Hi, I'm Dr. Sutera from Aesthetic Smile Reconstruction in Boston. I know dental anxiety affects millions of Americans, especially those with PTSD or past dental trauma. If the idea of visiting the dentist makes you nervous or anxious, you're not [...]
You want a perfect smile but the thought of getting a smile makeover makes you anxious? At Aesthetic Smile Reconstruction, many of my patients tell me they put off getting their dream smile because of dental anxiety. That's where Smile [...]
Hi, I'm Dr. Sutera at Aesthetic Smile Reconstruction in Boston. If you're struggling with TMJ disorder, I understand how daunting dental visits can feel. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders often lead to jaw pain, limited mouth opening, and increased anxiety during [...]
If you’ve ever felt your heart race at the thought of sitting in a dentist’s chair, you’re not alone. Dental anxiety affects up to 60% of people, and about 10% experience severe dental phobia. For some, this fear can even [...]
Few questions carry more quiet anxiety than when a patient looks at me before a procedure and asks, “Will I remember this?” I hear it often in my Boston practice, usually spoken softly, almost apologetically. There’s a real fear there—not [...]
Last Updated: December 2025 | Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Charles Sutera, DMD, FAGD If you’re searching “why sedation didn’t fix my dental pain,” you’re likely feeling confused, frustrated, or even betrayed. You chose sedation dentistry to avoid pain—so why are you [...]
Dental anxiety is real. And it can have serious health impacts if allowed to interfere with dental care. Studies estimate that as many as 60% of dental patients have anywhere from mild to severe dental fear, and as many as [...]
If you're reading this, you get it. The old way of dentistry just doesn't cut it. At a dental office, every patient can agree on the same three basic needs for the process--they want comfortable, efficient, and a great result. [...]
Dental anxiety: Gosh who wants to talk about that? I know what you're thinking. Dentists, what a horrible thing. Written and medically reviewed by Charles Sutera, DMD, FAGD — Updated: September 27, 2025 Located near Boston? Book a consult → Make an [...]
Approximately 20 million Americans have a severe fear of needles. A study in 2015 showed that approximately 14% of people had avoided the dentist due to needle phobia, or trypanophobia. That’s a large portion of people forgoing necessary dental treatment due [...]
