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Dentist Christina DickelDental Center for Aesthetic DentistryImplantology and Periodontology
DGI-zertifizierte ImplantologinÜber 95% Erfolgsrate13+ Jahre Erfahrung

Dentist for Anxious Patients Munich | Dentist Christina Dickel

Dental anxiety is widespread. We offer special care, relaxation methods and treatment under sedation on request.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

You are in the right place

If you are reading this page, you have already taken the hardest step.

Dental anxiety affects more people than you might think: studies show that up to 60% of Germans feel uneasy about visiting the dentist. Around 10 million people in Germany avoid the dentist out of fear — some for years or even decades. There is nothing to be ashamed of.

At our practice in Munich-Oberfoehring, we meet dental anxiety with understanding, patience, and a clear promise: You set the pace. No pressure to treat, no time pressure, no reproaches — no matter how long it has been since your last dental visit. We listen, explain every step, and together find the approach that works for you.

Whether gentle relaxation with nitrous oxide, a relaxed twilight sedation, or general anaesthesia on our dedicated anaesthesia days — we have the right solution for every level of anxiety.

Einladender Empfangsbereich der Zahnarztpraxis — beruhigende Atmosphäre für Angstpatienten
Unsere Praxis: Eine Atmosphäre, die Vertrauen schafft — nicht Angst.

Where does dental anxiety come from?

Dental anxiety (dental phobia) has many faces and many causes. Understanding them is the first step to overcoming them:

  • Traumatic experiences: A painful procedure in childhood, the feeling of not being taken seriously, or a treatment that felt rushed — such experiences leave a deep mark.
  • Loss of control: Lying in the treatment chair, opening your mouth, surrendering to another person — the feeling of having no control is the core trigger of anxiety for many people.
  • Needle phobia: Fear of the anaesthetic injection is one of the most common reasons for dental anxiety. Modern techniques such as computer-controlled anaesthesia make injections much gentler today.
  • Shame: Those who have not seen a dentist for a long time often feel ashamed of the condition of their teeth — and therefore continue to avoid visits. A vicious cycle that we can break together.
  • Sounds and smells: The sound of the drill, the typical "dentist smell" — sensory stimuli can trigger anxiety reactions that are hard to control.

Our approach: We take every fear seriously — whether mild discomfort or full-blown phobia. There is no "too sensitive" in our practice.

Our three paths to anxiety-free treatment

Depending on your personal anxiety level and the planned treatment, we offer three sedation methods — from light relaxation to deep sleep:

Drei Sedierungsarten im Vergleich: Lachgas, Dämmerschlaf und Vollnarkose
Von leichter Entspannung bis zum tiefen Schlaf: Drei Wege zur angstfreien Behandlung.

Nitrous oxide sedation — Relaxed and awake

You breathe a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a small nasal mask and within 2–3 minutes feel pleasantly relaxed and mildly euphoric — while remaining fully conscious. After the treatment, the effect wears off within minutes. You can drive yourself home afterwards.

Ideal for: Mild to moderate anxiety, short procedures, patients who want to stay in control, children.

→ Learn more about nitrous oxide sedation

Twilight sedation — Deep relaxation

Through an intravenous line, you receive a sedative that puts you into a pleasant twilight state. You remain responsive but deeply relaxed — and will remember little to nothing of the treatment afterwards (anterograde amnesia).

Ideal for: Moderate to severe anxiety, longer treatments (1–3 hours), multiple procedures in one session.

→ Learn more about twilight sedation

General anaesthesia — Completely pain-free sleep

On our anaesthesia days, an experienced specialist anaesthetist administers the general anaesthesia and continuously monitors all vital signs. You sleep peacefully and are completely unaware of the entire treatment — including extensive surgical procedures.

Ideal for: Severe dental phobia, extensive procedures (implants, multiple extractions), patients with disabilities.

→ Learn more about general anaesthesia

Sedation methods compared

Which method suits you? This overview helps with orientation — we will discuss the final recommendation together during your consultation:

Nitrous oxideTwilight sedationGeneral anaesthesia
ConsciousnessAwake, relaxedTwilight stateAsleep
Pain sensationReduced (+ local anaesthesia)Greatly reducedCompletely eliminated
MemoryYesLittle to noneNone
Onset of effect2–3 minutesA few minutesImmediate
Recovery time5 minutes30–60 minutes1–2 hours
Able to drive afterYesNo (companion required)No (companion required)
Ideal forMild anxiety, short proceduresModerate anxiety, longer treatmentsSevere phobia, extensive surgery
Suitable for childrenYes, especially wellLimitedWhen indicated
Insurance coversNo (self-pay)Partially (private insurance)Possible with medical indication

Your first appointment with us

We know: The first step into a new dental practice takes courage. That is why we have designed the first appointment to cause as little anxiety as possible:

  1. Arrive and breathe: Our team welcomes you warmly and leads you to a quiet consultation room — not the treatment room.
  2. A conversation at eye level: We sit down together and listen. What makes you anxious? What have you experienced? What do you wish for? There are no "stupid" questions.
  3. No pressure to treat: At the first appointment, there is no treatment — unless you explicitly request it. The goal is to get to know each other and build trust.
  4. A shared plan: We discuss your dental situation, explain the options, and together create a treatment plan at your pace.
  5. Stop signal: You receive an agreed hand signal that allows you to interrupt any treatment at any time — without explanation, without discussion.

Many of our anxious patients say: "The initial conversation alone already helped."

Erstgespräch beim Zahnarzt: Beratung ohne Behandlungsdruck
Ihr erster Termin: Ein Gespräch auf Augenhöhe — kein Behandlungsstuhl, kein Druck.

CEREC + Sedation: More in fewer sessions

For anxious patients, every dental visit is a challenge. That is why it is especially valuable when we can accomplish as much as possible in as few sessions as possible.

As a CEREC-certified practice, we have the technology to digitally design and fabricate ceramic crowns and inlays right in the practice — in a single session. Combined with twilight sedation or general anaesthesia, this means:

  • No temporary restorations, no second appointment
  • Extensive restorations under sedation in one session
  • Fewer anxiety-triggering dental visits overall

This combination of digital technology and sedation is offered by only a few practices in Munich — it is one of our greatest advantages for anxious patients.

CEREC-Technologie kombiniert mit Sedierung: Weniger Sitzungen dank digitaler Fertigung
CEREC + Sedierung: Hochwertige Keramikversorgung in einer einzigen entspannten Sitzung.

Anaesthesia days at our practice

For extensive treatments under general anaesthesia, we offer dedicated anaesthesia days. On these appointments, an experienced specialist anaesthetist is on-site at our practice and attends exclusively to you:

  • Pre-consultation with the anaesthetist: Individual health check and detailed explanation of the anaesthesia.
  • Professional monitoring: Continuous monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and respiratory function.
  • Recovery phase at the practice: After the treatment, you remain in our protected recovery area until you have fully recovered.
  • Efficient planning: Under general anaesthesia, multiple treatment steps can be combined in one session — implants, dental prosthetics, surgical procedures.

Anaesthesia days can be arranged individually. Contact us — we will organise the appointment to suit your needs.

Costs and insurance coverage

The costs for sedation procedures vary depending on the type and duration of treatment. Here is an overview of the reimbursement situation:

Statutory health insurance (GKV)

General anaesthesia is covered by statutory insurance when there is a medical indication:

  • Allergy or intolerance to local anaesthetics
  • Extensive surgical procedures (e.g. multiple wisdom teeth)
  • Patients with physical or mental disabilities
  • Children under certain conditions

Nitrous oxide and twilight sedation are generally self-pay services and are not covered by statutory insurance.

Private health insurance (PKV)

Private insurers frequently reimburse sedation procedures — depending on the policy. We recommend checking with your insurer before treatment. We are happy to provide a cost estimate for your private insurance.

Instalment payments

For all sedation procedures, we offer instalment payment plans to spread the costs over several months. The fear of costs should not be a reason to forgo pain-free treatment.

For children and adolescents

Dental anxiety often begins in childhood — which makes a positive first experience all the more important. For young patients, nitrous oxide sedation is particularly suitable:

  • Gentle and non-invasive (just a small nasal mask)
  • The child remains awake and responsive
  • The effect wears off within minutes — no long recovery time
  • Ideal for fillings, dental cleanings, or minor procedures

For more extensive treatments, general anaesthesia can also be the safest and most stress-free option for children — especially when cooperation is still difficult due to age.

More about our children's treatment: Paediatric dentistry

Why choose Dr. Dickel's practice for anxious patients?

At our practice in Munich-Oberfoehring, we have deliberately set ourselves up for the treatment of anxious patients:

  • Three sedation levels: Nitrous oxide, twilight sedation, and general anaesthesia — the right solution for every anxiety level.
  • Anaesthesia days with specialist anaesthetist: Professional anaesthesia care directly in our practice.
  • CEREC technology: Fewer sessions through digital same-day restorations under sedation.
  • Professional expertise: Member of the DGI (Implantology), DGZMK (Dental, Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine), and DGÄZ (Aesthetic Dentistry).
  • Compassionate team: We take our time, work at your pace, and respect your boundaries.
  • Stop signal: You can interrupt the treatment at any time — without discussion.

The first step is the hardest — and you have just taken it by reading this page. Call us or book a no-obligation introductory appointment online. We look forward to seeing you.

Aufwachraum der Zahnarztpraxis: Komfortabler Ruhebereich nach der Sedierung
Unser Aufwachbereich: In Ruhe aufwachen, bevor Sie nach Hause gehen.

Kosten im Überblick

Nitrous oxide sedation

Self-pay service

Not covered by statutory insurance. Costs vary depending on duration. Private insurance frequently reimburses.

Twilight sedation (IV sedation)

Self-pay service

Not covered by statutory insurance. Private insurance reimburses partially or fully depending on the policy.

General anaesthesia

Insurance-covered with indication

Statutory insurance covers when medically indicated (allergy, surgery, disability, children). Otherwise self-pay.

General anaesthesia is covered by statutory insurance with a medical indication. There is no statutory fixed subsidy for nitrous oxide and twilight sedation.

Private health insurers frequently reimburse sedation procedures — depending on the policy. We are happy to provide a cost estimate for your private insurance.

We offer instalment payments for all sedation procedures. The fear of costs should not be a barrier to pain-free treatment.

Risiken und Sicherheit

All three sedation procedures are among the safest methods in modern medicine. As with any medical procedure, side effects may occur, but they are usually mild and temporary.

Nausea after sedation/anaesthesia

Occasional (10–30% with general anaesthesia)

Prophylactic medication, arriving on an empty stomach, standing up slowly.

Fatigue and drowsiness

Common after twilight sedation/general anaesthesia

Normal reaction, subsides within a few hours. Companion needed for the journey home.

Sore throat after intubation

Occasional with general anaesthesia

Mild and temporary (1–2 days). Lozenges and warm drinks help.

Local irritation (nitrous oxide)

Rare

Adjustment of the nasal mask, dose reduction.

Paradoxical reaction (agitation instead of relaxation)

Very rare

Immediate adjustment of medication, possible switch to a different sedation method.

Allergic reaction to medication

Very rare

Thorough medical history taken before treatment, emergency equipment available in the practice.

At our practice, we minimise risks through individual health checks before every sedation, continuous monitoring by trained staff or the specialist anaesthetist, and a protected recovery area in the practice.

Häufige Fragen

Absolutely. Up to 60% of Germans feel uneasy about visiting the dentist, and about 5% suffer from a genuine dental phobia. You are far from alone — and there is no reason to feel ashamed.
The most important step: find a practice that takes your anxiety seriously. At our practice, we offer three sedation methods (nitrous oxide, twilight sedation, general anaesthesia), a pressure-free introductory appointment, and an agreed stop signal. Many patients report that the first conversation alone significantly reduced their anxiety.
Nitrous oxide is the mildest form: you remain awake and relaxed, and the effect wears off within minutes. With twilight sedation (IV sedation), you are in a pleasant twilight state and will remember little of the treatment. With general anaesthesia, you sleep completely and are unaware of anything. The choice depends on your anxiety level and the planned treatment.
No — unless you explicitly request it. The first appointment is an introductory conversation in a quiet consultation room, not in the treatment room. We listen, answer your questions, and create a plan together. Zero pressure.
General anaesthesia is covered by statutory insurance when there is a medical indication (e.g. allergy to local anaesthetics, extensive surgical procedures, disability). Nitrous oxide and twilight sedation are generally self-pay services. Private insurers frequently reimburse — please check with your private insurance.
After nitrous oxide: Yes, you are immediately fit to drive. After twilight sedation or general anaesthesia: No, you need a companion and are not fit to drive for 24 hours.
All three methods are among the safest procedures in medicine. Nitrous oxide has been used for over 180 years. General anaesthesia is administered and monitored by a specialist anaesthetist, with continuous monitoring of all vital signs. An individual health check is performed before every sedation.
Not at all. We regularly treat patients who have not visited a dentist in 5, 10, or 20 years. There are no reproaches and no judgement. We will look at your situation together and find a solution — at your pace.
Yes, that is one of the great advantages of twilight sedation and general anaesthesia. Under sedation, we can perform longer and more extensive treatments — fillings, crowns (thanks to CEREC in one session), extractions, or implants. Fewer sessions mean fewer anxiety-triggering dental visits.
We agree on a stop signal beforehand (e.g. raising your hand). As soon as you give this signal, we stop immediately — no questions, no discussion. With nitrous oxide, we can adjust the dosage at any time, and twilight sedation/general anaesthesia completely eliminate the sensation of anxiety.
Yes, nitrous oxide is particularly well suited for children. The small nasal mask is not frightening, the children remain awake and responsive, and the effect wears off completely within a few minutes after treatment. It is the gentlest method for relieving fear in young patients.
Of course. Not every anxious patient needs sedation. Sometimes a trusting initial conversation, a compassionate team, and an agreed stop signal are enough. We will find out together what works best for you — from gentle support to general anaesthesia.

Qualifikationen und Zertifikate

DGI — German Society for Implantology

Membership

DGZMK — German Society for Dental, Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine

Membership

DGÄZ — German Society for Aesthetic Dentistry

Membership

CEREC Certification — Digital CAD/CAM dental restoration

Certified

2012

State examination in dentistry

University

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Contact & Directions

Dental Practice Christina Dickel
Oberföhringer Straße 183a, 81925 München
08995760618
info@zahnarzt-oberfoehring.com

Opening Hours

Mon:08:00-19:00
Tue:08:00-19:00
Wed:08:00-19:00
Thu:08:00-19:00
Fri:08:00-13:00
13+
Years Experience
4.9
★★★★★ Rating
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Satisfaction

Where does dental anxiety come from?

Dental anxiety (dental phobia) has many faces and many causes. Understanding them is the first step to overcoming them:

Our approach: We take every fear seriously — whether mild discomfort or full-blown phobia. There is no "too sensitive" in our practice.

Our three paths to anxiety-free treatment

Depending on your personal anxiety level and the planned treatment, we offer three sedation methods — from light relaxation to deep sleep:

Nitrous oxide sedation — Relaxed and awake

You breathe a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a small nasal mask and within 2–3 minutes feel pleasantly relaxed and mildly euphoric — while remaining fully conscious. After the treatment, the effect wears off within minutes. You can drive yourself home afterwards.

Ideal for: Mild to moderate anxiety, short procedures, patients who want to stay in control, children.

→ Learn more about nitrous oxide sedation

Twilight sedation — Deep relaxation

Through an intravenous line, you receive a sedative that puts you into a pleasant twilight state. You remain responsive but deeply relaxed — and will remember little to nothing of the treatment afterwards (anterograde amnesia).

Ideal for: Moderate to severe anxiety, longer treatments (1–3 hours), multiple procedures in one session.

→ Learn more about twilight sedation

General anaesthesia — Completely pain-free sleep

On our anaesthesia days, an experienced specialist anaesthetist administers the general anaesthesia and continuously monitors all vital signs. You sleep peacefully and are completely unaware of the entire treatment — including extensive surgical procedures.

Ideal for: Severe dental phobia, extensive procedures (implants, multiple extractions), patients with disabilities.

→ Learn more about general anaesthesia

Sedation methods compared

Which method suits you? This overview helps with orientation — we will discuss the final recommendation together during your consultation:

Nitrous oxideTwilight sedationGeneral anaesthesia
ConsciousnessAwake, relaxedTwilight stateAsleep
Pain sensationReduced (+ local anaesthesia)Greatly reducedCompletely eliminated
MemoryYesLittle to noneNone
Onset of effect2–3 minutesA few minutesImmediate
Recovery time5 minutes30–60 minutes1–2 hours
Able to drive afterYesNo (companion required)No (companion required)
Ideal forMild anxiety, short proceduresModerate anxiety, longer treatmentsSevere phobia, extensive surgery
Suitable for childrenYes, especially wellLimitedWhen indicated
Insurance coversNo (self-pay)Partially (private insurance)Possible with medical indication

Your first appointment with us

We know: The first step into a new dental practice takes courage. That is why we have designed the first appointment to cause as little anxiety as possible:

  1. Arrive and breathe: Our team welcomes you warmly and leads you to a quiet consultation room — not the treatment room.
  2. A conversation at eye level: We sit down together and listen. What makes you anxious? What have you experienced? What do you wish for? There are no "stupid" questions.
  3. No pressure to treat: At the first appointment, there is no treatment — unless you explicitly request it. The goal is to get to know each other and build trust.
  4. A shared plan: We discuss your dental situation, explain the options, and together create a treatment plan at your pace.
  5. Stop signal: You receive an agreed hand signal that allows you to interrupt any treatment at any time — without explanation, without discussion.

Many of our anxious patients say: "The initial conversation alone already helped."

CEREC + Sedation: More in fewer sessions

For anxious patients, every dental visit is a challenge. That is why it is especially valuable when we can accomplish as much as possible in as few sessions as possible.

As a CEREC-certified practice, we have the technology to digitally design and fabricate ceramic crowns and inlays right in the practice — in a single session. Combined with twilight sedation or general anaesthesia, this means:

This combination of digital technology and sedation is offered by only a few practices in Munich — it is one of our greatest advantages for anxious patients.

Anaesthesia days at our practice

For extensive treatments under general anaesthesia, we offer dedicated anaesthesia days. On these appointments, an experienced specialist anaesthetist is on-site at our practice and attends exclusively to you:

Anaesthesia days can be arranged individually. Contact us — we will organise the appointment to suit your needs.

Costs and insurance coverage

The costs for sedation procedures vary depending on the type and duration of treatment. Here is an overview of the reimbursement situation:

Statutory health insurance (GKV)

General anaesthesia is covered by statutory insurance when there is a medical indication:

  • Allergy or intolerance to local anaesthetics
  • Extensive surgical procedures (e.g. multiple wisdom teeth)
  • Patients with physical or mental disabilities
  • Children under certain conditions

Nitrous oxide and twilight sedation are generally self-pay services and are not covered by statutory insurance.

Private health insurance (PKV)

Private insurers frequently reimburse sedation procedures — depending on the policy. We recommend checking with your insurer before treatment. We are happy to provide a cost estimate for your private insurance.

Instalment payments

For all sedation procedures, we offer instalment payment plans to spread the costs over several months. The fear of costs should not be a reason to forgo pain-free treatment.

For children and adolescents

Dental anxiety often begins in childhood — which makes a positive first experience all the more important. For young patients, nitrous oxide sedation is particularly suitable:

For more extensive treatments, general anaesthesia can also be the safest and most stress-free option for children — especially when cooperation is still difficult due to age.

More about our children's treatment: Paediatric dentistry

Why choose Dr. Dickel's practice for anxious patients?

At our practice in Munich-Oberfoehring, we have deliberately set ourselves up for the treatment of anxious patients:

The first step is the hardest — and you have just taken it by reading this page. Call us or book a no-obligation introductory appointment online. We look forward to seeing you.

Is dental anxiety normal?
Absolutely. Up to 60% of Germans feel uneasy about visiting the dentist, and about 5% suffer from a genuine dental phobia. You are far from alone — and there is no reason to feel ashamed.
What can I do about my dental anxiety?
The most important step: find a practice that takes your anxiety seriously. At our practice, we offer three sedation methods (nitrous oxide, twilight sedation, general anaesthesia), a pressure-free introductory appointment, and an agreed stop signal. Many patients report that the first conversation alone significantly reduced their anxiety.
What is the difference between nitrous oxide, twilight sedation, and general anaesthesia?
Nitrous oxide is the mildest form: you remain awake and relaxed, and the effect wears off within minutes. With twilight sedation (IV sedation), you are in a pleasant twilight state and will remember little of the treatment. With general anaesthesia, you sleep completely and are unaware of anything. The choice depends on your anxiety level and the planned treatment.
Will treatment be done at the first appointment?
No — unless you explicitly request it. The first appointment is an introductory conversation in a quiet consultation room, not in the treatment room. We listen, answer your questions, and create a plan together. Zero pressure.
Does health insurance cover sedation costs?
General anaesthesia is covered by statutory insurance when there is a medical indication (e.g. allergy to local anaesthetics, extensive surgical procedures, disability). Nitrous oxide and twilight sedation are generally self-pay services. Private insurers frequently reimburse — please check with your private insurance.
Can I drive myself home after treatment?
After nitrous oxide: Yes, you are immediately fit to drive. After twilight sedation or general anaesthesia: No, you need a companion and are not fit to drive for 24 hours.
How safe are the sedation procedures?
All three methods are among the safest procedures in medicine. Nitrous oxide has been used for over 180 years. General anaesthesia is administered and monitored by a specialist anaesthetist, with continuous monitoring of all vital signs. An individual health check is performed before every sedation.
I have not been to the dentist in years — is that a problem?
Not at all. We regularly treat patients who have not visited a dentist in 5, 10, or 20 years. There are no reproaches and no judgement. We will look at your situation together and find a solution — at your pace.
Can multiple treatments be done in one session?
Yes, that is one of the great advantages of twilight sedation and general anaesthesia. Under sedation, we can perform longer and more extensive treatments — fillings, crowns (thanks to CEREC in one session), extractions, or implants. Fewer sessions mean fewer anxiety-triggering dental visits.
What happens if I panic during treatment?
We agree on a stop signal beforehand (e.g. raising your hand). As soon as you give this signal, we stop immediately — no questions, no discussion. With nitrous oxide, we can adjust the dosage at any time, and twilight sedation/general anaesthesia completely eliminate the sensation of anxiety.
Is nitrous oxide suitable for children?
Yes, nitrous oxide is particularly well suited for children. The small nasal mask is not frightening, the children remain awake and responsive, and the effect wears off completely within a few minutes after treatment. It is the gentlest method for relieving fear in young patients.
Do you also offer treatment without sedation?
Of course. Not every anxious patient needs sedation. Sometimes a trusting initial conversation, a compassionate team, and an agreed stop signal are enough. We will find out together what works best for you — from gentle support to general anaesthesia.