Nervous about even calling a dentist? Here’s exactly how to talk about your dental fear with The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis, judgment-free.
For many of our patients, the hardest part of getting dental care is not the appointment. It is the phone call before it. Saying out loud that you are afraid of the dentist, that you have been avoiding care for years, or that you once cried or panicked in a dental chair can feel humiliating, even when it is the most common story we hear.
Dr Thoms and his team are phenomenal. No question, the absolute best possible option for my child when he needed work done while sleeping (age based). While this option is not inexpensive, this set up of have anesthesiology in-house allowed us to get his mouth healthy when a traditional pediatric dentist could/would not. I am a parent that asks a lot of questions on behalf of my toddler’s care and at no point did I feel judged for this, nor was I rushed during my evaluation process during the consultation. Although the procedure is not one I would like to repeat for my child, my husband and I were both so pleased with how well Dr. Thoms communicated and how he clearly cared for our son’s wellbeing (both physical and emotional during a less than comfortable visit). Cannot recommend the back of house team more highly.
My one detraction is the FOH staff (not everyone) were not nearly as pleasant. I would like to communicate that while their day-to-day is very routine for them, being in that office as a parent is very scary for some people in their office and a little bit of kindness goes along way. I do recall, having a very pleasant conversation with Rebecca, but otherwise everyone else was on the apathetic side, in my personal opinion. That said you’ll notice that I still am leaving a five star review because the dental staff really just knocked out of the park, but as a parent I want to encourage you to look past any rudeness you may experience over email or on the phone because Dr. Thom’s is really that excellent.
Very nice very convenient for me great people working
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad you had a positive experience with our team. We truly appreciate your 5-star review!
The staff is always compassionate and explain all the steps of the procedure. This office has been a God send for me because otherwise I would have let my teeth fall into further disrepair. I highly recommend this office!!!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We’re so glad our team could help make your experience feel comfortable and supportive. We truly appreciate your 5-star review!
Searching for a new dental clinic is challenging for someone who has
dental anxiety, fear, and traumatic experiences in a dental chair. The staff and doctors at the Dental Anesthesia Center were immediately very welcoming. Dr. Thoms put together a very detailed plan to repair and replace the previous work that I had in the past that was now causing problems. Putting my faith in him was the best thing that I could have done for my situation. I am more than completely satisfied with all of the extensive dental work that I’ve had with Dr.Thoms. I had my fourth sleep dentistry experience yesterday and I’m very happy with my results. I highly recommend this practice and truly want to give them more than five stars! Thank you for giving me back my health and confidence.
I adding to this post because of my visit today with the best dental hygienist Delaina and my exam with Dr. Biehl. I have truly never been to such a caring and supportive dental group. Everyone is always conscientious of my needs and knows that I have issues with anxiety. I am always calm when I am sitting in the chair because of their kindness. I am so pleased with the Dental anesthesia center. There needs to be more than five stars. Thank you, everyone.
Response from the owner:We know it isn’t always easy to find a dental office where you feel at ease, so your words mean the world to us. We’re so glad you feel comfortable with our team and truly appreciate your trust and recommendation!
I am unusually tense about my appointments. However, from the moment I checked in I relaxed. The staff was welcoming and assuring, and helped me to relax completely. Dr. Hofmann is superb. He is by far the best dentist and dental surgeon I have ever ever experienced.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad our team helped create a welcoming and comforting experience. We appreciate you sharing your feedback!
Why Talking About It Feels So Hard
Dental fear often comes with a second layer of pain: shame. Many patients believe they are the only adult who feels this way, or that a dental team will scold them for the state of their teeth. Some had a frightening or painful experience years ago, sometimes in childhood, and were later told they were overreacting. Others fear losing control, being judged, or simply not being believed.
None of that will happen here. Fear of dental care is remarkably common, and in our office it is treated as important medical information rather than a character flaw. Knowing how you feel helps us plan the right kind of care for you.
You Do Not Need the Perfect Words
There is no script you have to get right. Any of these openers works just fine on the phone:
“I’m really anxious about the dentist, and I’ve been putting this off for a long time.”
“I gag really easily, and it makes cleanings unbearable.”
“I’m calling for my son. He has special needs and regular dental visits don’t work for him.”
“Honestly, I’m nervous even making this call.”
That last one happens more often than you might think, and our team knows exactly what to do with it. From there, we ask gentle questions and you share only what you are comfortable sharing.
What Helps Us Help You
If you can, it is useful to mention a few things, either on the phone or at your consultation:
What specifically worries you most. Needles, drilling sounds, gagging, feeling trapped, cost, being lectured. Naming it lets us address it directly.
Past experiences that stuck with you. You do not need to relive them in detail. Even “I had a painful extraction once” tells us a lot.
How long it has been. Whether it is two years or twenty-five, this only helps us plan. No one here will shame you for the number.
What has helped or not helped before. If a previous dentist tried something that made it worse, we want to know.
What Happens After You Speak Up
Once we understand your fear, it shapes everything. Your consultation with Dr. Michael J. Hoffmann, Dr. Sean M. Thoms, or Dr. Maris E. Behl moves at your pace. We explain what we find, discuss which level of sedation or anesthesia may be right for you, and walk through exactly what your visit will look like, step by step, so there are no surprises. Many patients tell us that the consultation alone lifted a weight they had carried for years.
Caregivers, this applies to you too. If you are speaking up on behalf of a loved one with severe anxiety or special needs, we will listen just as carefully.
Contact The Dental Anesthesia Center
The conversation you have been dreading is usually far kinder than you imagine. Call The Dental Anesthesia Center at (314) 862-7844, or send us a message through our contact form. However you start the conversation, we will take it from there.
