Preparing an Adult with Autism for Dental Care Under Anesthesia

A caregiver’s guide to preparing an adult with autism for dental care under anesthesia in St. Louis, from the first phone call to recovery at home.

If you are arranging dental care for an adult with autism, you already know the challenge is rarely the dentistry itself. It is the environment. Bright lights, unfamiliar sounds, unexpected touch, and the pressure to sit still can make a traditional dental office overwhelming, and in many cases impossible. For adults who cannot tolerate care in a standard setting, dental treatment under sedation or general anesthesia may be the safest and most compassionate path forward.

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The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry4.9

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The Nashville T.

Amazing

Regina D.

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. 😊

Reevina H.

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.

Lauren E.

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!

steven D.

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!

Why Anesthesia May Be the Right Option

Many adults with autism have gone years without dental care, not because caregivers have not tried, but because traditional appointments simply did not work. Repeated failed visits can build distress for everyone involved, while untreated dental issues often grow more serious over time.

Treatment under sedation or anesthesia changes the equation. Instead of asking your loved one to endure an environment that overwhelms them, the care happens while they rest comfortably. In many cases, all needed treatment (exams, X-rays, cleanings, fillings, extractions) can be completed in a single visit, which may mean one appointment instead of many.

Before the Visit: What to Gather

A thorough consultation comes first. Being prepared helps our doctors plan the safest approach. It often helps to gather:

• A current medication list, including dosages, supplements, and anything taken as needed
• Medical history, including any prior experiences with sedation or anesthesia
• Guardianship or power of attorney documentation, if you make medical decisions on your loved one’s behalf
• Notes on sensory triggers and calming strategies, such as sounds or types of touch that cause distress, and what tends to help
• Any previous dental records, if available

This is also the time to ask questions. No concern is too small, and our team would rather answer a dozen questions than have you arrive uncertain.

Preparing Your Loved One

Every adult with autism is different, and you know your loved one best. Some caregivers find these strategies helpful:

• Keep explanations simple and honest. Depending on their communication style, a short, calm description of the day may work better than a detailed one.
• Practice the routine, not the procedure. A car ride to the office ahead of time, or rehearsing the waiting period, can make the actual day feel more familiar.
• Follow fasting instructions exactly. Anesthesia requires an empty stomach for safety. We will give you clear instructions on when eating and drinking must stop, and following them precisely is one of the most important things you can do.
• Bring comfort items. A favorite object, headphones, or a familiar blanket can help during the waiting period.
• Plan a quiet day. Schedule nothing else. Your loved one will need rest afterward, and so will you.

What Happens on the Day of Treatment

When you arrive, our team will review the plan with you and answer any remaining questions. Once your loved one is comfortably sedated, the doctors complete the planned treatment while monitoring them closely throughout. You will be nearby the entire time.

Afterward, your loved one will wake gradually in a calm recovery setting. Grogginess, mild confusion, or irritability are common in the first hours and typically pass with rest. We will send you home with clear instructions for eating, medications, and what to watch for, and you can always call us with questions.

A Team That Understands

Caregivers often tell us the hardest part was simply not knowing where to turn. The Dental Anesthesia Center exists for exactly this situation: patients who deserve excellent dental care and need a different way to receive it.