Fear of Dentist & Fear of Dentistry
Modern, safe anesthesia techniques allow the fearful patient to have dental procedures accomplished without the anxiety.
Dr. Hoffman and his whole Staff are absolutely amazing we have a Special Needs Daughter 54 years old and the Compassion and Care they give her is wonderful! We would recommend them highly.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and recommendation! Our team truly appreciates your trust and is honored to provide compassionate care to every patient who visits us.
The beat dentist office ever!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear you had a great experience with our team. 💙
I have NEVER had a positive experience with dentist…until now!! I was mind blown how kind the staff was, not just to me but to everyone! I have debilitating anxiety when it comes to dentists because of bad previous experiences, so I was very nervous. But, all the staff, including Dr. Thom, were very gentle, kind, and understanding. They took time to listen to all my concerns and address them, helping to put me at ease. I was also amazed how professional the whole office ran and how completely reliable they were. They easily guided me through the process and everything went so smoothly, including my sedation. I have never been treated so kindly by any dental office before, I was struggling to believe I wasn’t in some kind of dream. But. They really were that nice.
My recovery from sedation and all
The dental work they did to save my tooth was amazing, not a single issue! Dr. Thom even called personally to check on me a day later.
Coming back to put my permanent crown in was the same experience. They were all so kind,
Good about explaining everything they were doing and make the experience light and dare I say…fun.
I would drive 2.5 hours again in a heartbeat to do my work here. Best dental experience I’ve ever
had hands down!!!!!!! Thank you Dr. Thom for giving my life and tooth back. I’m so excited to not be in so much excruciating pain anymore!
Response from the owner:We can’t thank you enough for your kind and heartfelt words. Our entire team is dedicated to creating a gentle, supportive, and positive experience for every patient, so it means the world to hear your visit felt that way. We’re so glad you felt cared for and comfortable throughout the process, and we truly appreciate you making the trip to see us. Thank you for trusting us—it’s an honor to care for patients like you!
Dr. Hoffmann and his team takes great care of my special needs daughter. We have been coming here for over 20 years. The staff is so kind and patient with her and explains everything to help her stay calm.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your kind words and for trusting our team for so many years. We’re honored to care for your family and appreciate the opportunity to make each visit a positive experience.
I have had the best experience with Dr Behl and her staff! I have awful dental anxiety from some past experiences and they are so kind and supportive. Rebecca is incredible to work with. I highly recommend them to everyone I know!!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your kind words! We’re happy to know you felt supported and comfortable during your visit. Our team strives to create a welcoming environment for everyone, and we truly appreciate your recommendation.
Nearly half of people with dental problems avoid dental care because of their fears and anxiety. However, modern, safe anesthesia techniques allow the fearful patient to have dental procedures accomplished without the anxiety associated with dentistry.
At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we value our patient relationships, making it our priority to deliver the gentle dental care that you deserve from sedation dentists in St. Louis.
Understanding Dental Fear & Phobia
Dental anxiety and fear of going to the dentist are extremely common. It’s estimated that between 9% and 15% of Americans, or 30 to 40 million people, avoid going to the dentist because of this anxiety and fear.
Many people think that “anxiety” and “phobia” are the same thing; however, they are, in fact, different. A person with anxiety will have a sense of uneasiness when going to the dentist. However, a dental phobia, or fear, is a more serious condition. This is an intense dread or fear of going to the dentist. They may have panic attacks and be terrified.
People with dental phobia have a higher risk of gum disease and early tooth loss. They may avoid going to the dentist for years, even decades. As a result, they will put up with pain, gum infections, and even broken or missing teeth.
However, at The Dental Anesthesia Center, we understand this fear and have a comfortable solution for you or your loved one.
Dental Fear Solutions
If you are apprehensive and fearful of dentistry, don’t worry, you are not alone! Many people avoid dental care only to find themselves in a dental crisis suffering needlessly. Does the need for extensive dental care combined with time-consuming visits and overwhelming fear sound familiar? Dr. Michael Hoffmann and Dr. Sean Thoms are general dentists certified by the Missouri Dental Board in General Anesthesia and Deep Sedation. Dr. Victoria Behl is a general dentist who has completed a residency in Hospital Dentistry with additional training in sedation. They understand that fear and have a comfortable solution.
Multiple visits can be eliminated with sedation. Oral health, after years of neglect, can be restored in as little as one visit. Oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia services are available for all types of dental care, including fillings, crowns and bridges, root canals, gum therapy, implants, cosmetic dentistry, and more. The DIAGNOdent cavity-detecting laser, Velscope light (for cancer screening), and the All-on-Four implant denture are examples of cutting-edge technology. Invisalign Orthodontics and Sleep Apnea appliances are also available.
St. Louis Dental Phobia Dentist
If you or a loved one have not been to the dentist because you suffer from moderate to severe dental phobia, Dr. Michael J. Hoffmann, Dr. Sean M. Thoms, and Dr. Behl are here to help you. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we value our patient relationships, making it our priority to deliver gentle dental care that you deserve. Call to schedule your appointment at (314) 862-7844.
