Sleep Dentistry & Dental Anesthesia in St. Louis

The first two board-certified Dentist Anesthesiologists in the state of Missouri.

Welcome to The Dental Anesthesia Center - St. Louis Sedation and General Dentistry

Patient-First Care

Prioritizing gentle dental care and lasting relationships with every patient

Advanced Expertise

Combining latest dental technology with professional, compassionate care

Comfort Focus

Specialized in helping patients overcome dental anxiety in a relaxing environment

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.

Yes, my grandson has nonverbal autism and they took very good care of him.. He had to have some extra extractions which I was concerned about, but everything went very well. Very happy and I thank you all for all the work you did.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words. We’re so glad to hear you had a positive experience and that everything went smoothly. We truly appreciate your trust in us.
I took my son to an appointment today with Dr. Hoffman. We had a great experience from the time we arrived until we departed. The receptionist was very friendly and helpful. The dental assistants were very helpful and polite with my son. The doctor is very kind and patient. They explain everything as we went through the process. We were aware of the cost from the beginning to the end and we're allowed to make decisions about how to handle my child's care and not shocked with additional charges after the fact. My child does not resist going to this office. Great experience.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad to hear your experience was positive from start to finish. Our team works hard to create a comfortable, transparent, and supportive environment for every patient and family. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback!
Always nice and professional doctors and staff! Highly recommend especially if you have dental anxiety!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad you felt comfortable with our team. We truly appreciate your recommendation!
Dr. Thoms and everyone of his staff members are incredible. I was warmly welcomed and made to feel comfortable and relaxed. Which is saying something as I had not been to the dentist in years due to fear/anxiety.
My procedure was clearly explained. The office staff was beyond helpful with payment and insurance.
The day of my appt was exactly as planned. We started ahead of schedule! The technicians and assistants were clearly skilled and again, helped ease my nervousness. We finished all work as planned. And then Dr. Thoms sat with me and my husband to discuss “everything.” He is very thorough. And finally one of his staff wheeled me down to the elevator, out across the parking lot, and helped me into my van. Now that is service!
Around 8:30 p.m. my cell phone rang and it was Dr. Thoms calling to check up on me. Wow!!!!! This man has all you could want in a dentist—kind, compassionate, thorough, understanding, excellent communicator, and skilled.
I cannot come up with the best words to so highly recommend the Dental Anesthesia Center. It was a remarkable, yet simple, but thorough experience for me.
If you are putting off going to the dentist and have anxiety or fears please call them. They will gently and competently take care of you.
And no, this is not an advertisement/ commercial—I am a real live (satisfied) patient.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review! We’re honored to hear that you felt welcomed, comfortable, and well cared for throughout your experience. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, thorough care—especially for those who may feel anxious about dental visits—so it means a lot to know that came through. We truly appreciate your recommendation and are grateful you chose us for your care.
The practice is top notch. Could not ask for better care.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re grateful for your feedback and are proud to provide high-quality care in a supportive environment.

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, sedation and sleep dentistry are at the heart of everything we do—helping patients with anxiety, special needs, or complex medical conditions receive safe, comfortable care. Hear real stories from patients whose lives we’ve helped change.

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
sedation-dentist-st-louis-mo

“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.”

Micheal J. Hoffmann, DDS

General Dentistry with Sedation & Anesthesia Support

Our local dentist office offers general dental care with sedation options tailored to each patient’s needs, including:

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
  • Patients with special needs

Each treatment plan is individualized, with safety and comfort guiding every step.

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.

While every patient’s experience is different, care often includes:

  1. A detailed review of dental and medical history
  2. Discussion of comfort concerns and sedation options
  3. Clear explanations for patients and caregivers
  4. Continuous monitoring during treatment
  5. Recovery guidance and follow-up planning

Questions are encouraged, and caregivers are supported throughout the process.

Learn More About Our Dental & Sleep Dentistry Services

Getting Ready for Your First Visit?

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. Our goal is to ensure your comfort and safety throughout your dental treatment.

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. Our team is ready to assist with any billing or insurance questions. We recommend verifying your coverage and discussing financial concerns before your appointment to ensure you understand all options for managing your dental care costs.

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The first two board-certified Dentist Anesthesiologists in the state of Missouri.

If dental anxiety, fear, or special needs have made it difficult to receive care, sleep dentistry may help make treatment more manageable.

Contact our team to learn more about available options and whether sedation or sleep dentistry could be appropriate for your situation.