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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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. 💙
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.
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.
Super experience. Gentle and empathetic. All round care is great. Staff are wonderful.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review! We’re so glad you had a great experience with our team.
We are forever grateful for Dr Hoffman and his wonderful staff for having the vision of how to get necessary dental work done for patients who are dealing with autism and cannot tolerate it without dental anesthesia. We have been taking our adult daughter there once a year for the last four years. Thanks to Dr Hoffman’s vast knowledge and expertise, our daughter has been able to get wisdom teeth removed, cavities filled, teeth cleaned and detailed X-rays to know exactly what needed done. The Dental Anesthesia Center is a great service to the community. Thank you so much for helping us.
Response from the owner:hank you so much for your thoughtful review and kind words about our team! We truly appreciate your trust in us and are honored to provide care in a way that helps make dental treatment more comfortable and accessible for all patients. Your feedback means a great deal to our entire staff.

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