I’m Terrified of the Dentist – What Are My Options?

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!

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The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry

Based on 96 reviews

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pnkldy74

Our adult daughter has cerebral palsy and requires being fully sedated when having anything done. The DAC was such a positive experience. Dr Hoffmann and his staff were kind and did great explaining things. As a mom, I had a lot of questions about how certain things would be done as usually she’s in her chair when getting examined at her local dentist and they had everything under control including transferring from her chair to the dentist chair and keeping her secured in the dentist chair as well as keeping her neck and legs comfortable. Many thanks to them!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words. We’re grateful for your trust and happy to hear that you had such a positive experience with our team. Our goal is always to provide compassionate, attentive care in a safe and comfortable environment. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.

Craig P.

TWENTY YEARS! That is how long our special needs son has been seeing Dr Hoffman and his dedicated team! Our son suffers from an intellectual disability, is non-verbal, and is unable to cooperate for dental cleaning, x-rays, or other routine dental work. He requires general anesthesia. It is such a blessing to avoid a hospital setting just for dental work.

The team is always well staffed, friendly, personable and very professional. Every single year we have been supported by a deeply caring team who are dedicated to patients with a very wide range of disabilities and needs. They have shared useful dental advice and tools (3 sided toothbrushes, blocks to hold open their mouth for daily at-home care, etc.) which improved our son’s daily dental care. We always receive a call back the day after to check his recovery-even on weekends!

Highly recommended and so appreciative to have this team supporting our ever long road of raising a special needs son.

Response from the owner:Wow — thank you for sharing such a heartfelt review! We are so grateful for your trust and for allowing our team to be part of your family’s journey over the years. It means so much to us to know that our care and support have made a difference. We truly appreciate your kind words and recommendation!

Cheryl D.

We've been coming to Dr.Hoffman for twenty years. There's a reason we keep coming back! He's great. His staff is great. He's double boarded as an MD (Anesthesia) and DDS!!! Our son with special needs needs sedation for even a cleaning. You get what you pay for. He's expensive and... we know he's getting the best care!

Response from the owner:Thank you for trusting our team over the years and for your kind words about Dr. Hoffmann and our staff. We truly value your confidence in the care we provide!

Leslie L.

Omg!! This place is Amazing! The people who work here are so very nice and understanding. I love this team

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words! We truly appreciate your support and are grateful to have such wonderful patients.

Cindy R.

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.

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!

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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:

• Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): A mild sedative that helps you relax but wears off quickly.
• 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.