950 Francis Pl #305, Clayton, MO 63105 Mon-Thu 7am-4pm · Fri 7am-3pm

Dental Infections and Anxiety: Why Delaying Care Gets Risky

Delaying dental care due to anxiety? Why dental infections get worse over time, the risks of waiting, and how sedation options can help.

If you’re dealing with dental pain—or even suspect something might be wrong—but feel too anxious to schedule an appointment, you’re not alone.

Many patients find themselves stuck between two difficult realities: concern about a possible infection or the fear of going to the dentist.

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Best Dentists in St. Louis. Really a great dental experience. I have used this office for regular dental care, cavities, crowns, and cosmetic dentistry. Teeth look great.
Response from the owner:Christopher we apologize for the belated response. We are very pleased to hear you have a great dental experience with our office! Thank you for your kind words. We look forward to seeing you at your next dental appointment!
Amazing
Response from the owner:Thank you so much! We truly appreciate the amazing review! ⭐️
Thanks Laina for making my visit great. You are the best.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’ll be sure to share your appreciation with Laina. 😊
Dr. Behl! I cannot recommend Dr. Maris Behl enough. If you have dental anxiety, she is truly the kind of dentist you hope to find. If teeth could be wrapped in pillows and protected by flying unicorns, Dr. Behl would somehow make it happen. I have significant anxiety around dental procedures and have needed deeper sedation for dental work in the past. From the beginning, Dr. Behl took the time to listen to my concerns and made me feel genuinely heard rather than dismissed or rushed. She created such a sense of trust and safety that I was eventually able to have my dental work done with only nitrous instead of full sedation, which is something I honestly didn’t think I would be comfortable doing. During my crown placement, she explained what she was doing throughout the procedure, which made an enormous difference in keeping me calm. She also took the time to address a filling that had been bothering me for what felt like forever — and she actually fixed the problem. What stands out most about Dr. Behl is how safe I feel in her care. She is compassionate, patient, communicative, and incredibly attentive to how her patients are feeling. For someone with dental anxiety, that combination is invaluable. Finding a dentist I trust this much has completely changed my experience with dental care. I am incredibly grateful to Dr. Behl and would recommend her without hesitation, especially to anyone who has dental anxiety or has struggled to feel comfortable receiving dental treatment.
Response from the owner:Thank you for such incredibly kind words! We’ll be sure to pass this along to Dr. Behl. We’re pretty sure the flying unicorns are going to be the part she remembers most! 🦄💙 We’re so glad our team could help make your experience a more comfortable one.
Dr Thoms and his team are phenomenal. No question, the absolute best possible option for my child when he needed work done while sleeping (age based). While this option is not inexpensive, this set up of have anesthesiology in-house allowed us to get his mouth healthy when a traditional pediatric dentist could/would not. I am a parent that asks a lot of questions on behalf of my toddler’s care and at no point did I feel judged for this, nor was I rushed during my evaluation process during the consultation. Although the procedure is not one I would like to repeat for my child, my husband and I were both so pleased with how well Dr. Thoms communicated and how he clearly cared for our son’s wellbeing (both physical and emotional during a less than comfortable visit). Cannot recommend the back of house team more highly. My one detraction is the FOH staff (not everyone) were not nearly as pleasant. I would like to communicate that while their day-to-day is very routine for them, being in that office as a parent is very scary for some people in their office and a little bit of kindness goes along way. I do recall, having a very pleasant conversation with Rebecca, but otherwise everyone else was on the apathetic side, in my personal opinion. That said you’ll notice that I still am leaving a five star review because the dental staff really just knocked out of the park, but as a parent I want to encourage you to look past any rudeness you may experience over email or on the phone because Dr. Thom’s is really that excellent.
Response from the owner:Thank you for taking the time to share such thoughtful feedback. We’re grateful to hear that our team provided compassionate, attentive care and took the time to answer your questions throughout the process. We also appreciate your comments regarding your experience with our front office team and will certainly share your feedback. Your kind words mean so much to us!

Why Dental Infections Don’t Go Away on Their Own

Unlike some minor health issues, dental infections do not resolve on their own. An infection inside a tooth or under the gums is typically caused by bacteria that continue to grow over time. Without intervention, the infection can spread beyond its original location.

What may start as mild discomfort can gradually turn into something more serious. Common early signs include:

What Happens When Treatment Is Delayed

When care is postponed—especially due to anxiety—the infection doesn’t stay the same. It progresses. Over time, you may experience:

  • Increasing pain or pressure
  • Visible swelling in the face or jaw
  • Difficulty eating or sleeping
  • A spreading infection that affects the surrounding teeth or tissues

In more advanced cases, dental infections can become medical concerns that require urgent attention.

The Anxiety Cycle That Keeps People Stuck

For many patients, the delay isn’t about ignoring the problem—it’s about feeling unable to face treatment. This often creates a cycle:

The longer this continues, the more complex the dental issue can become.

Why Early Treatment Is Almost Always Easier

One of the most important things to understand is that earlier treatment is typically simpler, shorter, and more manageable. For example:

  • A small area of decay may only need a filling
  • An early infection may be treated before it spreads
  • Discomfort can be addressed before it becomes severe

Delaying care often leads to:

  • More involved procedures
  • Longer appointments
  • Greater overall stress

Options That Make Treatment Possible

If anxiety has been the reason for delaying care, it’s important to know there are different ways to approach treatment. Depending on your situation, options may include:

For Mild to Moderate Anxiety

For Moderate to Severe Anxiety or Inability to Tolerate Treatment

These options are designed to remove the barrier of fear—so you don’t have to “push through” an experience that feels unmanageable.

Ready to Take the First Step?

If you’re dealing with a possible dental infection but feel unsure about what to do next, starting with a conversation can make things feel more manageable. Contact us today by calling (314) 862-7844 or filling out our online contact form.

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The first two board-certified Dentist Anesthesiologists in the state of Missouri.

Updated: March 24, 2026