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.

Contact The Dental Anesthesia Center today to schedule an appointment!

Call (314) 862-7844

Schedule Appointment

Excellent

The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry4.9

Based on 234 reviews

See all reviews

review us on

Bradley W.

Calm, peaceful, respectful, kind

Mike L.

These guys are fantastic! If you are not going to the dentist because of a bad or painful experience this is the place to go.I was one of those people not going for way too long out of fear and anxiety. One day I had a horrible tooth ache, I put it off too long, the pain was unbearable and I didn`t have a dentist.Thank God I found The Dental Anesthesia Center. Don`t wait for this to happen. I have been a patient now for last fifteen years and I highly recommend you going here. You will be glad you did. The whole staff is the best. .

Response from the owner:Mike, We are so glad you found us and to hear that our team is able to make you feel completely comfortable at the dentist. 🙂 Its our pleasure to have you as a patient! Thank you so much for your kind review! See you at your next dental appointment!

Julie S.

Absolutely every person we encountered today was courteous, professional and pleasant!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.

Valerie D.

Great experience!!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the 5 star review!

Jyllyan T.

Today was the second time that I became a registered patient with this office. I had previously had work done in the past with a different clinician, paused treatment for some time, and then returned today and was put with a new physician. I cannot even begin to describe the comfortability that I had with my dental anxiety after leaving the office. The new physician that I met with took over an hour to sit with me and go over my concerns, history, present scans, and any questions about the treatment plan moving forward that I had. She was optimistic, kind, compassionate, and most importantly, there for me in every aspect that a patient requires. She made me hopeful about any future needs I might encounter, and I would truly recommend this office yet again to anyone. They continue to find the kindest staff to support them as well, making it a well-rounded practice from start to finish.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your thoughtful review and kind words. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. Our team is committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care and helping every patient feel informed and comfortable throughout their visit. Your recommendation means a great deal to us, and we look forward to continuing to provide you with excellent care.

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.