Can You Sleep Through Your Dental Appointment?

Afraid of the dentist? Discover how sleep dentistry lets you snooze through your visit with no pain or fear—safe, stress-free care in St. Louis.

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Is it really possible to sleep through your entire dental visit? The answer is YES — thanks to sleep dentistry, also known as sedation dentistry. If you or your child suffers from severe dental anxiety, a sensitive gag reflex, or special needs, this approach can completely transform your experience at the dentist.

At The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis, we help patients feel safe, comfortable, and unaware of their procedures. Here’s what you need to know about the benefits of sleep dentistry and how it works.

What Is Sleep Dentistry?

Sleep dentistry involves general anesthesia or deep sedation to help patients sleep through dental procedures. This means you’ll be completely unconscious — unaware of sounds, sights, smells, or sensations.

It’s ideal for:

• Severe dental phobia or anxiety
• Special needs patients (developmental, cognitive, or physical)
• Patients requiring multiple or complex procedures
• Children who cannot tolerate traditional dental care

Can You Really Sleep Through Your Appointment?

Yes. Under general anesthesia, you’ll be fully asleep, and a licensed dental anesthesiologist will monitor you throughout the entire procedure. When you wake up, the dental work is done — and you’ll likely have no memory of it.

Benefits of Sleep Dentistry

• Comfort: No pain, no anxiety, and no awareness during the procedure
• Efficiency: Multiple treatments can often be completed in one visit
• Safety: Monitored by highly trained sedation specialists
• Accessibility: Allows patients with special needs or medical conditions to get care

Common Misconceptions About Sleep Dentistry

• “It’s not safe.” → At The Dental Anesthesia Center, board-certified professionals administer general anesthesia in a controlled, licensed medical setting.
• “It’s only for extreme cases.” → We use sleep dentistry for a wide range of patients, from those with mild anxiety to those needing full-mouth restorations.
• “I’ll be groggy for days.” → Most patients recover on the same day with guidance from our clinical team.

Who Provides Sleep Dentistry?

Unlike most general dental offices, our St. Louis practice is licensed to provide general anesthesia in-office. Our team includes board-certified dental anesthesiologists who ensure a smooth, safe, and stress-free experience from start to finish.

Excellent

The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry4.9

Based on 135 reviews

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Danita S.

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.

ashley

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!

Judy N.

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.

Deborah L.

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.

Chris C.

Great practice and nice people. I've been going there for 25+ years!!!

Response from the owner:Thank you for the kind review ! We appreciate that beyond words! It has been our pleasure having you as our patient! We look forward to seeing you at your next dental visit!

Why Choose The Dental Anesthesia Center?

• Over 30 years of experience in sedation and sleep dentistry
• Specialized in care for special needs, pediatric, and high-anxiety patients
• One of the only Missouri practices licensed for in-office general anesthesia
• Trusted by families and physicians across St. Louis and beyond