Too Embarrassed to Go to the Dentist? Here’s How We Can Help

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If you’ve been avoiding the dentist because of embarrassment or fear, you are not alone. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Whether it’s due to dental anxiety, past trauma, or feeling ashamed about the condition of your teeth, millions of people struggle with similar feelings. At The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis, we understand the emotional weight behind these fears—and we’re here to change the way you experience dental care.

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Outstanding customer car for our 15 yrs old Autistic Granddaughter. Rebekah really helped put our minds and ease and helped us plan the next visit when it came to reservations we had on the cost of this treatment, and future ones. This is expensive, but worth it knowing they help special needs kids, teens and adults. Sedation dentistry team handle everything great!
Thank you Dr. Thoms and the team!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your thoughtful review. We’re so glad our team could provide a supportive and reassuring experience while helping you plan for future care. It means a great deal to know you felt informed and cared for every step of the way. We truly appreciate your kind words and the trust you’ve placed in us.
Dr Thoms specializes in dental anesthesia for patients with Special Needs. My daughter has been a patient of his for many years.
His experience, depth of knowledge and understanding the needs of Special Needs patients is excellent.
He presents clear and detailed information for his procedures and treatment options along with expectations during aftercare.
Follow up instructions include a personal phone call from him as well as additional calls from his office staff. I highly recommend Dr Thoms and definitely give him 5 stars.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. We’re grateful for the trust families place in our team and are committed to providing thoughtful, individualized care with clear communication every step of the way. Your recommendation means a great deal to us!
My hygienist, DeLaina Joost, takes excellent care of my teeth with her advanced skills, gentle touch and great “chair side” manner. She is a consummate professional, and such a compassionate person. I look forward to my visits at DAC!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad to hear you had a positive experience with our team and appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback.
I want to thank everyone at the Dental Anesthesia Center for taking care of me yesterday—Meaghan helped me get the forms filled out correctly and in on time, Daisy for guiding me in and getting me out safely, Dr. Hoffman for taking care of my teeth and dealing with my really terrible gag reflex, and EVERYONE who helps make this happen. I don't know all of your names, but I do know that it takes all of you working together to make my dental care possible and have good results.

I'm always nervous when I first arrive, even though every procedure has had a good outcome. I've never had any pain or excessive bleeding as a result. The one thing I realized yesterday is that all of you are warm, friendly, positive, you have what is called a good vibe, which helps me a great deal.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience. We’re so glad our team could help you feel comfortable and supported throughout your visit. Providing a safe, positive environment is very important to us, and your feedback means a great deal. We truly appreciate your trust in our care!
Dr. Thoms and his entire staff at The Dental Anesthesia Center have been absolutely wonderful!! They're all so kind and knowledgeable. I would give them 10 stars if I could!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words! We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. It means a lot to hear this feedback.

Embarrassment Is One of the Most Common Reasons People Avoid the Dentist

It’s easy to feel like you’re the only one dealing with dental shame, but in reality, it’s incredibly common. People feel embarrassed about:

At DAC, we’ve seen it all—and we never judge. Our goal is to help you feel safe, respected, and supported from your first phone call to the final follow-up.

Fear Can Be Paralyzing—but It Doesn’t Have to Be Permanent

Embarrassment often goes hand-in-hand with fear. Perhaps you had a bad experience as a child, or maybe just the idea of sitting in a dental chair causes you panic.

This is precisely why we specialize in sedation and sleep dentistry. We work with patients who:

  • Haven’t seen a dentist in 10, 15, or even 20+ years
  • Experience dental phobia or anxiety attacks
  • Have a strong gag reflex or extreme sensitivity
  • Feel emotionally overwhelmed by dental care

You’re not “difficult” or “impossible to treat”—you just haven’t found the right team yet.

How We Help You Feel Comfortable, Calm, and In Control

Here’s how The Dental Anesthesia Center makes the experience different:

1. Compassionate, Judgment-Free Care

We treat every patient with dignity—period. No lectures, no guilt trips, and no shaming. We focus on what we can do moving forward.

2. Sedation Options

  • Oral sedation: Simple pills taken before your visit to reduce anxiety
  • IV sedation: A deeper, more controlled level of relaxation
  • General anesthesia: For patients who prefer to sleep through treatment entirely

3. Specialized Experience

Unlike general dental offices, our practice is built specifically for patients who require extra care—including those with anxiety, PTSD, disabilities, or sensory issues.

4. Private Treatment Environment

We offer a calm, private setting—not a busy, high-volume clinic. Many of our patients say they finally feel “heard” and “seen” for the first time in a dental office.

What Happens When You’re Ready to Book

Taking that first step might be scary—but it could change your life. When you call us:

  • We listen to your concerns without judgment
  • We schedule a private consultation where you can ask questions
  • We create a custom treatment plan that meets your emotional and medical needs

Why St. Louis Patients Choose The Dental Anesthesia Center

We’ve helped thousands of patients in St. Louis and surrounding areas take back control of their dental health—without fear or embarrassment. Whether it’s been 6 months or 6 years, we’re here to help you feel comfortable again.

Dental Concerns for Teens

You Deserve to Feel Safe at the Dentist

If you’re too embarrassed to go to the dentist, you deserve a team that understands what you’re going through. We’ve built our practice around safety, comfort, and compassion—because we believe every patient deserves a fresh start.

Updated: October 7, 2025