Avoiding the Dentist? How Sedation Dentistry Makes It Easy to Come Back

If you haven’t been to the dentist in a while, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and it’s never too late to get back on track.

For many, visiting the dentist is not exactly at the top of their to-do list. Some may skip dental appointments due to anxiety, financial concerns, or a busy schedule, while others avoid them altogether due to a deep-seated fear of dental procedures. While putting off a checkup may not seem like a big deal, avoiding the dentist for too long can lead to serious oral and overall health issues.

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The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry4.9

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Christopher H.

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!

The Nashville T.

Amazing

Response from the owner:Thank you so much! We truly appreciate the amazing review! ⭐️

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!

Why People Avoid the Dentist

There are many reasons why people avoid the dentist, including:

• Dental Anxiety or Phobia: Fear of pain, needles, or bad past experiences can keep patients away.
• Busy Lifestyle: People prioritize work, school, or family responsibilities over dental visits.
• Cost Concerns: Some worry about dental care expenses without insurance.
• No Symptoms: They assume their teeth are fine if they aren’t experiencing pain.
• Embarrassment: Some feel self-conscious about their oral health and avoid seeking help.

Regardless of the reason, delaying dental visits can lead to preventable problems that become more painful, costly, and complex over time.

The Consequences of Avoiding the Dentist

1. Plaque and Tartar Buildup Leads to Cavities

Even with daily brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can build up over time. Without regular professional cleanings, plaque hardens into tartar, leading to tooth decay and cavities.

What happens if cavities are left untreated?

• The decay spreads deeper into the tooth.
• Pain and sensitivity increase.
• A simple filling may no longer be enough—root canals or extractions may be needed.

2. Gum Disease Develops and Worsens

Skipping dental visits increases the risk of gum disease, which starts with gingivitis (mild inflammation) and progresses to periodontitis, a severe infection that leads to tooth loss.

Signs of gum disease:

• Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Gum recession (teeth appearing longer)
• Loose or shifting teeth

Without treatment, periodontal disease can cause irreversible damage to your gums, bones, and teeth.

3. Increased Risk of Tooth Loss

If cavities and gum disease progress without treatment, tooth loss becomes inevitable. Missing teeth not only affect appearance and self-confidence but also cause:

• Difficulty eating and speaking
• Jawbone deterioration, leading to facial structure changes
• Shifting of remaining teeth, causing misalignment

The longer you wait, the more likely you’ll need dental implants, dentures, or bridges to restore function.

4. Higher Risk of Dental Emergencies

Avoiding the dentist can result in painful dental emergencies that require urgent care, including:

• Severe tooth infections (abscesses)
• Cracked or broken teeth from decay or weakened enamel
• Intense pain requiring emergency extractions

Emergency dental visits often cost more and involve more invasive treatments than routine checkups and preventative care.

5. Oral Health Affects Overall Health

Your mouth is closely linked to your overall health, and avoiding dental care can lead to more than just tooth problems.

• Gum disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
• Chronic inflammation in the mouth can weaken the immune system.
• Bacteria from untreated dental infections can spread to other parts of the body.

Taking care of your teeth means taking care of your whole body.

How Long Is Too Long?

• 6 Months to 1 Year Without a Visit:
  • Increased plaque and tartar buildup
  • Early signs of gum inflammation
  • Small cavities may begin to form
• 2-3 Years Without a Visit:
  • Higher risk of gum disease and decay
  • More plaque and tartar buildup
  • Increased tooth sensitivity and bad breath
• 5+ Years Without a Visit:
  • Likely presence of gum disease or periodontitis
  • Possible tooth loss or severe infections
  • Higher risk of costly and invasive treatments

If it’s been years since your last dental visit, don’t panic! The most important step is scheduling an appointment and taking action today.

How Sedation Dentistry Can Help You Get Back on Track

For those who fear the dentist or have been avoiding care for years, sedation dentistry can make dental visits stress-free and painless.

Sedation Options for Comfortable Dental Care

• Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) – Helps you relax while fully awake. Wears off quickly.
• Oral Sedation – A pill taken before the appointment to reduce anxiety and create a drowsy, calm state.
• IV Sedation – Administered through an IV for deep relaxation; you may not remember the procedure.
• General Anesthesia – Complete sleep dentistry, ideal for extreme dental phobia or extensive treatment needs.

Sedation dentistry makes it easy to catch up on years of dental work in a single, comfortable visit.

Taking the First Step Toward Better Oral Health

If you’ve been avoiding the dentist, the best time to start is now. No matter how long it’s been, we’re here to help—without judgment or pressure.

Steps to Get Back on Track:

• Schedule a Consultation – Talk with a dentist about your concerns and treatment options.
• Consider Sedation Dentistry – Reduce anxiety and make your visit comfortable.
• Start with a Cleaning & Exam – Get a full oral health picture.
• Create a Treatment Plan – Address any dental issues step by step.

Why Choose The Dental Anesthesia Center?

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we specialize in compassionate, sedation-assisted dentistry for patients who have avoided the dentist due to fear, anxiety, or past trauma. Our team is dedicated to making every patient feel comfortable, safe, and stress-free.

• Certified in Sedation & Sleep Dentistry
• Specialized in Treating Patients with Dental Anxiety & Special Needs
• Pain-Free Procedures with Customized Sedation Options
• A Judgment-Free Zone for Patients Who Haven’t Seen a Dentist in Years