Discover what dental sedation feels like from start to finish. A clear, calming guide for anxious, sensory-sensitive, and special needs patients.
Dental sedation can make a world of difference for patients who feel anxious, overstimulated, or unable to tolerate standard dental procedures. Whether someone has dental fear, sensory sensitivities, special needs, or past traumatic experiences, sedation may help create an environment that feels calmer, safer, and more predictable.
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!
✨ What to Expect BEFORE Your Sedation Dentistry Appointment
1. A Calm, Informative Consultation
Before any sedation appointment, you’ll meet with the team for a comfort-focused evaluation. This may include:
General Anesthesia: for patients who cannot tolerate dental procedures awake
3. Clear Pre-Appointment Instructions
Depending on the type of sedation, you may receive guidance such as:
When to stop eating or drinking
Whether to adjust medications (under medical guidance)
Comfortable clothing to wear
Arranging a responsible adult to accompany you
What to bring, especially sensory supports (headphones, blanket, sunglasses)
😌 What to Expect DURING Your Sedation Dentistry Appointment
Sedation appointments are built around comfort, safety, and trust. At a practice like The Dental Anesthesia Center, the process is handled by a team explicitly trained in sedation and special needs care.
1. A Calm Entry and Setup
The environment is quiet, supportive, and paced at your speed. You may notice:
Dimmer lighting
A soft-spoken team
Clear, simple explanations
Predictable steps
2. Monitoring Throughout the Visit
Throughout sedation, the team carefully monitors:
Heart rate
Breathing
Blood pressure
Comfort and responsiveness (depending on the level of sedation)
3. What You Might Feel (Depending on The Anesthesia)
Your experience depends on the type of sedation:
Nitrous Oxide
You stay awake but feel lighter, calmer, or less aware of sensations.
Oral Sedation
You may feel deeply relaxed, drowsy, and less focused on the procedure.
IV Sedation
You are in a controlled state of deep relaxation. Many patients remember little or nothing.
General Anesthesia
You are fully asleep, typically used for patients who cannot otherwise tolerate dental care.
🌿 What to Expect AFTER Your Sedation Dentistry Appointment
After sedation, the team monitors you until you’re stable and ready to go home. The recovery experience varies with the level of sedation.
1. Immediate Recovery
Most patients:
Wake up slowly
Feel sleepy or relaxed
Experience time as “fuzzy”
Are guided gently by the staff
2. Sensations Afterward
Many people feel:
Grogginess
Mild confusion
Hunger or thirst
A desire to sleep or rest
3. Clear Home Instructions
You’ll receive specific guidance about:
Eating and drinking
Resting
Medications (if any were prescribed)
When to resume normal activities
Any follow-up needed
4. Emotional Relief
Patients often say the best part of sedation is realizing:
The appointment is over
They felt calm throughout
They didn’t experience the fear they expected
They can return to the dentist without dread next time
💛 Who Benefits Most From Dental Sedation?
Sedation may be beneficial for:
Patients with dental anxiety or panic
Individuals with autism or sensory sensitivities
Patients with special needs
Those who can’t sit still or tolerate standard dental care
Adults with past traumatic dental experiences
Anyone needing extensive or multiple procedures
🌟 Sedation Makes Dental Care Feel Safe Again
Dental sedation isn’t about “knocking someone out.” It’s about creating a safe, calm, predictable experience for patients who deserve comfort—not fear. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, the entire process—before, during, and after—is designed for people who:
Are nervous
Are overstimulated easily
Have special needs
Have avoided the dentist for years
Cannot tolerate standard dental procedures
Sedation may help turn a difficult appointment into one that finally feels manageable, supported, and reassuring.
