Sleep, Sedation, and Special Needs Dentistry Saint Louis, MO
Call to Schedule 314-862-7844
Trying to find a sedation dentist? Do you want to be completely asleep for your dental treatment? Is a dental phobia keeping you away from the dentist? If you have not been to the dentist because you suffer from moderate to severe dental phobia, Dr. Michael J. Hoffmann, Dr. Sean M. Thoms and Dr. Victoria Q. Daugherty are here to help you. The Dental Anesthesia Center is a state-of-the-art dental facility for patients who require general anesthesia, deep sedation, or oral sedation for their dental care. Young children unable to cooperate and individuals with mental or physical disabilities can benefit from these services.
At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we value our patient relationships, making it our priority to deliver gentle dental care that you deserve from sedation dentists in Saint Louis, Missouri. We work hard to make you feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere. We strive to develop lifelong relationships with our patients by combining the latest dental technology with a professional and compassionate team.
We also believe that patients should have sufficient information to make educated decisions about their oral health, treatment options, and choice of sedation dentists in Saint Louis. You will find all of this important information on our website, including directions to our Saint Louis Sedation Dentistry and Sleep Dentistry dental office, dental service descriptions, patient forms, patient education resources, and more.
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Below You Will Find the Levels of Sedation
There are different levels of sedation for each patient. The sedation method for an individual is determined on the patients:
1. Medical history
2. Current physical
3. Mental health
MINIMAL SEDATION
Minimal sedation, an individual is conscious. This method is the lightest level of sedation. It involves a mild sedative, such as a Valium-like medication or Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas.) Using this kind of sedation requires no additional training for the dentist.
MODERATE SEDATION (SEDATION DENTISTRY)
Moderate sedation a person is conscious and is referred to as "Sedation Dentistry." Moderate Sedation allows the patient to simply respond to your questions. You are not asleep for sedation dentistry. A dentist is required to receive two days of additional training when administering pills orally. Intravenous (IV) Sedation requires at least 60 hours of training or a dentist can be trained as part of a residency program.
DEEP SEDATION (SLEEP DENTISTRY)
Deep sedation or general anesthesia is referred to as "Sleep Dentistry" (unconscious). Using this method, there is no memory of the procedure. Dentists who provide this method require a two-year Dental Anesthesiology Residency or an Oral Surgery Residency. This is the recommended level of sedation for individuals unable to tolerate dental treatment for mental or physical reasons.
When you come in for your appointment, Dr. Hoffmann, Dr.Thoms or Dr. Daugherty will decide which level is best for you. We look forward to meeting you.
The reasons that keep a person away from the dentist are personal and unique to each individual. Our Sedation Dentistry and Sleep Dentistry Saint Louis,MO dental office provides care to various patients for all of their dental needs and desires.
Dentistry For
- Special Needs
- Developmental Disabilities
- Down's Syndrome
- Autism
- Cerebral Palsy
- Alzheimer’s
- Huntington’s Disease
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Dental Phobia/ Dental Anxiety
- Sensitive Gag Reflex
- Inability to Become Numb
- Modified Behavior
- ADHD
- Medically Compromised (Allergies, Complications, etc.)
- View a Complete List of Our Dental Services
Our dental services include:
- View a Complete List of Our Dental Services
- General Anesthesia/ Deep Sedation (Sleep Dentistry)
- Oral Sedation/ Intravenous Sedation (Sedation Dentistry)
- General Dentistry
- Preventive Care
Meet Our Dental Anesthesiologists and Sedation Dentist at The Dental Anesthesia Center:
The Dental Anesthesia Center is a state-of-the- art anesthesia and dental facility. Dr. Michael J. Hoffmann and Dr. Sean M. Thoms provide dental services accompanied by Deep Sedation and General Anesthesia. Dr. Victoria Q. Daugherty provides oral sedation, as well as non-sedation services. Patients now have a choice in the way their dentistry is completed.
Individuals with anxieties, phobias, severe gag reflex, or difficulty getting numb are candidates for the center's general anesthesia services. As well as young children or individuals with physical or mental disabilities who are unable to cooperate for dental treatment can benefit from these services. Treatment may be completed in as little as one visit. All types of dental care—including fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, gum therapy, implant crowns and dentures, veneers, and cosmetic dentistry—are available.
Dr. Hoffmann and Dr. Thoms completed residencies in hospital dentistry and dental anesthesiology. Both are currently the only two Dental Anesthesiologist board certified in Deep Sedation in the state of Missouri.
Dr. Daugherty, a general dentist, places an emphasis on dentistry with oral sedation as well as non-sedation services. She has a special interest in sleep-apnea treatment, Invisalign®, implants, veneers, and other cosmetic procedures.
Dr. Hoffmann, Dr. Daugherty, and Dr. Thoms believe, a beautiful smile invokes confidence. We want our patients to be well-informed, understand their options, and realize the opportunity that cutting-edge dentistry can provide.”
Who Can Benefit From Sleep Dentistry and Sedation Dentistry?
Individuals With:
- Fear and Anxiety:
Nearly half of people with dental problems avoid dental care because of their fears and anxiety. Modern, safe anesthesia techniques allow the fearful patient to have dental procedures accomplished without the anxiety associated with dentistry.
- Low Pain Threshold:
People perceive pain differently. Some individuals have difficulty getting numb. With general anesthesia and sedation techniques, the perception of pain can be altered. Patients can be virtually pain-free during treatment.
- Sensitive Gag Reflex:
Some patients may suffer from a severe gag reflex and are unable to have dental care completed with the use of local anesthetic. Using anesthesia services can eliminate the problems caused by an active gag reflex.
- Extensive Treatment:
Completing dental treatment under general anesthesia can eliminate the need for multiple visits.
- Special Needs:
Individuals with physical or mental disabilities can achieve complete dental care in a comfortable setting. Sleep dentistry provides a safe and effective way for special need patients to receive the dental treatment they need. Patients will have a complete exam, full mouth series of x-rays (pictures of teeth), and a thorough cleaning while under general anesthesia.
-Young Children:
Children who are experiencing anxiety and are unable to cooperate for needed dental treatment can benefit from anesthesia services.
St. Louis Dentist Receives Missouri Dental Association’s Highest Honor Named 2012 Dentist of the Year Dr. Michael Hoffmann, a general dentist and board certified dental anesthesiologist in St. Louis, was named the 2012 Missouri Dental Association (MDA) Dentist of the Year for his leadership, passion and outstanding service to the dental profession. Dr. Hoffmann is an esteemed member and 2005 past president of the Greater St. Louis Dental Society (GSLDS) and has been a vigorous supporter of organized dentistry for 23 years. He is currently a member of the Greater St. Louis Dental Society Board of Directors; serves as Vendor Relations Chair of GSLDS Council on Scientific Sessions; is President of the Society’s Central District; is a member of the GSLDS Leadership Membership Committee; participated at the ADA Recruitment & Retention Meeting where GSLDS was awarded with the Best Practice Award, and helped develop and implement the Dental Society’s Recycle Event, SIU Recruitment Event and Practice Match Up Event. Dr. Hoffmann has demonstrated outstanding service to the dental profession with his active role in educating colleagues as well as staff. He conducts Nitrous classes at Forest Park Community College, teaches Sedation Assistant courses and lectures on Anesthesia and Sedation. Dr. Hoffmann has worked diligently to improve the sedation regulations for the profession. He reviewed over 85 sedation cases for renewal of sedation permits for Missouri dentists, consulted with the Missouri Dental Board on sedation issues and consulted with the Missouri Attorney General’s office on dental issues. Dr. Hoffmann is an active participant in community service by participating in Give Kids a Smile’s Smile Factory that provides dental care for needy children under general anesthesia; the Donated Dental Services program and Upward Smiles at St. Francis Health Department. Dr. Hoffmann’s dedication and commitment to organized dentistry as well as his community service and work with regard to public safety makes him an outstanding choice for 2012 MDA Dentist of the Year. Dr. Hoffmann is a 1988 graduate of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and practices at 950 Francis Place, Suite 305 in St. Louis. Dr. Hoffmann can be reached at 314-862-7844..jpg)