You're Not Alone — And You're in the Right Place
If the thought of sitting in a dental chair makes your heart race, we understand. Our entire team is trained to care for anxious and phobic patients with empathy, patience, and clinical options that let you receive the care you need — comfortably.
- Judgment-Free Environment
- Sedation Options Available
- Go at Your Pace
Understanding Dental Anxiety
According to the American Dental Association, approximately 36% of Americans experience dental anxiety, and 12% suffer from dental phobia — an intense, often debilitating fear that prevents them from seeking care entirely. If you are in either group, you are far from alone.
Dental anxiety often follows a predictable cycle: fear leads to avoidance, avoidance leads to worsening oral health, and worsening conditions create more reasons to feel afraid. The result is that the patients who need care the most are often the ones who delay it the longest.
At Innova Smiles, we break that cycle. We do not rush. We do not judge. And we have the clinical tools — from nitrous oxide to oral sedation to IV sedation — to ensure that every patient can receive care at a comfort level that works for them.
of Americans have dental anxiety
experience dental phobia
of our patients feel welcome
Our Anxiety-Free Approach
Six techniques we use to make every visit comfortable and stress-free.
We explain every step before we do it. No surprises, no sudden movements. You stay informed and in control throughout your appointment.
Mild, inhaled sedation that takes effect in minutes and wears off just as quickly. Safe for all ages. You remain fully conscious but deeply relaxed.
A prescription pill taken before your visit produces deeper relaxation with minimal memory of the procedure. Ideal for longer treatments or severe anxiety.
Bring your own music or use ours. Block out clinical sounds and focus on what makes you comfortable. We also offer streaming on overhead screens.
Warm neck pillows, soft blankets, aromatherapy, and complimentary beverages. Our treatment suites feel more like a spa than a dental office.
Raise your hand at any time and we pause immediately. You set the pace. There is never a moment when you are not in complete control.
What to Expect: Your First Visit
A step-by-step look at how we make your first appointment as stress-free as possible.
We Listen First
No exam on day one if you are not ready. We start with a conversation — your fears, your past experiences, and what would make you feel safe.
Tour the Office
See the space, meet the team, and sit in the chair on your own terms. Familiarity reduces fear.
Choose Your Comfort Level
We discuss sedation options and comfort amenities so you can decide what feels right before any clinical work begins.
Go at Your Pace
Short appointments. Frequent breaks. Hand signal control. We move only as fast as you allow.
Celebrate Your Win
Every visit is progress. We acknowledge your courage and make sure you leave feeling proud of the step you took.
Our Calming Environment
Innova Smiles was designed with anxious patients in mind. Our treatment suites are private, softly lit with natural light, and outfitted with warm colors and modern finishes that feel nothing like a traditional dental office. There is no clinical smell, no harsh fluorescent lighting, and no crowded waiting room.
Each suite features noise-canceling headphones, overhead streaming screens, warm neck pillows, and soft blankets. We offer complimentary beverages before and after your appointment, and our team greets every patient by name.
Sedation Options: Find Your Comfort Level
Three tiers of sedation so you can choose the level of relaxation that's right for you.
Mild Relaxation
Deeper Relaxation
Maximum Calm
Patient Stories
“I avoided the dentist for 8 years because of my anxiety. From the moment I walked into Innova Smiles, the team made me feel safe. Dr. Fatima explained everything before she did it, and I used the nitrous oxide for the first time — I honestly could not believe how calm I felt. I have been back three times now and actually look forward to my visits.”
Your care is led by Dr. Ambereen Fatima, D.D.S. — Fellow, ICOI (FICOI) · Fellow, AAIP (FAAIP)
Among fewer than 3% of U.S. dentists with dual implant fellowships
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ambereen Fatima, D.D.S. — FICOI · FAAIP
Frequently Asked Questions
We offer three levels of sedation to match your comfort needs. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is mild and wears off within minutes. Oral conscious sedation uses a prescription pill taken before your appointment to achieve deeper relaxation. IV sedation delivers the most profound comfort for complex procedures or severe anxiety. We will recommend the right option during your consultation.
Related Services
Serving Anxiety-Free Dentistry Patients Across MetroWest
Conveniently located in Marlborough, MA, we are proud to treat patients from Gleasondale, Cordaville, Nobscot, and surrounding communities.
Your Comfort Is Our Priority. Take the First Step Today.
You do not need to be brave. You just need to call. Our team will handle the rest — at your pace, with options that keep you comfortable every step of the way.
Sedation options available for every appointment type