Avoided the dentist for years? Learn how sleep dentistry at The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis may allow extensive dental work in a single visit.
If you have been avoiding the dentist for years, you probably already know something is wrong. Maybe several things. A tooth that aches, another that broke, gums that bleed, and a growing sense that the problem is now too big to face. For many people, the most paralyzing thought is not about a single appointment. It is the idea of multiple of them.
Dr Thoms and his team are phenomenal. No question, the absolute best possible option for my child when he needed work done while sleeping (age based). While this option is not inexpensive, this set up of have anesthesiology in-house allowed us to get his mouth healthy when a traditional pediatric dentist could/would not. I am a parent that asks a lot of questions on behalf of my toddler’s care and at no point did I feel judged for this, nor was I rushed during my evaluation process during the consultation. Although the procedure is not one I would like to repeat for my child, my husband and I were both so pleased with how well Dr. Thoms communicated and how he clearly cared for our son’s wellbeing (both physical and emotional during a less than comfortable visit). Cannot recommend the back of house team more highly.
My one detraction is the FOH staff (not everyone) were not nearly as pleasant. I would like to communicate that while their day-to-day is very routine for them, being in that office as a parent is very scary for some people in their office and a little bit of kindness goes along way. I do recall, having a very pleasant conversation with Rebecca, but otherwise everyone else was on the apathetic side, in my personal opinion. That said you’ll notice that I still am leaving a five star review because the dental staff really just knocked out of the park, but as a parent I want to encourage you to look past any rudeness you may experience over email or on the phone because Dr. Thom’s is really that excellent.
Very nice very convenient for me great people working
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad you had a positive experience with our team. We truly appreciate your 5-star review!
The staff is always compassionate and explain all the steps of the procedure. This office has been a God send for me because otherwise I would have let my teeth fall into further disrepair. I highly recommend this office!!!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We’re so glad our team could help make your experience feel comfortable and supportive. We truly appreciate your 5-star review!
Searching for a new dental clinic is challenging for someone who has
dental anxiety, fear, and traumatic experiences in a dental chair. The staff and doctors at the Dental Anesthesia Center were immediately very welcoming. Dr. Thoms put together a very detailed plan to repair and replace the previous work that I had in the past that was now causing problems. Putting my faith in him was the best thing that I could have done for my situation. I am more than completely satisfied with all of the extensive dental work that I’ve had with Dr.Thoms. I had my fourth sleep dentistry experience yesterday and I’m very happy with my results. I highly recommend this practice and truly want to give them more than five stars! Thank you for giving me back my health and confidence.
I adding to this post because of my visit today with the best dental hygienist Delaina and my exam with Dr. Biehl. I have truly never been to such a caring and supportive dental group. Everyone is always conscientious of my needs and knows that I have issues with anxiety. I am always calm when I am sitting in the chair because of their kindness. I am so pleased with the Dental anesthesia center. There needs to be more than five stars. Thank you, everyone.
Response from the owner:We know it isn’t always easy to find a dental office where you feel at ease, so your words mean the world to us. We’re so glad you feel comfortable with our team and truly appreciate your trust and recommendation!
I am unusually tense about my appointments. However, from the moment I checked in I relaxed. The staff was welcoming and assuring, and helped me to relax completely. Dr. Hofmann is superb. He is by far the best dentist and dental surgeon I have ever ever experienced.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We’re so glad our team helped create a welcoming and comforting experience. We appreciate you sharing your feedback!
Why Traditional Dentistry Takes So Many Appointments
In a typical dental office, treatment is spread across multiple visits for a simple reason: most patients can only tolerate so much time in the chair while awake. A filling here, an extraction there, a cleaning in between. For someone with severe dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex, or special needs, each of those appointments is its own mountain to climb. Many people make it to one or two before the cycle of canceling and avoiding starts again.
The result is that dental problems keep compounding while the number of required visits continues to grow. It is easy to feel trapped.
How Sedation and Anesthesia Change the Math
Sleep dentistry works differently. When you are comfortably sedated or asleep, time in the chair is no longer the limiting factor. Our doctors, Dr. Michael J. Hoffmann, Dr. Sean M. Thoms, and Dr. Maris E. Behl, may be able to complete in a single session what would otherwise take months of separate appointments. Fillings, extractions, deep cleanings, and restorative work can often be combined into one carefully planned visit while you rest.
You are monitored throughout the entire procedure, and the treatment plan is mapped out in detail beforehand, so nothing about the visit is rushed or improvised. For patients and caregivers, this often means one day of arranged transportation and recovery instead of a calendar full of dreaded appointments.
What Determines Whether One Visit Is Enough
Every mouth and every medical history is different, so we cannot promise a one-visit outcome before we meet you. Several factors shape the plan:
The extent of the work needed. Many combinations of fillings, extractions, and cleanings can be completed together. Some treatments, such as certain restorations that require lab work or healing time, may need a planned follow-up.
Your health history. Your overall health helps determine the appropriate type and length of sedation or anesthesia.
Your goals. Some patients want everything addressed at once. Others prefer to prioritize urgent problems first. Both are valid, and the plan is built around you.
Even when treatment takes two visits instead of ten, patients consistently tell us the same thing: it was nothing as they feared.
No Judgment, Just a Plan
One more thing, because it matters. It does not matter whether it has been five years or twenty-five since your last dental visit. Our team works with anxious patients every single day, and there is nothing in your mouth we have not seen before. You will not get a lecture. You will get a clear, calm plan and a team that understands exactly why you stayed away.
Contact The Dental Anesthesia Center
Years of dental problems do not have to mean years of appointments. Call The Dental Anesthesia Center at (314) 862-7844, or request a consultation through our contact form. One phone call may be all it takes to finally have a plan.
