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.
Always a team effort of caregiving based on need state - mental and dental, the doctors have a first class practice at 950 Francis Place. I’ve never heard a judgmental word spoken. They guide you in planning your visit and follow through on the execution every time. Just put your trust in the prevention, treatment and care you’re guaranteed to receive. Your health will benefit and any anxieties or physical limitations can be overcome. Oral care at home (or lack thereof) cannot meet 100% of your needs. The Dental Anesthesia Center will complete it.
My sweet daughter has Autism, and was unable to work with a typical dentist. She must be sedated for dental cleanings, which can be scary for both of us. The team here is always very warm and understanding. They’re patient and willing to help us when she is struggling. Dr. Thoms is so helpful and kind. We’ve seen him for several years now, and I trust him and his team completely. Thank you!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and trust in our team over the years. We’re so grateful to be part of your family’s care and truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. We’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to our team!
I am so impressed with this Place. The staff is super friendly and explains everything in great detail and really takes their time with their patients. I came here after 15+ years of not having Dental insurance or the means to see a Dentist.
Needless to say, my teeth were in pretty bad shape, and I needed a deep periodontal cleaning. When I went in for consultation back in February I was totally nervous, anxious had no clue what to expect. I just knew that I needed to a tooth that was falling out pulled and needed to do something about my teeth.
After talking with a staff member and Dr. Hoffmann I felt totally at ease. Both my procedures in Feb and May went incredibly well and I woke up from both with an incredible smile.
I came back today for follow up and cleaning my Hygienist was awesome I still had some sensitivity around my front teeth and when she noticed I flinched she stopped and said do you need break, or do you want me to put some numbing jell on your front teeth.
After we got done, I had a lot of questions about the proper way to floss, what type of tooth paste I should use for sensitive teeth etc and she really took the time to answer all my questions.
If you have been putting off dental work because of anxiety, I encourage you to check this place out. The staff truly cares about their clients.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your thoughtful review and kind words. We’re so glad you felt informed, supported, and cared for throughout your visits. Helping patients feel comfortable and confident in their dental care means so much to our team. We truly appreciate your trust!
I went to nervous and 3 to 4 hours later, I essentially woke up in the car on my way home without realizing anything had happened. If you have trauma with previous dental issues, this is the place.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your experience. We’re grateful our team could help provide a comfortable experience and appreciate your trust in us.
Amazing staff from entering to exiting! Thank you all for truly caring and taking the time to explain every step as you go. You are appreciated and I would highly recommend you to everyone!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We’re so glad you felt cared for and informed throughout your experience. Our team truly appreciates your support!
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).
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.
Contact The Dental Anesthesia Center Today
The Dental Anesthesia Center is dedicated to providing personalized and compassionate dental care. Whether you have dental anxiety, special needs, or financial concerns, our team is here to help you achieve optimal oral health in a stress-free environment.
