Fear of the dentist is more common than most people admit, and for many patients, it is the single reason they have not received the care they know they need. At LALUME Dental Studio in Newport Beach, Dr. Shahira Saad has built a practice specifically designed to meet anxious patients where they are, offering a full range of restorative and comfort-focused treatments in a spa-like environment that feels nothing like a traditional dental office.
Dental anxiety is not a personal failing, and it is far from rare. According to a survey conducted by the American Dental Association Health Policy Institute, more than 70% of dentists report seeing a rise in stress-related dental conditions among their patients, a clear signal of how deeply anxiety and avoidance affect oral health nationwide. For many people, fear develops after a painful or rushed experience earlier in life. For others, it stems from a feeling of lost control in the chair, sensitivity to clinical sounds and smells, or embarrassment about the current state of their teeth after years of avoidance. Whatever the source, the result is often the same: patients postpone care, small problems grow into larger ones, and the fear of what might be found only makes it harder to call and schedule. Understanding where your anxiety comes from is the first step, and finding a team that takes it seriously is the second. At LALUME, that conversation starts before you ever arrive.
Dr. Saad designed every aspect of LALUME Dental Studio with the anxious patient in mind. The office is modern, warm, and intentionally calm, featuring ceiling-mounted TVs, aromatherapy, noise-canceling headphones, and private treatment rooms that create a retreat-like experience rather than a clinical one. These details are not cosmetic additions; they are part of a deliberate philosophy that patient comfort and high-quality dentistry are not in conflict with one another.
For patients who need more support than a calming environment can provide, LALUME offers sedation dentistry options ranging from mild nitrous oxide to oral conscious sedation. Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, takes the edge off without leaving you groggy after your appointment. Oral conscious sedation creates a deeper state of relaxation, keeping you comfortable throughout longer or more complex procedures while allowing you to remain responsive. Dr. Saad works with each patient individually to identify which level of support is the right fit, and sedation is available for routine visits and cosmetic treatments alike, not just surgical cases.
Many patients who use sedation for the first time tell us it changed everything. Procedures that once felt impossible feel manageable, and that shift opens the door to the full range of care they had been putting off.
For some patients, the hardest part of getting dental care is simply making the first move. LALUME offers virtual consultations so you can connect with Dr. Saad from home before you ever come in. You can ask questions, share your concerns, and get an honest sense of what treatment would look like for your specific situation, all without the clinical setting that triggers anxiety for so many people. A virtual consult removes the pressure and gives you the information you need to make a confident decision at your own pace.
This is one of the ways LALUME makes access to care genuinely easier, not just in theory, but in practice.
There is no shortage of dentists in the Newport Beach area, but LALUME occupies a distinct space. Dr. Saad brings a level of personal engagement that extends well beyond the appointment itself. Known for her warmth, her precision, and her presence with patients both in and outside the office, she has built a practice where anxious patients feel seen rather than rushed. The team at LALUME is trained to recognize and respond to anxiety at every stage of the visit, from how they communicate before treatment to how they check in during it.
Located directly across from Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, LALUME provides comprehensive cosmetic and restorative services under one roof, so patients with anxiety do not need to navigate multiple specialists or unfamiliar environments. From a first exam to a full smile transformation, every step happens in a space where you are already comfortable and with a team that already knows you.
Dental anxiety should never stand between you and the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve. Dr. Shahira Saad and the team at LALUME Dental Studio have made it their mission to ensure that every patient, regardless of how they feel walking in, can access the care they need in a way that feels safe and supported.
When you are ready, we are here. Reach out to our office to schedule your consultation or start with a virtual visit, and take the first step toward dental care that finally feels like it was made for you.
Dental anxiety refers to the fear, stress, or unease a patient experiences before or during a dental visit. It ranges from mild nervousness to severe avoidance and is one of the most common reasons people delay or skip necessary dental care.
Yes. Sedation at LALUME is not limited to surgical procedures. Many patients use nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation for routine cleanings, and restorative treatments. Dr. Saad determines the right level of support based on your comfort and the nature of your visit.
Oral conscious sedation involves taking a prescribed medication both before and during your appointment that produces a deeply relaxed, drowsy state. You remain responsive and able to communicate, but most patients have little or no memory of the procedure afterward. A driver is required to take you home.
Yes. LALUME offers virtual consultations so you can connect with Dr. Saad from home, ask questions, and get comfortable with the process before your first in-office visit.
Never. Dr. Saad and the LALUME team understand that anxiety and avoidance go hand in hand. Our goal is always to help you move forward, not to make you feel worse about the past.
Give us a call at (949) 200-7248 to speak with one of our friendly team members, and schedule a consultation with Dr. Saad at LALUME Dental Studio in Newport Beach.
Receive high-quality, personalized treatment recommendations from Dr. Saad and get answers to all your smile questions from the comfort of your own home.
Ample secure and safe paid parking located on-site.
Join Our VIP List
"*" indicates required fields
