The Hidden Battle: 12 Symptoms of Dental Anxiety

If you or a loved one struggles with dental anxiety, reach out to us – we’re here to listen, support, and ensure your dental visits are as comfortable as possible.

Dental anxiety is a common challenge that many individuals face, often preventing them from seeking essential dental care. Symptoms can vary from person to person, but they often include a combination of physical, emotional, and behavioral signs.

At the Dental Anesthesia Center, we recognize the importance of addressing and alleviating these fears to ensure our patients a positive and comfortable experience.

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The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry

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kerubel G.

When we first visited The Dental Anesthesia Center, my child was experiencing severe tooth pain and multiple cavities. Dr. Sean M. Thoms and his team demonstrated excellent care, promptly assessing the situation and deciding to treat his teeth the next day. They came early in the morning, professionally addressing the cavities and placing a crown. They also followed up by phone to ensure my child was doing well. My baby is now pain-free,happy ,smiling, and sleeping soundly. This is truly a world-class dental center with an exceptional, caring team. Highly recommended.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and wonderful review! We’re truly grateful for your trust and so happy to hear your experience with our team was a positive one. It means a lot to know our care helped make things a little easier and brought smiles all around.

greg E.

Carrie and the Dental Anesthesia Center have always been very professional and welcoming when having work done.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad to hear you’ve had a positive experience with our team. We appreciate your trust and support!

Whitney S.

I cannot say enough wonderful things about The Dental Anesthesia Center and Dr. Thoms. My 7-year-old, who has autism, recently had dental work done here and the experience exceeded expectations. The staff was incredibly kind, patient, and understanding of his needs. They took the time to make him and us feel comfortable, never rushed, and explained everything. I am so grateful for this office and the team that made my son's dental care possible. I would recommend The Dental Anesthesia Center and Dr Thoms to any parent, especially those with children who have special needs. They truly go above and beyond. ❤️

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your thoughtful review and kind words! We’re truly grateful for your trust in our team and Dr. Thoms. Knowing your visit was a positive and comfortable experience means the world to us — it’s exactly what we strive for with every patient and family. 💙

Joy H.

Very patient with elderly patients. Very good experience.

Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your feedback! We’re pleased to know the visit was a positive experience.

Carla B.

My son has been a patient of Dr Michael Hoffman since he was 5 years old. He is now 21 years old. My son has diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and therefore I am cautious of who I select as a treatment provider. Dr. Hoffman’s office is professional, kind and I know they have his best interest at heart. I highly recommend Dr. Hoffman and staff to anyone seeking dental care.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We truly appreciate your trust in our team over the years.

The 12 Symptoms of Dental Anxiety

It’s important to note that dental anxiety is a valid concern, and individuals experiencing these symptoms should communicate their fears with their dentist.

1. Increased Heart Rate: Dental anxiety often manifests as a rapid heartbeat when thinking about dental procedures. At our center, we prioritize creating a calming atmosphere, utilizing soothing music or guided relaxation techniques to help regulate heart rates and ease nervousness.
2. Sweating: Excessive sweating, particularly in the palms or forehead, is a typical physical response to dental anxiety. Our team is trained to provide a reassuring and supportive environment, helping patients feel more at ease during their visit.
3. Tension or Muscle Stiffness: Feeling tense or experiencing muscle stiffness, especially in the shoulders and neck, is a clear indicator of dental anxiety. We employ gentle techniques and encourage open communication to foster a sense of relaxation throughout dental procedures.
4. Nausea: Stomach discomfort or nausea associated with dental anxiety is a concern we take seriously. Our team works with patients to identify triggers and implement strategies, such as distraction techniques or sedation options, to minimize these symptoms.
5. Difficulty Breathing: Shortness of breath or shallow breathing can occur due to anxiety. The Dental Anesthesia Center is committed to promoting deep breathing exercises and providing a comfortable environment to enhance respiratory well-being.
6. Panic Attacks: Sudden and intense fear or panic can be overwhelming. We prioritize building trust with our patients and offer pre-appointment consultations to discuss concerns, ensuring a personalized approach to care.
7. Insomnia or Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty sleeping or disrupted sleep patterns may precede a dental appointment. Our team understands the importance of addressing sleep-related concerns working collaboratively with patients to develop strategies for a restful night before their visit.
8. Irritability or Restlessness: Feeling on edge or restless before a dental appointment is not uncommon. Our compassionate team aims to create a calm and welcoming atmosphere, providing support to alleviate irritability and restlessness.
9. Avoidance Behavior: Avoiding or postponing dental appointments is a red flag for dental anxiety. The Dental Anesthesia Center emphasizes open communication, allowing patients to express their concerns and work together to develop a plan accommodating their needs.
10. Negative Thoughts: Persistent negative thoughts about dental procedures are addressed through education and transparent communication. Our team takes the time to explain each step of the process, dispelling misconceptions and fostering a positive mindset.
11. Crying or Feeling Overwhelmed: Emotional responses, such as crying or feeling overwhelmed, are understood and met with empathy at our center. We prioritize emotional well-being, offering support and understanding throughout the entire dental experience.
12. Dizziness or Fainting: While less common, feelings of lightheadedness or fainting are taken seriously. The Dental Anesthesia Center ensures patient safety by implementing appropriate sedation options and closely monitoring individuals with such concerns.

At the Dental Anesthesia Center, everyone deserves access to quality dental care in a comfortable and anxiety-free environment. By recognizing and addressing the symptoms of dental anxiety, our dedicated team aims to transform the dental experience into a positive and stress-free journey. If you or a loved one struggles with dental anxiety, reach out to us – we’re here to listen, support, and ensure your dental visits are as comfortable as possible.

Sedation Dentistry in St. Louis

If you suffer from mild to severe anxiety or phobia about going to the dentist, we are here to help! The Dental Anesthesia Center is a state-of-the-art dental facility for patients requiring general anesthesia, deep sedation, or oral sedation for their dental care.