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.
Yes, my grandson has nonverbal autism and they took very good care of him.. He had to have some extra extractions which I was concerned about, but everything went very well. Very happy and I thank you all for all the work you did.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words. We’re so glad to hear you had a positive experience and that everything went smoothly. We truly appreciate your trust in us.
I took my son to an appointment today with Dr. Hoffman. We had a great experience from the time we arrived until we departed. The receptionist was very friendly and helpful. The dental assistants were very helpful and polite with my son. The doctor is very kind and patient. They explain everything as we went through the process. We were aware of the cost from the beginning to the end and we're allowed to make decisions about how to handle my child's care and not shocked with additional charges after the fact. My child does not resist going to this office. Great experience.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad to hear your experience was positive from start to finish. Our team works hard to create a comfortable, transparent, and supportive environment for every patient and family. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback!
Dr. Thoms and everyone of his staff members are incredible. I was warmly welcomed and made to feel comfortable and relaxed. Which is saying something as I had not been to the dentist in years due to fear/anxiety. My procedure was clearly explained. The office staff was beyond helpful with payment and insurance. The day of my appt was exactly as planned. We started ahead of schedule! The technicians and assistants were clearly skilled and again, helped ease my nervousness. We finished all work as planned. And then Dr. Thoms sat with me and my husband to discuss “everything.” He is very thorough. And finally one of his staff wheeled me down to the elevator, out across the parking lot, and helped me into my van. Now that is service! Around 8:30 p.m. my cell phone rang and it was Dr. Thoms calling to check up on me. Wow!!!!! This man has all you could want in a dentist—kind, compassionate, thorough, understanding, excellent communicator, and skilled. I cannot come up with the best words to so highly recommend the Dental Anesthesia Center. It was a remarkable, yet simple, but thorough experience for me. If you are putting off going to the dentist and have anxiety or fears please call them. They will gently and competently take care of you. And no, this is not an advertisement/ commercial—I am a real live (satisfied) patient.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review! We’re honored to hear that you felt welcomed, comfortable, and well cared for throughout your experience. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, thorough care—especially for those who may feel anxious about dental visits—so it means a lot to know that came through. We truly appreciate your recommendation and are grateful you chose us for your care.
The practice is top notch. Could not ask for better care.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re grateful for your feedback and are proud to provide high-quality care in a supportive environment.
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.
