilities for you to proceed with another dentist, even if it is not with me at Tropicana Dental.

We must accept the humbling conclusion that I may not be that dentist for you.

What the First Visit Is Usually For

The first visit is not about treatment. It is about relieving pain if possible, often with medication or temporary dressing to help with pain relief. Strictly, there are no major procedures — especially no drilling and no injections.

That is because the main objective is to build trust and comfort levels. Talking and promises of no pain alone do not achieve that. Real action and demonstration are what make the difference.

In many cases, once the pain is no longer an issue and has been settled, it is simply a conversation. Having you sit comfortably in the dental chair and get a sense of control, in a non-threatening experience with the dentist, helps a lot.

We will talk more about what has happened before, what you are anxious about, and what you are not ready for, and how I will design a customised approach for your dental needs. The key point is to build a relationship of trust and gain your confidence to try the procedures needed.

Here is the other key factor: nothing happens without your agreement. We will not start until you feel safe and comfortable. We will even abandon a treatment plan if you decide you are not ready — even if an appointment has been fixed and you are physically present but not mentally ready. This is crucial. These things take time, and we understand that.

A second visit and subsequent visits only serve to anchor the first visit. The policy is strictly no major dental work until you are ready. You come first, then your dental treatment. We live by that motto.

Lastly, you may be concerned about how much this is all going to cost. These visits are typically charged as a consultation, with prices ranging from RM80 to RM150 depending on the complexity of pain-relief solutions. We can usually clarify this during our phone call.

Call us and ask to speak to me directly.

Dr Muruga
📞 +6012 221 2332