After a decade of dental avoidance fueled by anxiety, my experience with Dr. Sikka at Higher Ground Dentistry transformed not just my oral health, but my entire perspective on modern dental care in Upland.

The metallic taste of fear. The high-pitched whine of the drill. The helpless feeling of being trapped in that chair with nowhere to escape. These weren’t just thoughts—they were the physical sensations that flooded my body whenever someone even mentioned the word “dentist.” For ten years, I convinced myself that avoiding dental care was preferable to facing these fears. Ten years of making excuses, canceling appointments at the last minute, and telling myself that the persistent ache in my back molar would eventually resolve itself if I just waited long enough.

I’m not alone in this fear. Dental anxiety affects millions of Americans, with some studies suggesting that between 9% and 20% of adults avoid necessary dental care due to fear and anxiety. But what makes my story different isn’t the fear itself—it’s how one dental practice in Upland, California, completely transformed my relationship with dental care after a decade of avoidance.

The Consequence of Dental Avoidance: More Than Just Bad Teeth

My decade-long dental hiatus didn’t happen overnight. It started with a traumatic experience in my early twenties—a rushed dentist, insufficient numbing, and the searing pain that followed a deep filling. “It’s just temporary discomfort,” the dentist had said dismissively. That “temporary” experience scared me away from dental offices for what would become ten years of escalating problems.

What began as skipping a single appointment cascaded into years of avoidance. I became a master of rationalization: “My teeth feel fine,” I’d tell myself, even as I winced while drinking cold water. “Dental problems are mostly cosmetic anyway,” I reasoned, while unconsciously hiding my smile in photos. When friends or family mentioned their dental visits, I’d change the subject, carrying the weight of my secret shame about the condition of my mouth.

The physical consequences accumulated slowly but relentlessly. What likely started as minor cavities progressed into deeper decay. Morning breath evolved into persistent bad breath that no amount of mouthwash could mask. My once-white teeth developed noticeable stains. Most concerning was the intermittent pain in several teeth—pain I managed with over-the-counter medications and careful chewing habits.

But the emotional toll was perhaps even greater. I developed unconscious habits to hide my smile. Social anxiety increased as I worried about what others might think if they knew how long I’d avoided care. Dating became a minefield of insecurities. Would they notice? Would they judge? The irony wasn’t lost on me: in avoiding the acute anxiety of dental visits, I had created a chronic anxiety that affected my daily life.

The Breaking Point: When Avoidance Is No Longer an Option

My dental avoidance strategy collapsed on a Friday evening in early spring. While enjoying dinner with friends, I bit down on something unexpectedly hard in my pasta—and felt a sickening crack. A substantial portion of my lower molar had fractured, leaving a jagged edge that my tongue couldn’t stop exploring. The pain wasn’t immediate, but the panic was overwhelming. This wasn’t a problem I could ignore or manage with ibuprofen and careful chewing. This required intervention.

As I sat in my car afterward, holding an ice pack against my jaw, I faced the truth I’d been avoiding for a decade: I needed a dentist. Not tomorrow, not next week, but immediately. The prospect filled me with dread, but for the first time, the fear of not going exceeded the fear of going.

The timing couldn’t have been worse—or perhaps better, considering what happened next. It was Friday evening, and the thought of enduring the pain until Monday seemed impossible. In desperation, I searched “emergency dentist Upland CA weekend hours” and was surprised when Higher Ground Dentistry appeared in the results. Even more surprising: they offered Saturday appointments.

With trembling hands, I called the number, fully expecting an answering service. Instead, a compassionate voice answered and, upon hearing my situation, offered me an appointment the very next morning with Dr. Vikas Sikka. The receptionist’s final words stayed with me throughout that painful night: “Dr. Sikka specializes in helping patients who haven’t seen a dentist in a while. You’re not alone, and you won’t be judged.”

First Impressions: When a Dental Office Doesn’t Feel Like a Dental Office

Walking into Higher Ground Dentistry the next morning, I braced myself for the familiar clinical smells and sounds that had haunted my nightmares for years. Instead, I stepped into what felt more like a welcoming living room than a sterile medical facility. The reception area featured comfortable seating, soothing colors, and notably absent was that distinctive antiseptic smell that triggers anxiety in so many dental patients.

My tension must have been visible because the front desk staff immediately engaged me in conversation—not about forms or insurance, but about the book I’d brought to distract myself. This small human connection helped ground me in the moment rather than in my fears.

Within minutes, I was greeted by Dr. Sikka himself, rather than being processed through multiple staff members before seeing the dentist. This immediate connection with the actual care provider was the first indication that Higher Ground approached dentistry differently than what I’d experienced before.

“Before we talk about your tooth, I’d like to understand a bit about you and your history with dental care,” Dr. Sikka said as we sat in his consultation room—not the dental chair, not yet. This conversation-first approach immediately differentiated the experience from every dental appointment I could remember.

When I reluctantly admitted how long it had been since my last dental visit, I waited for the lecture, the disapproving look, the shame. It never came. Instead, Dr. Sikka nodded with understanding.

“Many of our patients have gone years between visits,” he said. “Dental anxiety is incredibly common and completely understandable. Our goal isn’t just to fix teeth—it’s to make dental care accessible and comfortable for everyone, especially those who’ve had negative experiences in the past.”

Understanding Fears: The Patient-First Approach

What followed was unlike any dental consultation I’d ever experienced. Rather than rushing to examine my broken tooth, Dr. Sikka spent time understanding the roots of my dental anxiety. He asked about previous experiences, specific triggers, and what would help me feel more in control during treatment.

When I mentioned my fear of pain and previous experiences with inadequate numbing, Dr. Sikka explained his approach to anesthesia. “Everyone’s body responds differently to numbing agents. We never rush this process, and we always verify you’re completely numb before proceeding. You’ll have a signal you can use anytime you feel discomfort, and we’ll stop immediately.”

This conversation extended to every aspect of the upcoming treatment. Dr. Sikka outlined exactly what would happen, how long each step would take, and what sensations I might experience. This transparency alone reduced my anxiety significantly—the fear of the unknown had always been a major component of my dental dread.

I also learned about the practice’s commitment to accessibility. Higher Ground offers evening and weekend appointments specifically to accommodate patients who might otherwise put off care due to work schedules or childcare challenges. Dr. Sikka, being bilingual, also serves Spanish-speaking patients in their preferred language—removing yet another barrier to care that affects many in the Upland community.

“Dental health is too important to be limited by traditional office hours or language barriers,” Dr. Sikka explained. “Our mission is to meet patients where they are—whether that means Saturday appointments, Spanish-language care, or taking extra time with anxious patients.”

The Treatment: Technology Meets Compassion

When we finally moved to the treatment room to address my broken tooth, I was surprised by the integration of technology with human-centered care. Dr. Sikka used an intraoral camera to show me exactly what was happening with my tooth, transforming the abstract concept of dental damage into something concrete that I could understand.

“Knowledge reduces fear,” he explained as he showed me the images. “When you can see what’s happening and understand the treatment, you become a participant in your care rather than just a recipient.”

Throughout the procedure to repair my fractured tooth, Dr. Sikka maintained a running commentary, preparing me for each sound, sensation, and step. The assistant noticed my white-knuckle grip on the armrests and gently suggested breathing techniques that helped center me. When I raised my hand—the pre-arranged signal we had discussed—Dr. Sikka stopped immediately, ensured I was comfortable, and adjusted the anesthesia before continuing.

The technology in the treatment room was clearly state-of-the-art, but it was the human elements that made the experience transformative: the warm blanket offered without my having to ask, the frequent check-ins about my comfort level, the way Dr. Sikka positioned himself so I could see his eyes and feel connected to the person behind the mask. These details communicated care in a way that words alone couldn’t.

Beyond Emergency Care: Rebuilding a Relationship with Dental Health

With my immediate crisis resolved, I expected to feel relief—and I did. What I didn’t expect was to schedule a comprehensive exam and cleaning before leaving the office that day. Something fundamental had shifted in my perception of dental care.

That comprehensive exam revealed the full impact of my decade-long dental avoidance: multiple cavities requiring attention, early-stage gum disease, and two teeth that would eventually need root canals if not addressed soon. In my previous mindset, this news would have overwhelmed me into avoidance. Instead, with Dr. Sikka’s approach, it became a manageable journey we would navigate together.

“Dental health isn’t about perfection or judgment,” Dr. Sikka assured me as we reviewed the treatment plan. “It’s about making progress and preventing future problems. We’ll prioritize what needs immediate attention and create a comfortable timeline for the rest.”

This patient-centered approach extended to financial considerations as well. Rather than presenting an intimidating lump-sum treatment plan, the office manager walked me through phasing options and payment plans that made comprehensive care accessible. For someone who had used financial concerns as yet another excuse for avoidance, this transparent approach to costs removed a significant barrier.

The Ripple Effects: How Dental Health Connects to Overall Wellbeing

Over the following months, as I completed my treatment plan with Dr. Sikka, I began noticing changes that extended far beyond my oral health. The chronic inflammation in my gums had apparently been affecting more than just my mouth. As my dental health improved, I experienced fewer headaches, slept better, and even noticed improvements in my digestion—connections I would never have made without this experience.

Dr. Sikka explained the growing body of research showing connections between oral health and systemic conditions, from heart disease to diabetes. “Your mouth is the gateway to your body,” he said during one visit. “Taking care of your oral health is an essential part of caring for your overall wellbeing.”

The psychological benefits were equally profound. The shame and anxiety I had carried for years gradually lifted. I no longer worried about bad breath in social situations. I smiled more freely in photos and during conversations. Friends commented on the change in my demeanor, noticing a confidence they hadn’t seen before.

Perhaps most significantly, I developed a new relationship with preventive care. What had once seemed like an anxiety-inducing obligation now felt like an investment in myself. The quarterly cleanings that I had avoided for a decade became routine appointments that I actually looked forward to—opportunities to maintain the health we had worked so hard to restore.

A New Perspective on Modern Dentistry

My experience with Dr. Sikka and Higher Ground Dentistry revealed how dramatically the practice of dentistry can vary between providers. While my previous experiences had reinforced my fears, this new approach demonstrated how modern dentistry can be simultaneously technologically advanced and deeply humane.

The integration of weekend hours made care accessible for my work schedule. The bilingual capabilities, though not something I personally needed, reflected the practice’s commitment to serving the diverse Upland community without language barriers. The transparent approach to treatment planning and costs removed the mystery and anxiety from the financial aspect of care.

Most importantly, the patient-first philosophy transformed dental visits from something to be endured into experiences that, while never exactly pleasant, became manageable and worthwhile. Dr. Sikka’s approach acknowledged the emotional components of dental care rather than focusing exclusively on the technical aspects—a holistic perspective that made all the difference for someone with deep-seated dental anxiety.

Looking Forward: From Avoidance to Advocacy

Ten years of avoiding the dentist had taken a toll on my health, my confidence, and my quality of life—impacts I had normalized to the point of not even recognizing them. One year after that emergency Saturday appointment, I find myself in the unexpected position of advocating for regular dental care among friends and family who share similar anxieties.

“Find the right dentist,” I tell them. “It makes all the difference.” I share my story of transformation at Higher Ground Dentistry not because perfect dental health is the goal, but because freedom from dental anxiety has been one of the most unexpected gifts in my adult life.

For those in Upland and surrounding communities who recognize their own fears in my story, Dr. Sikka’s practice represents more than just another dental office. It offers an alternative approach to dental care that acknowledges and addresses the complex reasons people avoid necessary treatment—whether those reasons are fear, accessibility, language barriers, or financial concerns.

My decade of dental avoidance didn’t end because I suddenly became braver or because my dental problems resolved themselves. It ended because I found a dental practice that met me where I was, addressed my specific concerns, and transformed my perception of what dental care could be.

Today, my calendar includes my next scheduled cleaning, marked not with dread but with the satisfaction of caring for myself properly. The journey from decade-long avoidance to proactive care wasn’t easy, but with the right guide in Dr. Sikka, it was finally possible.

If dental anxiety has kept you from getting the care you need, consider reaching out to Dr. Vikas Sikka at Higher Ground Dentistry in Upland. Weekend appointments are available, and the team specializes in helping patients who haven’t seen a dentist in years. Your journey toward better dental health—and the confidence that comes with it—can begin with a single conversation. Call (909) 123-4567 or visit highergrounddentistry.com to learn more.