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.
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.
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.
