Advantages of Pediatric Oral Sedation

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The best part about oral sedation for dental treatment is that it has few side effects.

Sedation dentistry is one of the best tools that pediatric dentists have at their disposal. For kids who are very anxious and either don’t want to open their mouths or can’t sit still when required, oral sedation is an excellent and low-risk option. The best part about oral sedation is that it differs from IV and other forms of sedation because your child is awake the entire time.

Pediatric Oral Sedation
Dr.Hoffmann thank you so much for making everything smooth and easy your staff was awesome for it to be so early in the morning all smiles and nice facility. They make you feel comfortable and explain everything to you as they go. I will refer you to my family and friends thank you again.
This dental practice is excellent with my daughter (25 y/o with autism). The entire team is kind, patient, and understanding. They take time to explain what will be happening and only recommend procedures that are truly necessary.

The staff never rushes and makes patients feel comfortable and supported. They are very in tune with sensory challenges. It’s clear they care deeply about creating a positive experience and treating everyone with dignity.

We heartily recommend Dr. Hoffmann and his team.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear your daughter feels comfortable and supported. Dr. Hoffmann and our team truly appreciate your recommendation.
Best decision I ever made was coming here. Highly recommend. The front office is great, Lena is awesome and docs are so good. Plus you get sweet glasses while they work 😎
Dr. Thom and the entire staff at the Dental Anesthesia Center were warm, friendly and welcoming to me and my husband. My husband has dementia and needed extensive dental work. Dr. Thom took the time to explain to me what needed to be done before the procedure began. My husband is now fully recovered and doing just fine. I'm so grateful that we were referred to the Dental Anesthesia Center. Thank you!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re honored to hear that you felt welcomed and supported by our team. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and are grateful for your trust in our office!
The Dental Anesthesia Center (DAC) is awesome. When I started there 19 years ago my dental health had deteriorated and my fears were intense. Their expertise and compassion got me back on the right dental track. I still get nervous - but things are so much better now in terms of my dental and gum health.. Don't lose hope - try the DAC!

My appointment today was for a cleaning - and a standard check of gum health etc. Carrie - as always - did EXCELLENT work. She is very kind and thorough and knowledgeable .. and patiently answers all my questions. Carrie is positive and supportive with us patients ... and provides guidance on better at-home care for our teeth and gums.

My thanks also to the office staff who are very helpful with questions or concerns.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your continued trust and kind words! We're honored to have be part of your journey. It means so much to know we've made a lasting impact—your story is truly inspiring!

Few Side Effects

The best part about oral sedation is that it has very few side effects. Dizziness, headache, nausea, and sometimes mouth dryness are about as complex as symptoms get for some children. As with any medication, an allergic reaction may occur, but oral sedation is a nearly side-effect-free alternative to other dental sedation methods.

Oral sedation usually lasts long enough to get through simple procedures. Once the medication wears off, your child will be ready to go home.

Safe and Problem-Free

Even though oral sedation is, for most children, problem-free, your pediatric dentist will be trained to know what signs to look for to spot trouble. Throughout the procedure, your child will be closely watched for any signs of issues.

The most common medications for children are Chloral Hydrate, Triclofos Sodium, and Midazolam. The medications are just enough to take the edge off and allow your little one to sleep but not enough to cause genuine concern.

There is no such thing as sedation that doesn’t come with any side effects or risks, but oral sedation for kids is about as safe as possible. Except for rare allergic reactions, your child will be comfortable throughout their procedure and ready to go home without any negative recollection of their dental procedure.

Oral Sedation for Your Child

At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we work hard to make you feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere. We believe patients should have sufficient information to make educated decisions about their oral health, treatment options, and choice of sedation dentists in St. Louis.

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

Updated: December 2, 2025

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