Autism Dentist
Sedation Dentistry and Autism
When it comes to oral health, those with and without autism are one and the same. Everyone has the same need to maintain positive oral health to remain healthy overall.
Unfortunately, those with autism tend to have a more difficult time with their communication skills, which can make for difficulty when cooperation is necessary at the dentist. If you are a parent of a child with Autism, have a loved one with Autism or have Autism yourself in St. Louis, MO, you know that a visit to the dentist requires much more thought and care, and that’s why we recommend visiting our facility.
Here at the Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis, we specialize in working with patients with Special Needs thanks to our years of experience and cutting-edge sedation and sleep dentistry procedures. Sometimes a dental visit can be a difficult task, and in that case, dental sedation might be the right thing to perform the job swiftly and safely, especially if the matter is an urgent one.
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The Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.
What Is Sedation and Is It Safe?
This is a question that we get asked all the time. Sedation is a method of creating a state of sleep or relaxation through the use of sedative medications. Sedation is typically performed in order to help facilitate a medical or dental procedure. There are many different levels of sedation that we use with our patients:
- Minimal Sedation
Minimal sedation is the lightest form of sedation in all, and it is when the patient is still awake. Minimal sedation uses Nitrous Oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, or a Valium-like medication. These sedatives are mild and do not require any form of additional training for the dentist to administer.
- Moderate Sedation
Moderate sedation, otherwise referred to as “sedation dentistry”, is a heavier form of sedation where the patient is still awake. Moderate sedation still allows the patients to respond to questions throughout the procedure. Two days of additional training are required for a dentist if they are administering pills orally, though 60 hours of additional training are required for dentists who are performing intravenous sedation.
- Deep Sedation
Deep Sedation, otherwise referred to as “sleep dentistry” or general anesthesia dentistry, is a method of sedation where the patient is completely asleep. The patient will have no memory of the procedure during deep sedation. Dentists require an oral surgery residency or a dental anesthesiology residency to perform deep sedation. This type of sedation might be necessary depending on the patient’s ability to cooperate.
Deciding What Type of Sedation Will Be Best
When most people think of sedation, they immediately think of general anesthesia or sleep sedation. However, there are many other types of Sedation. Dr. Hoffmann, Dr. Thoms and Dr. Daugherty will help you decide which may be the best for you or your loved one.
The decision on what level of sedation is used will be made based on the age of the child, coping and communication skills of the child, the cognitive level, the physical health, and the parents’ or loved ones feelings toward the urgency of the procedure and anesthesia.
Making Your First Appointment
Here at the Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis, we’ve been working with special needs patients for over 25 years. We understand what it is like to work with children and adults with autism in St. Louis, and that is why it is our goal to provide the most comfortable experience possible.
If you feel like you are ready to make your first appointment with us, make sure to give us a call at (314) 862-7844. We look forward to meeting and working with you!
Call Us Today
The Only Board Certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area.
I had to have major dental work done and due to a chronic facial pain issue I needed IV sedation. The staff at Dental Anesthesia Center were kind, caring, and attentive. The phone questions were answered quickly and thoroughly. Scheduling issues were handled well. This is a highly professional group of people. I had a very good experience there and would recommend it to anyone needing IV sedation for dental care.
Trisha Freitag
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2013-07-15T17:12:14-05:00
Trisha Freitag
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5646
I have bad anxiety when visiting the dentist due to a bad experience on my part. However, coming here has changed all of that. This is a great office with a wonderful friendly staff and amazing dentist. I always feel comfortable and welcomed when I come to their office for an appointment.
Stacey
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-08-05T17:26:37-05:00
Stacey
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5661
Dr. Thoms was very friendly
My son is 3, autistic non-verbal and has oral sensory issues. They were absolutely amazing with him and I would recommend them for anyone with a child with special needs. Dr. Thoms was very friendly and explained everything to us before during and after his procedure. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience!! Thank you!!
-- via Facebook
Christina C.
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2019-10-02T09:16:27-05:00
Christina C.
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/dr-thoms-was-very-friendly
Great practice, I've been going there for 20+ years!!!
Chris Cimarolli
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2015-04-02T17:13:20-05:00
Chris Cimarolli
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5647
Dr. Hoffman and his staff are amazing, friendly and caring. I have high anxiety and fear of dentists due to my past bad experiences, but the Dental Anesthesia Center made me feel at ease and comfortable. Had a lot of dental work done in one visit while sedated and recovered well. Now I have my smile back thanks to Dr. Hoffman and his team. If youre a person like me I definantly recommend you the Dental Anesthesia Center.
Lejla m
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-12-21T17:42:45-05:00
Lejla m
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5666
Beyond pleased with our experience with Dr. Hoffman!! My son, Cameron, had work done and everything turned out way better than I could've ever expected. Dr Hoffman saved all of his teeth, where other dentist told me the only option for two of his teeth were to be pulled. His smile is so beautiful and I couldn't think them enough! They were sooo kind!! The dental hygienist were so sweet, and throughly explained everything to me. There was no judgement. They made this whole process so comfortable. Yes, it was pricey, but worth EVERY penny. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
Madi Gonko
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2020-05-02T17:50:40-05:00
Madi Gonko
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5670
So caring, so nice, as others said, a little higher priced. But it is worth every penny. I can't describe how great everyone is
josephclint williams
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2019-10-29T17:47:21-05:00
josephclint williams
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5669
The office felt welcoming, and the staff cordial. My wait time was short and the staff treated my husband as if he had no disability at all. Dr. Thoms explained everything in detail and was very personable which made us comfortable. I will be taking Dr. Thoms card back to my current dentist office and also my job at the doctor's off I work at as a reference for others who might need their services.
kellye tyler
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-07-09T17:22:21-05:00
kellye tyler
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5657
We love all the workers there. Their very welcoming staff, but very professional. We’ve been going there for about 15 years.
Regina Johnson
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2018-10-01T17:44:46-05:00
Regina Johnson
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5668
Very kind and compassionate staff. They took excellent care of my special needs kiddo and took extra time to make sure it was done right. I would highly recommend.
User ShiningStar0428 on Google Reviews
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2020-09-02T17:51:13-05:00
User ShiningStar0428 on Google Reviews
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5671
I would absolutely really recommend this place to anyone. All of the nurses I came in contact with were really sweet and the dentist was really nice as well. I had some issues relaxing at first, but they were experts in trying an alternative and before I knew it, my appointment was over. I really wish I would have tried this place first and will definitely return.
Amy Comrey
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2016-01-14T17:16:47-05:00
Amy Comrey
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5651
Dr Sean Thoms and his staff were great! The office is very welcoming and they yook very great care of my 2year old. I would recommend them to the world!
Terriona Adams
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2018-07-10T17:43:10-05:00
Terriona Adams
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5667
My 9yr old daughter was afraid of going to the dentist. I was referred to Dental Anesthesia and I must say, they were AWESOME!! Dr Sean Thoms along with the staff were wonderful. They explained everything they were going to do to my daughter and kept me well informed during her procedure. They allowed me to be by her side until she was sedated. They even called later in the day just to check on her. My daughter said they made her feel very comfortable and would want to return to this practice for future procedures.
Tonya Holmes
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-08-18T17:27:24-05:00
Tonya Holmes
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5662
5 STAR SLEEP DENTIST! Dental implants are the way to go if you're like me needle phobic, have missing teeth and do not want dentures or even partials. First came to their office wanting oral sedation but Dr. Hoffmann chose what level of sedation I would be the most comfortable with my VERY HIGH DENTAL PHOBIA, not to say NEEDLE PHOBIC!!!!
Samantha Chesnut
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2016-05-19T17:19:06-05:00
Samantha Chesnut
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5654
I highly recommend the Dental Anesthesia Center. The best dental care, knowledgeable, efficient, state of the art facilities, friendly, painless, AWESOME!
Ann Rafferty
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2015-10-15T17:13:49-05:00
Ann Rafferty
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5648
We are so thankful that another dentist recommended The Dental Anesthesia Center to us. Our little boy needed special care due to his MTHFR mutation. Dr. Thoms was very thorough during our initial consultation, answering every question we could think of. When our son had his dental procedure under general anesthesia, Dr. Thoms and everyone else we encountered there served us with compassion and great concern for our son's well-being. We could not have asked for a better experience! Now our son is looking forward to his 6 month check-up, and we will recommend Dr. Thoms any opportunity we have to do so.
Rebekah Ellsworth
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-07-17T17:23:42-05:00
Rebekah Ellsworth
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5658
Last visit was 14 years ago. I need to make appointment soon. Bad tooth, not sure what else. These guys understand my anxiety and will put me out..wake up..all done!! These are The Only Staff I trust, 100% !!
Mary Melito
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-02-20T17:20:23-05:00
Mary Melito
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5655
These guys and gals are great. I had some issues getting a root canal done at the endodontist. The team at The Dental Anesthesia Center really knows the drill. They filled me with confidence on what was a very unnerving experience. If you're considering sleep dentistry, give these floss wiedling dental denizens a call, they do great work and are good people, to boot!
Lane Maxwell
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2015-12-19T17:16:18-05:00
Lane Maxwell
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5650
Very professional and clean environment
Alen Hasanovic
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-08-28T17:27:56-05:00
Alen Hasanovic
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5663
Best dental office for all your dental needs! Highly recommend!
haile miller
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-07-26T17:24:18-05:00
haile miller
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5659
They are great with nervous kids AND parents.
This place is incredible! The staff is great with my 8 year old son with autism. He's had some pretty major dental issues and I wouldn't take him anywhere else. They are great with nervous kids AND parents. They go above and beyond for their patients." - via Facebook
Kati Pape Ross
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2019-10-02T09:25:33-05:00
Kati Pape Ross
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/they-are-great-with-nervous-kids-and-parents
I actually Love everyone at the Dental Anesthesia Center. I have been going there for many years. But Dianna Dieffenbach Is my Hygienist. I Love how gentle and caring she is and yet how thorough she is. I hope I never have to go to a different place. Thanks to Dr. Hoffman I can smile and Thanks to Dianna for keeping it that way.
Sherry Cushman
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2015-12-03T17:14:18-05:00
Sherry Cushman
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5649
The best dental experience I've ever had! Dr. Victoria Daugherty (now Mayer) is very easy to talk to and does a great job at procedures. My dental hygienist Dianna is awesome and personable, is thorough and pays a lot of attention to detail. I have never felt a lot of pain or anxiety with any procedure I've gotten done here. The front desk staff are also very helpful and friendly! Would highly recommend.
Donica Baker
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-09-01T17:42:10-05:00
Donica Baker
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5665
Everyone is so compassionate
By far the best place to go for children with special needs... my son is 3.5 and he is nonverbal and autistic...everyone is so compassionate and understanding and helpful. I will never take him anywhere else
-- via Facebook
Stacy O.
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2019-10-02T09:21:37-05:00
Stacy O.
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/everyone-is-so-compassionate
Best dentistry for dental anxiety, Clayton, MO. I have been searching for a dentist to ease my child's dental anxiety. Dr. Hoffmann and his team were so caring and understanding with my son Matthew!!!! Highly recommended, they know their stuff when it comes to sedation dentistry here in Saint Louis! Wouldn't take my family anywhere else!!!
Julie Carlton
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2016-05-05T17:18:35-05:00
Julie Carlton
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5653
This office was fantastic!
My 3 year old recently had to have dental work done and this office was fantastic! Dr. Hoffmann explained everything thoroughly and the assistants made sure this nervous momma was comfortable as well. They even called the next day to check on him! Everything went smoothly and perfectly. His teeth look awesome and better than I expected! I would definitely recommend these guys to anyone!" - via Facebook
Whitney M.
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2019-10-02T09:23:29-05:00
Whitney M.
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/this-office-was-fantastic
Dr. Daugherty is fantastic!
Dr. Daugherty is fantastic! I had a buildup & crown done this morning and didn’t even feel a pinch when she numbed me! Taylor did a great job assisting! Dr. Daugherty has numbed my upper front area for crowns and I didn’t feel a thing - that’s a sensitive area. She does great work! The entire team is warm, welcoming and professional! I dread dental work but enjoy coming here!" - via Facebook
Vicky Pearl
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2019-10-02T09:22:33-05:00
Vicky Pearl
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/dr-daugherty-is-fantastic
My son is in need for oral surgery and Dr. Thoms was so kind and gentle with my son! We are so blessed to have found this team!
Taylor Kauffman
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2017-08-30T17:28:41-05:00
Taylor Kauffman
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5664
These guys are fantastic! If you are not going to the dentist because of a bad or painful experience this is the place to go.I was one of those people not going for way too long out of fear and anxiety. One day I had a horrible tooth ache, I put it off too long, the pain was unbearable and I didn`t have a dentist.Thank God I found The Dental Anesthesia Center. Don`t wait for this to happen. I have been a patient now for last fifteen years and I highly recommend you going here. You will be glad you did. The whole staff is the best. .
Mike Lorberbaum
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center
5
2016-01-21T17:17:21-05:00
Mike Lorberbaum
https://www.dentalsleepstlouis.com/testimonials/5652
5
29
St. Louis Sedation, Sleep & Special Needs Dentistry :: The Dental Anesthesia Center