Medically reviewed by Dr. Radwa Saad, DMD | Last updated: 10/04/2026

Published: 08/14/2023

Laughing Through the Drill: Dental Anxiety, Funny Dentist Stories & Nick Z

Does going to the dentist make you nervous? You're definitely not the only one. For some people, the sound of the dental drill is enough to make their heart race. Others worry about needles, pain, bad news, embarrassment about their teeth, or simply not knowing what will happen once they sit in the dental chair. Sometimes, a little humor helps. In this fun episode of The Wonder Tooth Podcast, Dr. Radwa Saad welcomes comedian Nick Z for a candid—and very funny—conversation about dental visits, awkward moments in the dental chair, dental anxiety, and the experiences almost every dental patient can relate to. Because dentistry doesn't always have to feel so serious.

Why Are So Many People Afraid of the Dentist?

Fear of the dentist can come from many different places. Some patients had an unpleasant dental experience when they were young. Others haven't been to a dentist for years and worry about what the dentist will find. Common concerns include:

Fear of dental pain
Fear of needles
Fear of the dental drill
Sensitive teeth
Feeling out of control
Embarrassment about oral health
A previous negative dental experience
Fear of needing extensive treatment
Sensitivity to sounds, smells, or sensations
Not knowing what to expect

Sometimes, the longer a patient avoids the dentist, the more intimidating returning can feel. But avoiding dental care can allow small problems to become larger ones. The better approach is to find a dental team you trust and tell them about your concerns before treatment begins.

A Comedian Walks Into a Dental Office...

Dentistry gives comedians plenty of material. Think about it. You're lying back in a chair with a bright light over your face. Someone asks you a question while your mouth is open. You attempt to answer. Nobody understands you. Then everyone somehow continues the conversation. Nick Z brings a comedian's perspective to these universally awkward moments. And sometimes laughing at an uncomfortable situation can make it feel a little less intimidating.

Why Does the Dentist Ask Questions When My Mouth Is Open?

It's one of dentistry's great mysteries. Your dentist asks: "How was your weekend?" At exactly the moment when answering is nearly impossible. There actually is a practical reason dental professionals continue communicating during treatment. We want to know how you're feeling. If you're uncomfortable, need a break, feel sensitivity, or have a question, communication matters. But yes—we recognize the irony. A simple hand signal can help. Before treatment begins, you and your dentist can agree that raising your hand means: "Please stop for a moment." That small amount of control can make treatment feel much easier for nervous patients.

The Famous Flossing Question

Then comes another classic dental-chair moment: "How often do you floss?" Suddenly, many patients become very creative with their answers. The purpose isn't to embarrass you. Dentists and hygienists ask about your home-care routine because plaque between the teeth can contribute to cavities and gum inflammation. If you haven't been flossing regularly, just say so. Your dental team needs accurate information—not a perfect answer. Learn more about preventive dentistry at Dent Blanche Dental.

Can Dentists Tell If You Don't Floss?

Dentists and hygienists can often see signs that home care could be improved. These may include:

Plaque accumulation
Tartar
Inflamed gums
Bleeding gums
Cavities between teeth
Gum changes

But the goal isn't to "catch" you. The goal is to identify risk factors and help you protect your teeth and gums. Regular professional dental cleanings and preventive care can also help remove deposits that brushing and flossing alone cannot remove once they harden into tartar.

Does Garlic Before a Dental Appointment Matter?

Nick's garlic story raises a question patients probably don't ask very often: Should I avoid garlic before seeing my dentist? You don't need to redesign your entire diet for your dental appointment. But brushing and cleaning your tongue before your visit may help you feel fresher and more comfortable. Persistent bad breath, however, can sometimes be associated with oral-health problems such as plaque accumulation, gum disease, dry mouth, or tooth decay. So don't feel embarrassed if you have bad breath. Mention it. It may provide useful information.

Can Dentists Tell Everything About You From Your Teeth?

No. Despite the jokes, dentists don't have magical powers. But your mouth can provide useful clues about oral health and certain habits. A dental examination may reveal signs of:

Tooth decay
Gum disease
Tooth grinding
Dental erosion
Dry mouth
Oral hygiene habits
Bite problems
Broken or worn restorations

Dentists evaluate those findings together with your medical history, symptoms, X-rays when indicated, and clinical examination. One finding rarely tells the entire story.

What If I'm Embarrassed About My Teeth?

This is one of the most important concerns to address. Some patients avoid dental care because they are embarrassed. Maybe it has been years since your last cleaning. Maybe you have broken teeth. Maybe you have cavities. Maybe you are missing teeth. Maybe your gums bleed. Maybe you're worried the dentist will judge you. Please remember: A dental office exists to treat dental problems. You do not need perfect teeth before seeing a dentist. That's like believing you need to get healthy before seeing a doctor. Come as you are. The important thing is taking the next step.

How Can You Make a Dental Visit Less Stressful?

If dental appointments make you nervous, communication is one of the best places to start. Tell the dental team before treatment: "I'm anxious about dental treatment." That gives the team an opportunity to adapt the visit. Helpful strategies may include:

Asking what will happen before treatment begins
Agreeing on a stop signal
Taking short breaks when appropriate
Asking questions
Scheduling when you are less rushed
Bringing headphones if appropriate
Using breathing or relaxation techniques
Discussing pain-control options with your dentist
Starting with a consultation when possible

Different people experience dental anxiety differently. There is no reason to feel embarrassed about telling your dentist.

Does Modern Dental Technology Make Visits Easier?

Technology cannot eliminate every uncomfortable aspect of dentistry, but modern digital workflows can improve many patient experiences. At Dent Blanche Dental, digital dentistry may include technologies such as:

Intraoral scanning
Digital X-rays
3D CBCT imaging
Digital treatment planning
CEREC CAD/CAM
3D printing
Guided implant planning

For example, an intraoral scanner can replace traditional impression material in many situations. Digital imaging can also make it easier for patients to see and understand what the dentist sees. Explore Digital Dentistry at Dent Blanche Dental.

What Is an Intraoral Scanner?

An intraoral scanner captures detailed images of your teeth and creates a digital 3D model. Depending on the procedure, digital scans may be used for:

Crowns
Veneers
Clear aligners
Dental implants
Bridges
Night guards
Diagnostic models

For patients who dislike traditional impressions, digital scanning can make certain procedures much more comfortable.

Can You Really Get a Crown in One Visit?

In selected cases, yes. With CEREC CAD/CAM technology, certain restorations can be digitally scanned, designed, milled, and placed during the same appointment. That can reduce the need for a temporary restoration and a second appointment in appropriate cases. Learn more through the Dent Blanche Dental CEREC Academy and our episode about same-day crowns.

Does a Comfortable Dental Office Really Matter?

For an anxious patient, environment can make a significant difference. A clinical setting that feels cold or intimidating may increase nervousness before treatment even begins. Dent Blanche Dental was designed around a Nature-Infused Dentistry concept. The Princeton office combines private treatment rooms with views of trees and a koi pond, along with comfort features such as massage chairs. None of these replace excellent dentistry. But comfort and clinical care don't have to be opposites. The goal is to create an environment where patients can feel more at ease while receiving appropriate treatment.

When Dental Anxiety Causes You to Avoid the Dentist

Occasional nervousness is one thing. Avoiding dental care for years because of fear is different. Delaying treatment can allow conditions such as:

Cavities
Gum disease
Broken teeth
Infections
Missing teeth
Failing restorations

to become more complicated. If it has been a long time since your last appointment, don't focus on everything that might need treatment. Start with the first visit. A comprehensive dental check-up can help determine where you are today and what actually needs attention.

What If I Have a Dental Emergency but I'm Afraid of the Dentist?

Severe tooth pain, facial swelling, trauma, a broken tooth, or another urgent dental problem shouldn't be ignored simply because dental treatment makes you nervous. Tell the dental office about both problems: "I'm having a dental emergency, and I'm also very anxious about dental treatment." That helps the dental team understand your situation before you arrive.

Humor Can Change the Conversation About Dentistry

Humor doesn't cure a cavity. It doesn't treat gum disease. And unfortunately, laughing hard enough won't make a root canal disappear. But humor can change how we talk about dentistry. It can make patients feel less embarrassed. It can normalize dental anxiety. It can remind us that some of the things that feel awkward in the dental chair are experiences millions of other patients understand. Sometimes the first step toward feeling less afraid is realizing: You're not the only one who feels this way.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Anxiety

Is it normal to be afraid of the dentist?

Yes. Many people experience some degree of nervousness or anxiety about dental care. The intensity and causes vary from person to person.

Why am I so scared of the dentist?

Dental fear may be related to previous experiences, fear of pain or needles, embarrassment, sensory triggers, feeling out of control, or uncertainty about treatment.

Should I tell my dentist that I have dental anxiety?

Yes. Tell the dental office before or at the beginning of your appointment. Understanding your concerns can help the team communicate and plan your visit more appropriately.

What if I haven't been to the dentist in years?

Schedule an examination rather than continuing to delay because of embarrassment. Your dentist can assess your current oral health and prioritize treatment based on what is actually needed.

Will the dentist judge me for bad teeth?

A professional dental team should focus on diagnosing problems, relieving discomfort, restoring oral health, and helping you move forward—not shaming you about the past.

How can I calm myself before a dental appointment?

Ask questions, communicate your fears, avoid rushing to the appointment, consider relaxation techniques, and discuss specific concerns with your dentist beforehand.

Can I listen to music during dental treatment?

Depending on the procedure and dental office, headphones or music may be possible. Ask your dental team first so you can still hear important instructions when necessary.

Are digital impressions easier than traditional impressions?

Many patients find intraoral scanning more comfortable because it can eliminate impression trays and material for many procedures.

Can dental anxiety affect oral health?

It can if fear causes someone to repeatedly postpone examinations, cleanings, or necessary treatment.

What should I do if I'm embarrassed about my smile?

Start with a consultation. Your dentist can discuss oral-health concerns first and then, if desired, options for improving the appearance of your smile.

Laughing Through the Drill: The Bottom Line

Dental anxiety is real. So are awkward dental-chair conversations, forgotten flossing routines, strange noises, and the nearly impossible task of answering a dentist's question while your mouth is open. That's what makes Nick Z's perspective so relatable. But behind the jokes is an important message: Don't let embarrassment or fear keep you from taking care of your oral health. Ask questions. Tell your dentist when you're nervous. Take treatment one step at a time. And when possible, keep your sense of humor. Sometimes a smile makes the dental chair a little less intimidating.

Meet Our Guest: Comedian Nick Z

In this episode of The Wonder Tooth Podcast, Dr. Radwa Saad welcomes comedian Nick Z for a humorous conversation about dentistry, dental fear, awkward dental visits, and the funny experiences almost every patient recognizes. Nick brings his comedic perspective to the dental chair while Dr. Saad separates dental myths from useful oral-health advice.

Listen to The Wonder Tooth Podcast

The Wonder Tooth Podcast, hosted by Dr. Radwa Saad, explores oral health, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, dental technology, patient questions, myths, and the lighter side of dentistry. Explore more episodes:

Explore Dental Care at Dent Blanche Dental

If fear has kept you away from the dentist, your first visit doesn't have to begin with a major procedure. Start with a conversation and evaluation. Explore:

Schedule Your Dental Visit

At Dent Blanche Dental, Dr. Radwa Saad and the dental team combine personalized care, modern technology, and a nature-infused environment designed to make dental visits feel more comfortable. Whether it has been six months or several years since your last appointment, the most important thing is simply to begin. Schedule Your Appointment Visit Dent Blanche Dental Dent Blanche Dental 3640 Lawrenceville Rd Princeton, NJ 08540 950 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10075 Call 609-890-1888

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