What Happens if You Panic Mid-Procedure?

Dental procedures can be stressful, especially for patients who experience anxiety or dental phobia. Sometimes, even with preparation and calming techniques, a patient may panic mid-procedure. This can be frightening, but it’s important to know that dental teams—including those at McLevin Dental Clinic in Scarborough, Ontario—are trained to handle these situations with care, patience, and professionalism.

In this blog, we explain what happens if you panic during dental treatment, how our team supports you, and what you can do to help yourself stay calm or regain control.

Recognizing Panic During a Procedure

Panic attacks can occur suddenly and include symptoms such as:

Rapid heartbeat or palpitations

Shortness of breath or hyperventilation

Sweating or chills

Trembling or shaking

Feeling dizzy or light-headed

Chest tightness or discomfort

A sense of impending doom or loss of control

Feeling detached from reality

If you experience any of these feelings during a dental appointment, you are not alone, and it’s okay to express your discomfort immediately.

How Dental Professionals Respond to Panic

When a patient panics mid-procedure, our team at McLevin Dental:

1. Immediately Stops Treatment

Your safety and emotional well-being come first. The dentist or hygienist will:

Pause whatever they’re doing right away

Remove instruments from your mouth carefully

Encourage you to breathe slowly and deeply

Stopping helps prevent escalation and gives you space to recover.

2. Helps You Regain Calm

We use calming techniques such as:

Guided breathing exercises to slow heart rate

Speaking in a soft, reassuring tone

Offering water or allowing a brief rest

Encouraging grounding techniques, like focusing on a fixed object

Our goal is to help your nervous system settle quickly.

3. Assesses Your Readiness to Continue

Once you feel more in control, we will:

Ask if you feel ready to proceed or want to pause longer

Review the steps to reassure you what’s coming next

Adjust treatment plans or sedation levels if needed

Your consent and comfort guide every decision.

4. Uses Sedation if Appropriate

If panic is frequent or severe, sedation dentistry options can be offered, including:

Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for mild anxiety relief

Oral sedation for deeper relaxation

IV sedation for more intensive calming during longer procedures

Sedation helps prevent panic and supports smoother treatment.

What You Can Do If You Feel Panic Coming On

You have a vital role in managing your anxiety:

Communicate early: Let your dental team know if you feel overwhelmed before panic escalates

Use your stop signal: Agree on a nonverbal cue (like raising your hand) to pause treatment immediately

Practice breathing: Focus on slow, deep breaths to calm your nervous system

Focus on a distraction: Look at calming visuals, listen to music, or squeeze a stress ball if available

Remember you’re in control: You can stop or delay treatment anytime without judgment

Knowing you have a plan can reduce fear of losing control.

After a Panic Episode: Moving Forward

Experiencing panic mid-procedure is understandably distressing, but it’s also an opportunity to:

Debrief with your dental team about what triggered your panic

Adjust future appointments with breaks, sedation, or slower pacing

Explore anxiety management tools like therapy, meditation, or professional counseling

Celebrate the fact that you’re facing your fears and seeking care

Our team supports you with patience and understanding every step of the way.

You Are Not Alone—We’re Here to Help

Dental panic doesn’t have to stop you from achieving good oral health. At McLevin Dental Clinic, we create a safe, supportive environment where your emotions are respected as much as your teeth. No matter how strong your anxiety, you’ll find care tailored to your needs and paced for your comfort.