St. Louis · Est. 1991 · Board-Certified Dental Anesthesiology
Dental care for patients who thought it wasn’t possible.
Missouri’s first board-certified dental anesthesiologists — providing sleep dentistry, deep sedation, and comprehensive care for patients with severe anxiety, special needs, and complex treatment needs.
30+
Years serving St. Louis families
4.9 ★
Google rating, hundreds of reviews
Missouri’s first board-certified dental anesthesiologists
Deep sedation & general anesthesia on-site
Certified training — SLU & Univ. of Pittsburgh
Trusted by referring dentists across St. Louis
Special needs dentistry since 1991
Who we help
Not every patient fits a traditional dental office.
We were built for the patients other offices can’t comfortably serve — and we’ve been doing this longer than anyone else in Missouri.
Severe dental anxiety
For patients whose fear has kept them from care for years. We work at your pace, fully sedated.
Special needs patients
Autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s — safe, dignified care for patients of all abilities.
Children who can’t cooperate
Pediatric sedation for children too young, too anxious, or medically unable to tolerate treatment while awake.
Complex treatment needs
Extensive restorative or surgical work completed in a single visit under general anesthesia.
Academic partnerships & clinical training
Where other dentists come to learn.
Our doctors don’t just practice sedation dentistry at the highest level — they teach it. We are a certified clinical training site for two of the country’s most respected dental anesthesia programs.
Graduate partnership
St. Louis University · Center for Advanced Dental Education
Graduate Program in Periodontics residents complete a one-month hands-on rotation at our office gaining real sedation training — the only program of its kind at this level in Missouri.
Residency partnership
University of Pittsburgh · School of Dental Medicine
Dental Anesthesiology Residency Program. Our office is an approved clinical training site, hosting rotating resident dentist anesthesiologists completing their advanced board credentialing.
SLU
Saint Louis University
Center for Advanced Dental Education · Graduate Periodontics Program
PITT
University of Pittsburgh
School of Dental Medicine · Dental Anesthesiology Residency Program
MO #1
State of Missouri
First board-certified dental anesthesiologists in Missouri
Sedation options
The right level of sedation for your situation.
We offer every level of sedation — from mild relaxation to full general anesthesia. Your care plan is individualized based on your needs and medical history.
Level 1
Nitrous oxide
Mild relaxation through a breathing mask. Effects wear off immediately — you drive yourself home.
Level 2
Oral sedation
Pill-based, taken before your appointment. Conscious and responsive, deeply relaxed. Requires a driver.
Level 3
IV sedation
Administered intravenously for deep relaxation. Little to no memory of the procedure afterward.
Level 4 · Our specialty
General anesthesia
Fully asleep. Reserved for patients who need it most — performed by our board-certified dentist anesthesiologists.
59
Dentist-to-dentist referrals last month alone
30+
Years as St. Louis’s most trusted specialist referral destination
4.9 ★
Consistent patient rating across Google & verified review platforms
Patient experiences
What patients and caregivers say.
Real stories from families who found care they thought wasn’t available to them.
“Anything that they can do to accommodate people with special needs, they do.”
“If it was not for them, I don’t think I would be able to make it through a normal dental appointment.”
“They do anything they can to make you feel comfortable.”
“For over 30 years, we’ve used advanced technology and sleep dentistry to help patients overcome dental fear and health challenges that once stood in the way of care.”
Michael J. Hoffmann, DDS
For some patients…
Going to the dentist is more than uncomfortable — it can feel overwhelming or impossible. Dental anxiety, past experiences, medical conditions, or special needs may make routine dental care difficult to tolerate. Dental Sleep St. Louis provides general dentistry supported by advanced sedation and anesthesia options to help children and adults receive care in a calm, controlled environment. Our approach is designed for patients who may struggle in traditional dental settings, including those with severe anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or complex treatment needs.
By combining comprehensive dental care with sleep dentistry options, our team helps patients receive treatment safely, comfortably, and with thoughtful planning from the first conversation through recovery.
Dental Care for Patients Who Need More Than a Traditional Dental Visit
Sleep dentistry may help patients who:
- Experience severe dental anxiety or fear
- Have difficulty remaining still for procedures
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Are sensitive to sound, touch, or stimulation
- Have special needs or developmental disabilities
- Need multiple procedures completed efficiently
- Have avoided dental care due to past experiences
What Is Sleep Dentistry?
Sleep dentistry refers to dental care performed while a patient is deeply relaxed or fully asleep using sedation or general anesthesia. This approach may help patients who are unable to tolerate dental treatment while awake due to anxiety, fear, or physical limitations.
Sleep dentistry is commonly used for extensive dental treatment, patients with severe dental anxiety, children who cannot cooperate safely, and patients with special needs. Each treatment plan is individualized, with safety and comfort guiding every step.
A Thoughtful Approach to Dental Care in St. Louis
Dental Sleep St. Louis is locally rooted and focused on providing personalized care — not rushed or corporate-style dentistry. Our team takes time to understand patients’ concerns, explain options clearly, and coordinate care in ways that support long-term oral health. By integrating general dentistry with sedation and sleep dentistry options, we help patients move forward with care they may have previously delayed.
What to Expect From Your Visit
While every patient’s experience is different, care often includes:
- A detailed review of dental and medical history
- Discussion of comfort concerns and sedation options
- Clear explanations for patients and caregivers
- Continuous monitoring during treatment
- Recovery guidance and follow-up planning
Questions are encouraged, and caregivers are supported throughout the process.
Learn More About Our Dental & Sleep Dentistry Services
Frequently Asked Questions
At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we offer a range of sedation options to suit different patient needs and procedures:
- Laughing Gas (Nitrous Oxide): Administered through a breathing mask, this mild form of sedation wears off quickly, allowing patients to drive themselves home after the procedure.
- Oral Sedation: Administered in pill form, this option keeps patients conscious but relaxed. Patients can interact with the dentist, but will need someone to drive them home afterward.
- IV Sedation: Administered intravenously, this provides maximum comfort and typically results in little to no memory of the procedure.
- General Anesthesia: Reserved for more serious cases; this option leaves the patient unconscious during the procedure.
As your St. Louis sedation dentist, we will thoroughly discuss your medical history and the details of your procedure to determine the most appropriate type of sedation for your individual case.
Sedation dentistry can benefit a wide range of patients, including those with fear and anxiety, individuals with low pain thresholds, patients with sensitive gag reflexes, patients needing extensive treatment, special needs patients, young children, and patients with difficulty getting numb. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we assess each patient’s needs and medical history to determine whether sedation dentistry is appropriate and which type would be most beneficial.
Yes, sedation dentistry is generally very safe when administered by qualified professionals like those at The Dental Anesthesia Center. We conduct a comprehensive review of your medical history before any sedation, tailor the type and level of sedation to each patient, continuously monitor vital signs throughout your procedure, and our team has extensive training and experience in sedation techniques. While all medical procedures carry some risk, sedation dentistry has a long track record of safety.
Yes, The Dental Anesthesia Center specializes in providing comprehensive dental care for patients with special needs. Our team, led by Dr. Hoffmann and Dr. Thoms, is highly experienced and equipped to treat a wide range of patients with various conditions, including developmental disabilities (e.g., Down Syndrome, Autism, Cerebral Palsy), neurological disorders (e.g., Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s Disease), behavioral disorders (e.g., ADHD), sensory sensitivities, dental phobias and anxiety, and patients with complex medical histories. We offer a compassionate environment, customized treatment plans, and advanced sedation options including general anesthesia. Learn more about special needs dentistry in St. Louis
At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we offer a comprehensive range of pediatric dental services including routine dental cleanings, dental examinations, sedation dentistry (including general anesthesia), pediatric anesthesia, preventive care (sealants and fluoride), restorative treatments, special needs dentistry, emergency dental care, and customized treatment plans based on each child’s needs. Our pediatric dental services are designed to create a positive, comfortable experience for children, helping to establish good oral health habits that will last a lifetime.
At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we specialize in helping patients overcome dental anxiety through compassionate non-judgmental care, various sedation options (laughing gas, oral sedation, IV sedation, general anesthesia), personalized treatment plans, clear explanations of procedures, comfort-focused amenities, a gradual approach for severe anxiety cases, anxiety-reducing techniques, post-procedure follow-ups, patient education, and a calming office environment. We believe everyone deserves comfortable, fear-free dental experiences.
Yes. The Dental Anesthesia Center accepts many dental insurance plans, though we may be out-of-network for some providers. We submit claims on your behalf and offer various payment options, including cash, checks, credit cards, CareCredit, and Lending Club. Financing plans are available, with 0% interest options for 6-12 months and extended plans up to 60 months. We recommend verifying your coverage and discussing financial concerns before your appointment.
At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we’ve designed your first visit to be comprehensive and informative. We ask that you arrive 30 minutes early and bring your completed patient forms, along with a list of all your current medications. During your visit, you’ll meet with one of our dentists for an initial consultation and examination. We’ll review your medical history, discuss your concerns, develop a personalized treatment plan, explain any recommended treatments, answer your questions, and discuss payment options and insurance coverage. Our goal is to make you feel comfortable and well-informed throughout your visit.
Dr. Michael J. Hoffmann has been practicing sedation dentistry for over 35 years. After receiving his dental degree in 1988 from The University of Texas Health and Science Center in San Antonio, he completed specialized residencies in Hospital Dentistry and Dental Anesthesiology. In 1991, Dr. Hoffmann established a state-of-the-art dental facility offering deep sedation and general anesthesia services. He is one of only two general dentists in the St. Louis area certified by the Missouri Dental Board in deep sedation and general anesthesiology, and was named the Missouri Dental Association Dentist of the Year in 2012.
Yes, The Dental Anesthesia Center offers both general dentistry services and sedation dentistry. While the practice specializes in sedation and sleep dentistry, we provide a comprehensive range of dental services including general dentistry, pediatric dentistry, geriatric dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, dental implants, snoring and sleep apnea treatment, and periodontal treatment. These services are available with various sedation options, from mild sedation to general anesthesia.
Sleep dentistry uses general anesthesia, rendering patients fully unconscious. Sedation dentistry offers varying levels of consciousness, from minimal relaxation to near-unconsciousness. The Dental Anesthesia Center offers both options and recommends the most suitable option based on individual needs and procedure complexity.
At The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis, we specialize in treating patients with complex medical histories. Our approach involves thorough evaluations, tailored treatment plans, and a specialized team trained to handle complex cases safely and comfortably. We conduct comprehensive health history reviews, ensure accessibility for all patients, and collaborate closely with healthcare providers. Our ultimate goal is to provide high-quality dental care to all patients, ensuring that oral health is not compromised due to underlying health conditions.
Tour Our Office
Ready to talk about your options?
We’ll help you understand whether sedation or sleep dentistry is right for you — no pressure, no rush. Every consultation starts with listening.