The good news? You have options! Modern dentistry has evolved to provide comfortable, pain-free, and anxiety-free experiences.
If the mere thought of sitting in a dentist’s chair makes your heart race, you’re not alone. Dental anxiety is a real and common issue that affects millions of people worldwide. Whether your fear stems from a past bad experience, a fear of pain, or just general uneasiness, avoiding the dentist can lead to serious oral health problems.
Ready to take the first step? Contact us today to discuss your sedation options and schedule a consultation. Your smile—and your peace of mind—are worth it!
Best Dentists in St. Louis. Really a great dental experience. I have used this office for regular dental care, cavities, crowns, and cosmetic dentistry. Teeth look great.
Response from the owner:Christopher we apologize for the belated response. We are very pleased to hear you have a great dental experience with our office! Thank you for your kind words. We look forward to seeing you at your next dental appointment!
Dr. Behl!
I cannot recommend Dr. Maris Behl enough. If you have dental anxiety, she is truly the kind of dentist you hope to find. If teeth could be wrapped in pillows and protected by flying unicorns, Dr. Behl would somehow make it happen.
I have significant anxiety around dental procedures and have needed deeper sedation for dental work in the past. From the beginning, Dr. Behl took the time to listen to my concerns and made me feel genuinely heard rather than dismissed or rushed. She created such a sense of trust and safety that I was eventually able to have my dental work done with only nitrous instead of full sedation, which is something I honestly didn’t think I would be comfortable doing.
During my crown placement, she explained what she was doing throughout the procedure, which made an enormous difference in keeping me calm. She also took the time to address a filling that had been bothering me for what felt like forever — and she actually fixed the problem.
What stands out most about Dr. Behl is how safe I feel in her care. She is compassionate, patient, communicative, and incredibly attentive to how her patients are feeling. For someone with dental anxiety, that combination is invaluable.
Finding a dentist I trust this much has completely changed my experience with dental care. I am incredibly grateful to Dr. Behl and would recommend her without hesitation, especially to anyone who has dental anxiety or has struggled to feel comfortable receiving dental treatment.
Response from the owner:Thank you for such incredibly kind words! We’ll be sure to pass this along to Dr. Behl. We’re pretty sure the flying unicorns are going to be the part she remembers most! 🦄💙 We’re so glad our team could help make your experience a more comfortable one.
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.
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share such thoughtful feedback. We’re grateful to hear that our team provided compassionate, attentive care and took the time to answer your questions throughout the process. We also appreciate your comments regarding your experience with our front office team and will certainly share your feedback. Your kind words mean so much to us!
Understanding Dental Anxiety: Why Are You Afraid?
Dental fear can come from various sources, including:
Past traumatic experiences
Fear of pain or needles
Loss of control in the dental chair
Embarrassment about the state of your teeth
Sensitivity to sounds, smells, or sensations in a dental setting
Recognizing the root cause of your fear is the first step in managing it effectively.
Options for Managing Dental Anxiety
1. Find a Dentist Who Specializes in Anxiety & Sedation Dentistry
Not all dentists approach fearful patients with the same level of care and understanding. Choosing a sedation or sleep dentistry specialist—like those at The Dental Anesthesia Center—ensures you receive compassionate, customized care tailored to your comfort level.
2. Sedation Dentistry: Relax Through Your Visit
Sedation dentistry is one of the most effective ways to manage fear and anxiety. Various levels of sedation are available depending on your needs:
Oral Sedation: A prescription pill taken before your appointment to induce a state of deep relaxation.
IV Sedation: Administered through an IV for a deeper level of relaxation while still being responsive.
General Anesthesia: You’re completely asleep for the procedure, ideal for extreme anxiety or special needs patients.
3. Communicate with Your Dentist
Discussing your fears with your dentist can help them tailor their approach to make you feel safe and comfortable. Let them know:
If you need breaks during treatment.
If certain sounds, tools, or sensations trigger anxiety.
If you’d like to use a signal (like raising your hand) to pause treatment.
4. Bring a Support System
Having a friend or family member accompany you can provide reassurance and reduce anxiety.
5. Use Distraction Techniques
Many dentists offer headphones, TV, or calming music during procedures. Bringing your own playlist or audiobook can help distract you from the experience.
6. Practice Relaxation Techniques
Deep breathing, mindfulness, or guided meditation before and during your appointment can significantly reduce fear.
7. Consider Therapy for Dental Phobia
For those with severe dental fear, therapy techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can help retrain your brain to associate the dentist with positive experiences.
The Consequences of Avoiding the Dentist
Skipping dental visits can lead to:
Tooth decay and cavities worsening over time
Gum disease, which can affect overall health
Tooth loss, leading to costly restorative procedures
Pain and infections that could require emergency treatment
By taking advantage of sedation dentistry and anxiety-friendly dental care, you can prevent these issues before they become major problems.
Take the First Step Toward Fear-Free Dental Care
If you’re terrified of the dentist, you don’t have to suffer in silence. There are real, effective solutions to help you receive the care you need without fear or discomfort. At The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis, we specialize in sedation and sleep dentistry, ensuring a stress-free and painless experience.
Contact The Dental Anesthesia Center Today
Ready to take the first step? Contact us today to discuss your sedation options and schedule a consultation. Your smile—and your peace of mind—are worth it!
