Ready to return to the dentist after years away? Discover how sedation and a comfort-first approach may help you restart care without fear or pressure.
If you haven’t seen a dentist in a long time—five years, ten years, or even longer—you are not alone. Many people avoid dental visits because of fear,sensory sensitivities, past trauma, health challenges, or difficulty tolerating standard dental procedures. And when enough time passes, the idea of returning can feel overwhelming.
But here’s the truth: There is no shame, no judgment, and no “too late” when it comes to restarting your dental care.
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.
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!
Very nice very convenient for me great people working
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad you had a positive experience with our team. We truly appreciate your 5-star review!
The staff is always compassionate and explain all the steps of the procedure. This office has been a God send for me because otherwise I would have let my teeth fall into further disrepair. I highly recommend this office!!!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We’re so glad our team could help make your experience feel comfortable and supportive. We truly appreciate your 5-star review!
Searching for a new dental clinic is challenging for someone who has
dental anxiety, fear, and traumatic experiences in a dental chair. The staff and doctors at the Dental Anesthesia Center were immediately very welcoming. Dr. Thoms put together a very detailed plan to repair and replace the previous work that I had in the past that was now causing problems. Putting my faith in him was the best thing that I could have done for my situation. I am more than completely satisfied with all of the extensive dental work that I’ve had with Dr.Thoms. I had my fourth sleep dentistry experience yesterday and I’m very happy with my results. I highly recommend this practice and truly want to give them more than five stars! Thank you for giving me back my health and confidence.
I adding to this post because of my visit today with the best dental hygienist Delaina and my exam with Dr. Biehl. I have truly never been to such a caring and supportive dental group. Everyone is always conscientious of my needs and knows that I have issues with anxiety. I am always calm when I am sitting in the chair because of their kindness. I am so pleased with the Dental anesthesia center. There needs to be more than five stars. Thank you, everyone.
Response from the owner:We know it isn’t always easy to find a dental office where you feel at ease, so your words mean the world to us. We’re so glad you feel comfortable with our team and truly appreciate your trust and recommendation!
🌿 1. First, Know This: You Won’t Be Judged
Many patients tell us the same thing:
“I was more afraid of being judged than of the actual visit.”
At a sedation-focused practice like The Dental Anesthesia Center, we understand that life happens. Anxiety, medical challenges, financial obstacles, disabilities, and traumatic experiences are real barriers to care. You may have avoided appointments because you were scared or overwhelmed—and that’s completely valid.
✨ 2. Start With a Simple Conversation
You don’t have to jump straight into an exam. Your first step can be:
📞 A gentle phone call
💬 An online contact form
🙋 Asking questions at your own pace
Tell us things like:
“It’s been a long time since I’ve been to a dentist.”
“I have anxiety and need to go slowly.”
“I might need sedation to feel comfortable.”
😌 3. Your First Visit Is All About Comfort, Not Pressure
Your first appointment is typically a consultation, not a lengthy procedure. Here’s what may happen:
We talk about your concerns
You can share your past dental experiences (only if you want to)
You’ll learn about different sedation or comfort options
The dentist will take a gentle look if you feel ready
We discuss a customized plan based on your comfort level
💤 4. Sedation Options Can Make the Process Much Easier
Dental anxiety is one of the most common reasons people delay care. At a sedation-focused practice, you have access to options that may help you relax, reduce sensory overload, or sleep through treatment.
Often helpful for patients with severe anxiety, special needs, or complex care needs. These options aren’t available at most general dental offices—making a sedation practice ideal for anyone who hasn’t felt comfortable in a traditional dental environment.
🩺 5. What If I Need a Lot of Dental Work?
Many long-avoiding patients worry:
“What if my teeth are really bad?” “What if I need a ton of procedures?” “What if they judge how my mouth looks?”
Here’s the reality:
Sedation dentistry allows multiple treatments in one visit
You won’t be judged or blamed
We build a plan around comfort and safety
We focus on helping you move forward—not looking back
🧠 6. Why People Avoid the Dentist—And How We Support That
Understanding these barriers helps us design care that feels:
Predictable
Calming
Supportive
Sensory-aware
Trust-based
Final Takeaway: You’re Not Starting Over—You’re Starting Fresh
Dental care should feel safe, comfortable, and respectful—never rushed or judgmental. When you choose a sedation-focused dental practice, you’re choosing a place explicitly designed to support patients who’ve struggled with dental visits in the past.
If you haven’t been to a dentist in years, this is precisely the type of environment built with your needs in mind. Contact The Dental Anesthesia Center today by calling us at (314) 862-7844 or using our contact form.
