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 Dentistry4.8

Based on 124 reviews

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abc 1.

Dr. Thoms and staff are Amazing!
My son is Autistic and he loves it there.
It’s always scary to put your child with disabilities under anesthesia. So it’s a relief to have such compassionate professionals to rely upon They are so sweet and kind to him it’s so nice to have people who genuinely care.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! Our team is dedicated to creating a comfortable and supportive experience for everyone who visits our office. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback and for trusting us with your family’s care.

Rafe F.

The Dental Anesthesia Center (DAC) is awesome. When I started there 19 years ago my dental health had deteriorated and my fears were intense. Their expertise and compassion got me back on the right dental track. I still get nervous - but things are so much better now in terms of my dental and gum health.. Don't lose hope - try the DAC!

My appointment today was for a cleaning - and a standard check of gum health etc. Carrie - as always - did EXCELLENT work. She is very kind and thorough and knowledgeable .. and patiently answers all my questions. Carrie is positive and supportive with us patients ... and provides guidance on better at-home care for our teeth and gums.

My thanks also to the office staff who are very helpful with questions or concerns.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your continued trust and kind words! We're honored to have be part of your journey. It means so much to know we've made a lasting impact—your story is truly inspiring!

Janel L.

We’re very thankful to have found the kind folks at the dental anesthesia center. They are patient and informative with what’s needed and how it will get done. Big shoutout to Rebekah and crew at the front desk who always help us figure out all the paperwork and scheduling. Thank you Dr. Behl for your awesome bedside manner! Highly recommend to others

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We’re so glad you had a positive experience with our team. We truly appreciate your support and look forward to continuing to provide compassionate, helpful care.

Patrick R.

The entire team at The Dental Anesthesia Center is exceptional.

Not only is Dr. Hoffmann a 10/10 dentist, but he is very trustworthy and only recommends procedures when necessary.

The dental hygienists are uniformly wonderful. During cleanings, they are gentle but are still able to carry on a conversation as they work.

If i moved an hour away, I would still drive my family here for any dental needs.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so grateful for your trust in our team and are glad your experience with our doctors and hygienists has been a positive one. We truly appreciate your support!

Ruby W.

Wonderful place for my special needs daughter. She is not always cooperative. They are very good and patient with her. Thankful she can receive anesthesia at the office and not have to take her for out patient service at a hospital. Thank you to all the staff 😇

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and 5-star review! We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. Our team is grateful for your trust and is always committed to providing patient-centered, compassionate care.

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.