Top 5 Reasons Patients Avoid the Dentist and How We Can Help

The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis offers sedation dentistry and personalized care to help patients feel comfortable.

Visiting the dentist is crucial for maintaining good oral health, but many patients avoid dental appointments for various reasons. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we understand these concerns and offer solutions to ensure a comfortable experience. Here are the top five reasons patients avoid the dentist and how we can help.

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Anne S.

Carrie is the best dental hygienist ever! She’s an excellent clinician. She’s extraordinary caring and compassionate. I’ve gone to this office for 30 years and could not be more pleased.

Tessa F.

The staff at this office is top notch. They are patient, friendly, and incredibly thorough. I would recommend this place to anyone, but especially to someone who has anxiety related to dental work. They are very well practiced in making their patients feel relaxed and comfortable.

Angela B.

I have conquered a severe and debilitating dental phobia with the help of The Dental Anesthesia Center! They are the kindest, most gentle and understanding group of dentists and hygienists! I am forever grateful.

Rae K.

Friendly staff, treat you like family! Been going for 30 years. Love this office.

Kenny S.

I have some of the worst anxiety when it comes to anything dental/dentist and after meeting Dr.Thoms and his awesome crew they assured me all would be easy and smooth. You will have to get thru your own fears leading up to the appointment but once you do and you’re in their care before you know it, it’s time to leave. I hope Thoms had another 20-25 years in him because that’s my go to guy from here on out!

1. Dental Anxiety and Fear

Dental anxiety is one of the most common reasons people avoid the dentist. The fear of pain, needles, or negative past experiences can prevent patients from seeking necessary care. According to the American Dental Association, approximately 22% of people avoid dental visits due to fear (source).

How We Help: We specialize in sedation dentistry, offering various sedation options such as nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation to help patients feel calm and relaxed during their procedures.

2. Fear of Pain

Many patients associate dental visits with pain, often due to outdated perceptions or previous experiences. Modern dentistry, however, has advanced significantly, making most procedures virtually painless (source).

How We Help: Our team uses the latest technology and sedation techniques to ensure a pain-free experience. General anesthesia is also available for more complex procedures or patients with severe dental phobia.

3. Embarrassment About Oral Health

Some patients feel self-conscious about the condition of their teeth or gums, fearing judgment from dental professionals. This embarrassment can delay dental care, worsening oral health issues (source).

How We Help: Our compassionate team provides a judgment-free environment. We focus on helping you achieve better oral health, no matter your starting point.

4. Sensory Sensitivities (Common in Patients with Special Needs)

Patients with sensory processing disorders, including those with autism, often find dental visits overwhelming due to bright lights, loud sounds, and unfamiliar sensations (source).

How We Help: We create a sensory-friendly environment and offer specialized care for patients with special needs, including using sedation to reduce sensory input and ensure comfort.

5. Cost Concerns

Financial worries are another significant barrier to dental care. Many patients avoid the dentist because they fear high costs, especially if they do not have dental insurance (source).

How We Help: We provide transparent pricing, flexible payment plans, and assistance with insurance claims to make dental care more affordable and accessible.